Supply Chain Collaboration during Disruption through Sales & Operations Planning: A Study in a Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

The study is based on primary and secondary data which unlocks a sequential supply chain disruption that occurred due to the pandemic and subsequent occurrences, including geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine and Russia, as well as Palestine and Israel. The geopolitical landscape is contingent upon the comprehensive strategic choices made by global leaders representing the United States, Russia, Turkey, India, the European Union, and Middle Eastern countries. There are several attempts made by researchers and industry practitioners to appropriately synchronize the demand and supply during this disruption. Substantial research has been conducted and literature is available in the field of supply chain collaboration. However, collaboration can’t be ensured unless the end-to-end SCM is synchronized through the Sales & Operations (S&OP) planning. Achieving smooth collaboration poses a formidable challenge, particularly amid disruptions and volatile conditions as seen today. This research undertakes a comprehensive examination by conducting a systematic literature review on various facets of sales and operations planning (S&OP), coupled with a survey utilizing a self-administered questionnaire across 24 manufacturing industries in Bangladesh. The primary aim of this paper is to assess S&OP best practices by evaluating different aspects applied in the industry, to ensure seamless connectivity, collaboration, and establishing criteria for measuring performance in the S&OP process. The authors underscore the significance of integrating S&OP and ultimately propose an innovative approach that integrates 10 attributes of supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) to fortify the S&OP process, enhancing its overall performance and effectiveness. This study not only paves the way for researchers and academia to investigate deeper into collaboration and risk management within supply chain management (SCM) operations during disruptions but also recommends industry practitioners novel concepts to enhance overall efficiency and provide substantial visibility into business operations.