Supply chain management for SMEs: a research introduction

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the key areas that influence managing the supply chain in the small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) sector. It outlines in an informative and explorative manner the research environment of supply chain management (SCM) in SMEs in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the paper scans the environment of Indian SMEs using a self‐developed framework with the acronym immunity‐infection‐net resistance‐offerings and code of conduct (I²NOC). Having outlined the key characteristics of SMEs, the paper focuses on exploring selected issues for SCM in the SME sector.

Findings

A literature review identified gaps in the research and a set of investigative questions were derived from the review. These questions help define the premise behind the research approach outlined in the paper. Investigative questions were further grouped to identify specific issues and/or areas of concern. Finally, the paper constructs a generic research problem, a tentative research methodology, projects outcomes of the research and sets out a critical path method (CPM) schedule for the time management of a research project.

Practical implications

SMEs in India vary in outputs, productivity and organizational characteristics. Since the late 1990s, globalization has forced many organizations in the engineering sector to enter the Indian market. Their low‐cost high‐quality products challenged Indian SMEs. The need to become competitive is now a matter‐of‐fact for all SMEs in India. This paper provides contemporary researchers in the areas of SMEs and SCM with knowledge that will help them (i) comprehend key research issues related to SCM for SMEs and (ii) define constructs, research variables and the nature of their research (that is, either exploratory or explanatory) with logical coherence.

Originality/value

Initially, the paper proposes a new framework (I²NOC) for understanding the competitive advantage of SMEs. Subsequently, the paper introduces the central themes of SMEs and SCM, supported by various arguments and positions from the literature. The paper offers guidance to management researchers in developing, defining and presenting their research (especially in the case of business or management students undertaking doctoral research) in a systematic and convincing manner.

Citation

Thakkar, J., Kanda, A. and Deshmukh, S.G. (2009), "Supply chain management for SMEs: a research introduction", Management Research News, Vol. 32 No. 10, pp. 970-993. https://doi.org/10.1108/01409170910994178