Supply chain management of teamwork: six guidelines for success

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to draw on know-how from the study of Team and Project Management, to seek insights into enhancing the effectiveness of supply chain management (SCM) ventures, with the aim of contributing to their effective and efficient decision-making and operation processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an analysis of the obstacles that may stand in the way of the efficient implementation of SCM processes, six specific conditions for such mega-projects’ success are proposed. A couple of practical tools for their attainment are presented.

Findings

The article suggests that the construction of the teams involved, as well as the working procedures that may render their work effective, should be flexible and made adaptable to the specific assignment or case, which is handled by each team, at the time; and that the optimal set of procedures to adopt, throughout the working sessions of the teams, which are involved in the process, are those which will gear the team with the means to contribute to the eventual materializing and finalization of a quality and practical set of decisions for the benefit of the overall SCM process.

Practical implications

The article offers a practical step-by-step set of six guidelines to lead executives and managers of SCM processes toward a relatively high level of control in the establishment of effective and efficient team-decision-making and implementation processes within SCM inter-and intra-organizational teams.

Originality/value

Limited attention has been given in the literature to the studying of practical and applicable managerial techniques for successful decision-implementation processes in SCM teams. This article focuses on this neglected domain, proposing a solution, in the form of an integrative micro-level SCM operational strategy.

Citation

Shetach, A. (2014), "Supply chain management of teamwork: six guidelines for success", Team Performance Management, Vol. 20 No. 3/4, pp. 178-190. https://doi.org/10.1108/TPM-09-2013-0030