Real-time data processing in supply chain management: revealing the uncertainty dilemma

Lechler S, Canzaniello A, Roßmann B, von der Gracht HA, Hartmann E (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management Emerald

DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-12-2017-0398

Abstract

Purpose: Particularly in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business conditions, staff in supply chain management (SCM) look to real-time (RT) data processing to reduce uncertainties. However, based on the premise that data processing can be perfectly mastered, such expectations do not reflect reality. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether RT data processing reduces SCM uncertainties under real-world conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Aiming to facilitate communication on the research question, a Delphi expert survey was conducted to identify challenges of RT data processing in SCM operations and to assess whether it does influence the reduction of SCM uncertainty. In total, 14 prospective statements concerning RT data processing in SCM operations were developed and evaluated by 68 SCM and data-science experts. Findings: RT data processing was found to have an ambivalent influence on the reduction of SCM complexity and associated uncertainty. Analysis of the data collected from the study participants revealed a new type of uncertainty related to SCM data itself. Originality/value: This paper discusses the challenges of gathering relevant, timely and accurate data sets in VUCA environments and creates awareness of the relationship between data-related uncertainty and SCM uncertainty. Thus, it provides valuable insights for practitioners and the basis for further research on this subject.

Authors with CRIS profile

Sabrina Lechler Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Supply Chain Management Angelo Canzaniello Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Supply Chain Management Bernhard Roßmann Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Supply Chain Management Eva Maria Hartmann Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Supply Chain Management

Involved external institutions

Steinbeis-Hochschule-Berlin GmbH (SHB) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Lechler, S., Canzaniello, A., Roßmann, B., von der Gracht, H.A., & Hartmann, E. (2019). Real-time data processing in supply chain management: revealing the uncertainty dilemma. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management. https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-12-2017-0398

MLA:

Lechler, Sabrina, et al. "Real-time data processing in supply chain management: revealing the uncertainty dilemma." International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management (2019).

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