What the study found
The study found that Supply Chain Flexibility (SCF) is organized as a hierarchy rather than a collection of unrelated elements. In this hierarchy, the nature of customers is the main building block, and strategic redundancies appear as a later outcome rather than an initial input.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the framework can help practitioners prioritize foundational cultural and strategic investments before using software tools or other surface-level solutions. The study suggests this may support the systematic development of robust and sustainable Supply Chain Flexibility.
What the researchers tested
The researchers developed an Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) approach, a method for showing how factors influence one another in a hierarchy. They used it to examine how Supply Chain Flexibility elements affect data-driven organizational culture and support core technology and operational capabilities across five areas: market, delivery, logistics, organizational, and volume flexibility.
What worked and what didn't
The hierarchical structure identified the nature of customers as the main foundational factor in Supply Chain Flexibility. Strategic redundancies were not treated as a starting point; instead, they were viewed as the result of a more advanced Supply Chain Flexibility system.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations, sample characteristics, or validation procedures. The summary also only states that the framework aligns macro-level SCF elements with five operational areas; it does not provide further evidence beyond the reported model.
Key points
- Supply Chain Flexibility was modeled as a hierarchy, not as separate unrelated parts.
- The nature of customers was identified as the main building block of Supply Chain Flexibility.
- Strategic redundancies were described as a later outcome of an advanced Supply Chain Flexibility system.
- The study used Interpretive Structural Modelling to map relationships among flexibility elements.
- The framework links macro-level SCF elements to market, delivery, logistics, organizational, and volume flexibility.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Supply chain flexibility is built from customer context and culture
- Authors:
- Narassima Madhavarao Seshadri, Anbuudayasankar Singanallur Palaniswamy, Olivia McDermott, Thenarasu Mohanavelu, A. Sumesh
- Institutions:
- Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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