Researchers’ Perspectives on Supply Chain Risk Management

Abstract:     
Supply chain risk management (SCRM) is a nascent area emerging from a growing appreciation for supply chain risk by practitioners and by researchers. However, there is diverse perception of research in supply chain risk because these researchers have approached this area from different domains. This paper presents our study of this diversity from the perspectives of operations and supply chain management scholars: First, we reviewed the researchers’ output, i.e., the recent research literature. Next, we surveyed two focused groups (members of Supply Chain Thought Leaders and International Supply Chain Risk Management groups) with open-ended questions. Finally, we surveyed operations and supply chain management researchers during the 2009 INFORMS meeting in San Diego. Our findings characterize the diversity in terms of three “gaps”: a definition gap in how researchers define SCRM, a process gap in terms of inadequate coverage of response to risk incidents, and a methodology gap in terms of inadequate use of empirical methods. We also list ways to close these gaps as suggested by the researchers.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 41

Keywords: field research, supply chain risk, supply chain risk management, research

Accepted Paper Series