This paper presents a framework for studying the concepts of fit and flexibility in the field of Strategic Human Resource Management (Strategic HRM) focusing on HRM practices, employee skills, and employee behaviors and reviews past conceptual and empirical work within that framework. A model of Strategic HRM is presented and this model is used to explore the concepts of fit and flexibility as they apply to Strategic HRM. The concepts of resource and coordination flexibility are applied to Strategic HRM, and the implications of the framework for both the practice of and research on Strategic HRM are discussed.

Toward a Unifying Framework for Exploring Fit and Flexibility in Strategic Human Resource Management

A comparative literature analysis of definitions for green and sustainable supply chain management

This paper explores the role of Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact on supply chain management (SCM) through an extensive literature review. Important aspects of IoT in SCM are covered including IoT definition, main IoT technology enablers and various SCM processes and applications. We offer several categorisation of the extant literature, such as based on methodology, industry sector and focus on a classification based on major supply chain processes. In addition, a bibliometric analysis of the literature is also presented. We find that most studies have focused on conceptualising the impact of IoT with limited analytical models and empirical studies. In addition, most studies have focused on the delivery supply chain process and the food and manufacturing supply chains. Areas of future SCM research that can support IoT implementation are also identified.

Internet of things and supply chain management: a literature review

Purpose – The field of supply chain management (SCM) has historically been informed by knowledge from narrow functional areas. While some effort towards producing a broader organizational perspective has been made, nonetheless, SCM continues to be largely eclectic with little consensus on its conceptualization and research methodological bases. This paper seeks to clarify aspects of this emerging perspective.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 100 randomly selected refereed journal articles were systematically analyzed.Findings – A number of key findings emerged: the field is a relatively “new” one; several disciplines claim ownership of the field; consensus is lacking on the definition of the term; contextual focus is mostly on the manufacturing industry; predominantly “process” conceptual framing prevails; research methods employed are mostly analytical conceptual, empirical surveys or case studies; the positivist research paradigmatic stance is prevalent; and theories related to transaction cost e...

Supply Chain Management: A Structured Literature Review and Implications for Future Research

This chapter aims to go some way towards addressing the dearth of research into performance measurement systems and metrics of supply chains by critically reviewing the contemporary literature and suggesting possible avenues for future research. The article provides a taxonomy of performance measures followed by a critical evaluation of measurement systems designed to evaluate the performance of supply chains. The chapter argues that despite considerable advances in the literature in recent years, a number of important problems have not yet received adequate attention, including: the factors influencing the successful implementation of performance measurement systems for supply chains; the forces shaping their evolution over time; and, the problem of their ongoing maintenance. The chapter provides both a taxonomy of measures and outlines specific implications for future research.

Measuring Supply Chain Performance: Current Research and Future Directions

This paper presents an integrated conceptual model of supply chain flexibility. It examines flexibility classification schemes and the commonalities of flexibility typologies published in the literature to create a theoretical foundation for analyzing the components of supply chain flexibility. Even though there has been a tremendous amount of research on the topic of flexibility, most of it has been confined to intra‐firm flexibility concerns. As supply chain management goes beyond a firm’s boundaries, the flexibility strategies must also extend beyond the firm. This paper identifies the cross‐enterprise nature of supply chain flexibility and the need to improve flexibility measures across firms. Opportunities are identified for future cross‐functional research that builds on this theoretical foundation and leads to more effective formulation of supply chain strategies.

A conceptual model of supply chain flexibility

Over the past few years there has been confusion and disagreement among general business practitioners and operations professionals concerning the terms “logistics” and “supply chain management”. Various formal definitions have been offered for both terms. In addition, the common usage of each term in industry varies. Business terms are often defined over time, by the common use or application of the term. Examines the historical definitions of both terms, looks at current practitioner views of the terms, and proposes a hierarchy for the relationship between logistics and supply chain management.

The relationship of logistics to supply chain management: developing a common industry definition

Supply chain flexibility: Building a new model

Supply chain management, a field that developed from business practice and research, is undergoing a major transformation. It is changing from tactical in nature (where the major focus is on cost and delivery) to a field that is strategic in nature. However, the future issues and challenges facing managers and executives are just now becoming understood. This paper reports these issues by drawing on the findings generated by a three-phase study consisting of a literature review, a two-round Delphi study, and a workshop. Unique in this Delphi study is that it brings together leading practitioners in supply chain management with leading supply chain management researchers. The findings show that while the focus of the current tactical supply chain view is relatively limited to issues of delivery, risk, and leadership, the supply chain view of the future (i.e., five years from now) is more complex and demanding. The findings also show that there is generally no difference between researchers and practitioners in terms of how they view the issues. Finally, the study uncovers major obstacles that must be resolved before the strategic potential of future-state supply chains can be realised.

/pdf/mapping-the-future-of-supply-chain-management-a-delphi-study-cy90buf7o3.pdf

Mapping the future of supply chain management: a Delphi study

The flexibility literature is dominated by research on manufacturing flexibility. More recently, supply chain flexibility has been recognized as an important flexibility construct for meeting customer demand. An Internet-based Delphi study involving a group of expert practitioners is used to enumerate the characteristics, and the importance of those characteristics, in making a supply chain flexible. Expert opinion is one method for gathering information that can be used to develop a model of supply chain flexibility and provide a framework for future research.

Rhonda R. Lummus

Papers

A conceptual model of supply chain flexibility

The relationship of logistics to supply chain management: developing a common industry definition

Supply chain flexibility: Building a new model

Mapping the future of supply chain management: a Delphi study

Delphi study on supply chain flexibility