Abstract
Purpose - The purpose is to discuss complexity assessment in supply chains, to describe a methodology for measuring supply chain complexity in distributive trade and to illustrate the measurement of supply chain complexity and mechanisms to cope with supply chain complexity in distributive trade. Design/methodology/approach - We discuss literature on measuring supply chain complexity and use five case studies among wholesale companies to illustrate a methodology to measure supply chain complexity and to discuss strategies to cope with supply chain complexity Findings - Our study confirms the multifaceted nature of supply chain complexity. We identify eight drivers of supply chain complexity and use these to illustrate the measurement of supply chain complexity in a wholesale environment. We identify six strategies used by wholesalers for coping with supply chain complexity and identify interrelations between supply chain complexity drivers and these strategies.Research limitations/implications - Our research is based on case studies in wholesale companies; future research may include survey research, including other sectors to analyze industry differences but may also focus on other parts of the supply chain.Practical implications - The study provides insights into how to identify and measure complexity in a supply chain and what can be done to manage supply chain complexity. Originality/value - Our measurement approach is new to supply chain management and is based on multiple drivers of supply chain complexity. Our research is focused on wholesalers, which is a segment that has received limited academic attention in supply chain research to date.
Purpose - The purpose is to discuss complexity assessment in supply chains, to describe a methodology for measuring supply chain complexity in distributive trade and to illustrate the measurement of supply chain complexity and mechanisms to cope with supply chain complexity in distributive trade. Design/methodology/approach - We discuss literature on measuring supply chain complexity and use five case studies among wholesale companies to illustrate a methodology to measure supply chain complexity and to discuss strategies to cope with supply chain complexity Findings - Our study confirms the multifaceted nature of supply chain complexity. We identify eight drivers of supply chain complexity and use these to illustrate the measurement of supply chain complexity in a wholesale environment. We identify six strategies used by wholesalers for coping with supply chain complexity and identify interrelations between supply chain complexity drivers and these strategies.Research limitations/implications - Our research is based on case studies in wholesale companies; future research may include survey research, including other sectors to analyze industry differences but may also focus on other parts of the supply chain.Practical implications - The study provides insights into how to identify and measure complexity in a supply chain and what can be done to manage supply chain complexity. Originality/value - Our measurement approach is new to supply chain management and is based on multiple drivers of supply chain complexity. Our research is focused on wholesalers, which is a segment that has received limited academic attention in supply chain research to date.
