Social Network Analysis in Operations and Supply Chain Management: A Review and Revised Research Agenda

Han, Y., Caldwell, N. D. & Ghadge, A., “Social Network Analysis in Operations and Supply Chain Management: A Review and Revised Research Agenda,” International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Forthcoming

31 Pages Posted: 20 May 2020

See all articles by Yujia

Yujia

Heriot Watt University

Nigel Caldwell

Heriot-Watt University

Abhijeet Ghadge

Cranfield University - School of Management

Date Written: April 22, 2020

Abstract

Purpose: Social network analysis (SNA) seeks to manage the connections between entities through investigating and understanding behaviors and relationships. This study demonstrates the increasing relevance of social network approaches to solving contemporary and looming Operations Management (OM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) problems; including the coordination operations challenges raised by increased connectivity.

Research design/methodology: The systematic literature review approach adopted here examines 63 papers in OM and SCM published between 2000 and 2019. To-date OM reviews on SNA have focused on discussing archetypal supply chains, what differentiates this study is the focus on how value was created in other forms of chains and operations.

Findings: This study reveals that current SNA adoption in OM is dominated by a manufacturing style focus on linear, sequential value creation; with a resulting focus only on sequential interdependence. SNA studies on reciprocally coordinated value creation (e.g. many service and network operations) are shown to have been neglected and are linked to a new agenda on contemporary management issues.

Research implications: Beyond encouraging the use of SNA, this study seeks to re-orient SNA approaches towards how contemporary services and networks create value.

Originality/value: Through adopting a unique combination of approaches and frameworks, the study challenges extant work to offer a substantially revised agenda for SNA use in Operations and Supply Chain Management.

Keywords: Social Network Analysis, Social Network Theory, Systematic Literature Review, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management

Suggested Citation

Han, Yujia and Caldwell, Nigel and Ghadge, Abhijeet, Social Network Analysis in Operations and Supply Chain Management: A Review and Revised Research Agenda (April 22, 2020). Han, Y., Caldwell, N. D. & Ghadge, A., “Social Network Analysis in Operations and Supply Chain Management: A Review and Revised Research Agenda,” International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3583431

Yujia Han

Heriot Watt University ( email )

Institute of Petroleum Engineering
Edinburgh, EH144AS
United Kingdom

Nigel Caldwell

Heriot-Watt University ( email )

Riccarton
Edinburgh EH14 4AS, Scotland EH14 1AS
United Kingdom

Abhijeet Ghadge (Contact Author)

Cranfield University - School of Management ( email )

Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL
United Kingdom

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