Supply chain alignment: A Thematic Bibliography

Abstract

Purpose - This paper provides a thematic-bibliography of selected published journal articles pertaining to the concept of Supply Chain Alignment (SCA). Design/methodology/approach - A thematic-bibliography was used with searches conducted on the EBSCO Host, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases to identify papers that had examined or otherwise incorporated the strategic alignment model in their research. Four research dimensions emerged from the analysis: strategy, process, technology and people/incentives dimension. Based on the categorisation of the paper by the authors/publishers, the analysis further distinguishes whether the article contributes to theory and concept development, whether it discusses case applications, and whether it provides empirical substantiation of the concept. Implications - This analysis provides indications for the level of maturity of the SCA concept, as it points to gaps in the body of research and to weaknesses in the application of the concept in practice. It thus aims to provide guidance for future research and application.