Supply Chain Risks: A Review of the Concept and Some Theoretical Considerations in the Context of a Moroccan Retail Supply Chain

Abstract

In a competitive environment of unparalleled complexity, companies strive to develop a unique value proposition toward gaining a competitive advantage. In principle, everyone agrees that companies must differentiate themselves and focus their actions more on various aspects to achieve objectives. By adopting such an approach, companies can optimize their market positioning while getting ahead of competitors. Nevertheless, despite the efforts made by companies, supply chains are vulnerable to various risks. If not managed efficiently, their consequences will directly impact the achievement of supply chain performance. The literature dealing with risk is innumerably abundant. It should be noted that authors generally define it either to designate undesirable losses and negative results or to assess it in a positive aspect. Our purpose here is simply to carry out a theoretical analysis related to the risks inherent in the supply chain. After researching to clarify the meaning of the words used, we proceeded to study the various categories of risks inherent in the supply chain. Finally, the different sources of risks associated with it will illustrate our point. It should be added that we thought it would be a good idea to mention only, without elaborating on them, the potential risks that our study implies that Moroccan retail chains are facing.