Linking corporate strategy and supply chain management

Purpose of this paper:
The paper researches the linkages between corporate and supply chain strategy. It represents a stage of an on-going research initiative aimed at providing a framework for understanding systematically the integration of corporate strategy making and supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach:
The paper engaged itself in the theory/literature related to strategic and supply chain management. Four generic levels of strategy are linked to supply chain management, and synthesized into an explanatory framework. Propositions for future research are presented based upon the framework.

Findings:
The paper shows that most of the literature on supply chain strategy relates to the functional level. Largely undiscovered are the linkages between corporate as well as business unit strategy with supply chain strategy especially on the network level.

Practical implications:
A fit between corporate and supply chain strategy is positively associated with the performance of a firm. The framework developed can be used by managers to help them think through the possibilities to link supply chain management with the corporate strategy making process.

What is original/value of paper:
By distinguishing a functional, business, corporate, as well as a network level, the paper provides a framework for future research to enhance the body of knowledge related to supply chain strategies and its relationships.