What the study found
The study developed a hierarchical model of Supply Chain Flexibility (SCF), which the abstract describes as flexibility in a supply chain that helps it respond to disruption. It found that the "Nature of Customers" is the main building block of SCF, while "Strategic Redundancies" appear as a result of a more advanced SCF system rather than as an initial factor.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings provide practical guidance for prioritizing foundational cultural and strategic investments before adopting software tools or other surface-level solutions. They also say the framework supports the systematic development of robust and sustainable SCF.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM), a method for showing how factors influence one another in a hierarchy. They built an integrated framework linking macro-level SCF elements with the five operational areas of market, delivery, logistics, organisational, and volume flexibility, and connecting these to a data-driven organisational culture.
What worked and what didn't
The hierarchical structure identified the nature of customers as the key starting point for SCF. Strategic redundancies were not treated as an early driver; instead, they were positioned as an outcome of an advanced SCF system. The abstract also says the framework aligns SCF elements with five operational flexibility areas.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed data, sample size, or specific implementation settings. Limits and caveats are not otherwise described in the available summary.
Key points
- The study built a hierarchical model of Supply Chain Flexibility (SCF).
- The "Nature of Customers" was identified as the main building block of SCF.
- Strategic redundancies were described as an outcome of advanced SCF, not an शुरुआती factor.
- The framework links SCF elements with market, delivery, logistics, organisational, and volume flexibility.
- The authors say the findings support prioritizing foundational cultural and strategic investments.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Hierarchical model links supply chain flexibility elements to 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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