An Analysis of the Value of Supply Chain Management Periodicals for Teaching, Research, and Outreach Purposes

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of an international survey of supply chain management academics on their views of journals used for research, teaching and outreach. Being a specialist field within business management, the rankings provide a guide to both logistics and supply chain management specialists and to our peers in other business fields as to the top journals in logistics and supply chain management. A previous version of the survey took place in 2000-01. Since then, the supply chain discipline has continued to grow and evolve. Professional organizations (e.g., Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) and conferences (e.g., Supply Chain Management Educators' Conference) have adjusted their focus and missions. University logistics programs have adopted a broader supply chain focus. Also, specialized and cross-disciplinary focused periodicals have emerged. Finally, current insights regarding supply chain periodicals are needed for the upcoming 2007 Research Assessment Exercise in the United Kingdom. In light of these rapid changes occurring in the SCM discipline, an updated study of perceptions regarding SCM periodical value and usefulness would be beneficial. Our research sought to address the situation through an online survey that was conducted in 2006. Nearly 150 SCM educators from North America, Europe, and other regions took part in the research. It was an online survey that allowed academics to choose up to 10 journals they considered important with regard to Teaching, Research and Outreach purposes. This paper provides insights into the educators' evaluations. Following a brief literature review, key results are discussed, and major implications are presented. The paper concludes with a summary of research limitations and opportunities for future study.