Dealing with Complexity in the Supply Chain: The Effect of Supply Chain Management Initiatives

Abstract

Purpose − The study examines the supply chain complexity concept and discusses how current supply chain management initiatives (in terms of activities, tools, and information technologies) contribute to complexity management in the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach − A literature review was conducted regarding complexity management in the supply chain. This was followed by a questionnaire survey that focused on the current efforts of companies regarding supply chain management initiatives and complexity in their supply chain.Findings − The literature review shows that supply chain management initiatives contribute to the efforts of companies to deal with complexity in the supply chain, especially in managing interactions, and reducing uncertainty. The survey results support these findings.Practical implications − The results of the survey provide insight into the capabilities to focus on when dealing with supply chain complexity.Originality/value − The study reflects how current supply chain management activities, tools and enabling technologies contribute to dealing with complexity in the supply chain and provides a starting point for further research in complexity management in the supply chain.