A cognitive map of causal relationship between supply chain management practices, supply chain enablers and supply chain performance: a fuzzy approach

Abstract

Nowadays we know effective supply chain management a key to business success. Therefore, supply chain managers use many practices for SCM effectiveness and many tools as their enablers. Nevertheless, literature about causal relations between SC enablers and SCM practices and performance is scarce. This study reports a cognitive mapping of causal relationships between SCM practices, SC enablers and SC performance based on expert's knowledge. To do so, first Q-sort procedure operated to find a verified list of SCM practices and SC enablers in Iran. Then fuzzy cognitive mapping methodology performed with a new fuzzy approach without need of defuzzification throughout the process. This approach resulted in a cognitive map of fuzzy causal relationship. Final causal model depicts causal impacts of SC enablers on SCM practices and SCM practices on SC performance indicators and their severity.

Keywords

• Fuzzy cognitive map
• supply chain enabler
• Supply chain management practice
• supply chain performance