Linking Supply Chain Management with Its Contemporary Fields: A Theoretical Framework

Abstract

Supply Chain Management has been in the discussions of the research community since the 80s, and it still manages to be on the scene after decades. An essential role in this is played by its contemporary fields with which it is continuously integrated and emerged over these years. This conceptual paper outlines the importance of various fields like Marketing, Logistics, Purchase, Information technology and Business sustainability in the Supply chain management theory. A literature review using an integrative approach was conducted to cover the vast area under study. A conceptual framework has been developed to highlight theoretical linkages like integration concepts, systems theory and strategic orientation. However, more contemporary fields like Strategic management and Operations management should also be studied to have a better and more comprehensive inter-disciplinary framework. The need for more structured and extensive research in the future has been felt so that better interdisciplinary theories can be developed and synergies can be created among various perspectives to fulfil the goals of supply chain management.