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Advancing the Understanding of Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Resilience using Complex Adaptive System (CAS) Theory
Yaroson, Emilia V. Hou, Jiachen Sowter, Julie
Yaroson, Emilia V.
Hou, Jiachen
Sowter, Julie
Publication Date
2021
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
© 2021 Emerald. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2020-11-06
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Additional title
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study was to advance our knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain resilience using Complex Adaptive System theory (CAS).
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory research design which adopted a qualitative approach was used to achieve the study’s research objective. Qualitative data were gathered through 23 semi-structured interviews with key supply chain actors across the PSC in the United Kingdom (UK).
Findings
The findings demonstrate that CAS, as a theory, provides a systemic approach to understanding PSC resilience by taking into consideration the various elements (environment, PSC characteristics, vulnerabilities and resilience strategies) that make up the entire system. It also provides explanations for key findings, like the impact of power, conflict and complexity in the PSC, which are influenced by the interactions between supply chain actors and as such increase its susceptibility to the negative impact of disruption. Furthermore, the antecedents for building resilience strategies were the outcome of the decision-making process referred to as co-evolution from a CAS perspective.
Originality/value
Based on the data collected, the study was able to reflect on the relationships, interactions and interfaces between actors in the PSC using the CAS theory, which supports the proposition that resilience strategies can be adopted by supply chain actors to enhance this service supply chain. This is a novel empirical study of resilience across multiple levels of the PSC and as such adds valuable new knowledge about the phenomenon and the use of CAS theory as a vehicle for exploration and knowledge construction in other supply chains.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Citation
Yaroson EV, Breen L, Hou J et al (2021) Advancing the Understanding of Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Resilience using Complex Adaptive System (CAS) Theory. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal. 26(3): 323-340.
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Type
Article