Enabling multi-tier collaboration between supply chain dyads: a conceptual modelling framework

ABSTRACT

Recent research argued that multi-tier collaboration is highly valuable in complex and uncertain supply chain environments. Yet, it is poorly investigated in literature and rarely implemented in the industry for trust and structure issues. To enable multi-tier collaboration, latest research suggests inducing collaboration between supply chain dyads instead of individual supply chain organisations. This article attempts to be the first footprint in this emerging research direction, suggesting an empirical modelling methodology for multi-dyad collaboration, as part of a larger study on collaboration between supply chain dyads. The objective is to provide a basic conceptual framework guiding the study of collaboration implementation through modelling. The proposed methodology is generic, simple and dynamic, meant to support a preliminary modelling analysis preceding a major real-setting implementation of multi-dyad collaboration. We expect that implementing the proposed framework will help supply chain managers gain a practical understanding of the extent to which a multi-dyad collaboration is feasible in their supply chain context.

KEYWORDS:

• Multi-tier collaboration
• supply chain dyads
• conceptual framework
• modelling methodology

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maryam Nejma

Maryam Nejma is a doctoral researcher in supply chain collaboration. She graduated in 2012 as the top of her class with an Industrial Engineering degree from the National School of Applied Science of Tangier. In parallel, she received a master degree in Industrial Systems Engineering from University of Lorraine, also with honours. In research, she was a pioneer taking advantage of bibliometric technics to perform the major part of her doctoral literature review to find promising research issues. She is presently about to defend her PhD in bibliometric review and supply chain management.

Abdelghani Cherkaoui

Abdelghani Cherkaoui is a Professor in the Industrial Engineering Department from the Mohammadia Engineers School of Morocco, one of the top engineering schools in Morocco. He holds an engineering degree and a PhD degree from Sherbrooke University. He is currently a member of the Energetic, mechanic and industrial systems (EMISys) Team in the Engineering 3S Research Centre of the school. His domains of interest include ergonomics, human factors, lean manufacturing, workplace design, facilities planning, material handling, Robotics and CADCAM, additive manufacturing, human and organisational factors in road and rail transport.