Supply chain integration and performance: a review of the evidence

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to analyse papers studying the link between supply chain integration (SCI) and performance, and to discuss reported empirical evidence relating to this fundamental question for logistics and supply chain management. Design/methodology/approach -A systematic analysis of 38 papers published in nine important journals in logistics, supply chain and operations management during the period 2000-2006 is offered. Using a multidimensional framework to sort and classify selected papers, structured results are provided for the purpose of contributing to discussion of the topic. Findings -More SCI does not always improve performance. Definitions and measures of SCI and performance are diverse to the extent that a conclusion such as "the more (SCI) the better (the performance) cannot be drawn". On the contrary more empirical research, with use of clear definitions and good measures, are needed. The conclusions drawn from the analytical literature review provide a basis from which further research can be developed, both in respect of research approaches, definitions of main concepts and the choice of theoretical basis. Research limitations/implications -Additional journals could be included. The framework could be more detailed. More details on SCI and performance measures, as well as the items used in the papers, could be provided and discussed. Practical implications -Results encourage researchers and practitioners to be more cautious concerning SCI and its impact on performance and to have a more conscious and differentiated view of SCI. Originality/value -Through a rigorous analysis of prevailing research, the paper questions a common assumption in business logistics and SCM. Propositions for further research are suggested.

Investigating the Path from Supply Chain Integration to Business Performance: Evidence from a Sub-Saharan African Economy

“…This has invoked numerous questions on the concept (see for e.g., Fabbe-Costes & Jahre, 2006;Fabbe-Costes & Jahre, 2008;Vaart & Donk, 2008;Flynn et al, 2010;Leuschner et al, 2012) and it is believed that the incomplete definition of the concept has partly accounted for the inconsistencies in previous research findings (Flynn et al, 2010).…”

“…Business performance outcomes of SCI has been discussed in previous literature (see Fabbe-Costes & Jahre, 2008;Mackelprang et al, 2014) as a multi-faceted construct, and often construed as comprising of operational, marketing and financial performance criteria. Along this line, this study conceives business performance as a broader construct, comprising of value creation and financial performance outcomes.…”

“…From the perspective of the focal firm, and in line with recent approaches to understanding SCI, we employ and conceptualize the multi-dimensional nature of SCI in terms of the direction/scope of integration: internal integration, customer integration, and supplier integration (Fabbe-Costes & Jahre, 2008;Flynn et al, 2010) and operationalize each of them in line with the key things or elements that are integrated within the focal firm and across its 'key' customers and suppliers in the network.…”

“…Given this lack of consensus, and for the purposes of this study, we conveniently adapted some of the commonly used items (i.e. ROI, return on assets, overall profitability, growth in profitability, and overall sales) in previous research (see Fabbe-Costes & Jahre, 2008) to measure financial performance.…”

Medição de desempenho em cadeias de suprimentos: um estudo na indústria automobilística

“…Consequentemente, a consolidação da base de fornecedores e o repasse (outsourcing) de processos internos têm levado muitas montadoras a estabelecer novos mecanismos de medição de desempenho a jusante (concessionárias) e a montante (fornecedores) na cadeia. Essa mudança dos mecanismos de desempenho na cadeia de suprimentos representa um tema de significativa expansão nas empresas e nos estudos internacionais (BEAMON, 1998;NEELY et al, 2000 (SHEPHERD;GUNTER, 2006;FABBE-COSTES;JAHRE, 2008;GREEN JUNIOR;WHITTEN;INMAN, 2008;RICHEY JUNIOR et al, 2009;PAPAKIRIAKOPOULOS;PRAMATARI, 2010;SONI;KODALI, 2010;TAN et al, 2010) e nacionais (SELLITTO; MENDES, 2006;McCORMACK;LADEIRA;MARTINS, 2008;RODRIGUES;SELLITTO, 2009;HILSDORF;ROTONDARO;PIRES, 2009;CUNHA;ZWICKER, 2009) No sentido de entender esse conjunto de modificações, esse artigo tem por objetivo principal identificar a ocorrência e analisar as principais características da medição de desempenho em uma representativa cadeia de suprimentos da indústria automobilística brasileira, a qual utiliza um condomínio industrial.…”