A conceptual model of supply chain flexibility

This paper presents an integrated conceptual model of supply chain flexibility. It examines; flexibility classification schemes and the commonalities of flexibility typologies published in the literature to create a theoretical foundation for analyzing the components of supply chain flexibility. Even though there has been a tremendous amount of research on the topic of flexibility, most of it has been confined to intra-firm flexibility concerns. As supply chain management goes beyond a firm's boundaries, the flexibility strategies must also extend beyond the firm. This paper identifies the cross-enterprise nature of supply chain flexibility and the need to improve flexibility measures across firms. Opportunities are identified for future cross-functional research that builds on this theoretical foundation and leads to more effective formulation of supply chain strategies.