Supply chain management in a recession
LinkLine, the Journal of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in Ireland, pp. 12-13, December 2009.
Abstract
The challenges presented by recent changes in the business environment has sharpened the focus on the need for robust approaches to supply chain improvement. This article, based on the theme of the recent Logistics Ireland 2009 conference, sets out the key changes in the strategic context of supply chain management (SCM) in a global and an Irish context. It goes on to outline some of the key characteristics of SCM excellence, based on the author’s experience and on documented evidence in the literature. The performance of Irish firms in relation to these key characteristics is discussed with reference to NITL’s ongoing research in this area. From this a number of critical success factors for effective supply chain re-engineering are identified and some key conclusions drawn.