Modeling Enablers of Flexible Supply Networks Using Total Interpretive Structural Modeling

Abstract

The chapter aims to identify the contextual interrelationships among flexible supply network enablers for achieving supply chain sustainability. The authors have identified the enablers through a review of extant literature and further applied the popular total interpretive structural modeling (TISM)-based methodology. TISM is a well-articulated mental model interpreting both the nodes (indicating “what”) and links (indicating “how” and “why”). The mental model of the group is not well structured and is loosely defined, which serves as the basis for the theory building process. The authors finally obtained a hierarchy of enablers and findings show that innovation culture is the driving element in developing flexible systems in supplier networks. Supply chain practitioners must focus on developing an innovation culture within the boundaries of the organization and then integrate with specialist suppliers to ultimately build additional capacity for managing the fluctuations in customer demand and further manage supply risks. The chapter ends with conclusions drawn from study and directions for future research studies.