Abstract
Supply chains have an important role in the competition on the current market. The understanding of maturity and its dimensions in terms of supply chain management – SCM can lead companies to better levels of performance. This paper aims to present findings on supply chain management maturity showing a theoretical model developed from the literature review and its application on three case studies. A systematic approach was used to the literature review. Due to the lack in the literature related to the purpose of this paper a long period was considered for the search of references linked to maturity of supply chain management. The approaches for SCM maturity proposed on the literature suggest different e common dimensions which drive a maturity of SCM. These dimensions can be consolidated in eleven key-dimensions of maturity for SCM. Also, it is possible to verify that as the maturity of SCM evolves to an advanced level more integrated and capable a supply chain becomes. The application of this theoretical model through case studies could confirm the framework proposed and generated new directions of research. The theoretical model was applied in three case studies from different segment of industry and with different level of maturity. A qualitative approach was more adequate for this initial step aligned with this exploratory purpose. More qualitative and quantitative studies need to be done to obtain more evidences from the field and from other different segment of industry. This theoretical model is unique taking into consideration that it was developed from various perspectives of maturity proposed on the literature. This same structure can be applied in more field researches seeking better understandings about maturity of SCM. Also, it can be used by practitioners with the purpose to get a better view of SCM maturity dimensions and allow establishing new directions in terms of supply chain decisions.
Highlights
Nowadays, market competition does not involve only two or more companies anymore
A practice can be improved and/or new practices can be implemented. These practices can be grouped in dimensions which can evolve over time characterizing supply chain management (SCM) maturity levels
No comprehensive approach to SCM maturity was found in the literature review
Summary
Market competition does not involve only two or more companies anymore. It occurs between supply chains which compete with each other (Christopher, 2005; Lambert and Cooper, 2000). In order to be more competitive, the focus of supply chain management (SCM) should be cooperation and trust. It is important to achieve a level of performance in the entire supply chain that is more than the sum of performance of each company in the supply chain (Christopher, 2005). Chain management practices can evolve over time in any supply chain. A practice can be improved and/or new practices can be implemented These practices can be grouped in dimensions which can evolve over time characterizing SCM maturity levels.
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