Postponement: an evolving supply chain concept

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess and document the progress of postponement research, identify current gaps, and provide direction for future research efforts.Design methodology approach - Postponement literature published from 1999 to 2006 was reviewed.Findings - The review revealed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of physical distribution & logistics management 2007-09, Vol.37 (8), p.594-611
Main Authors: Boone, Christopher A., Craighead, Christopher W., Hanna, Joe B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Assessments
Conferences
Construction
Corporate strategy
Costs
Customization
Evolution
Foundations
Gaps
Inventory
Logistics
Product development
Product differentiation
Researchers
Strategy
Studies
Supply chain management
Supply chains
Uncertainty
Uncertainty management
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Summary:Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess and document the progress of postponement research, identify current gaps, and provide direction for future research efforts.Design methodology approach - Postponement literature published from 1999 to 2006 was reviewed.Findings - The review revealed a significant increase in the number of postponement research efforts, many of which at least partially addressed past challenges noted in previous research. Several opportunities to continue addressing these past challenges were identified. Future researchers are challenged to validate new postponement concepts and extend postponement research beyond its manufacturing context. Other challenges call for the continued assessment of the relationship between postponement and uncertainty and the investigation into the slow rate of postponement adoption among practitioners.Research limitations implications - This effort is not an exhaustive review of all postponement research. This review does not consider unpublished papers, papers in non-academic journals, or papers presented at conferences.Practical implications - This review is a useful resource for supply chain researchers interested in supply chain strategies and the evolution of postponement as a supply chain concept.Originality value - This paper uses the challenges of past research as a measure of the progress of postponement thought and theory. The gaps identified and challenges made will serve as a foundation upon which future researchers can build.
ISSN:0960-0035
1758-664X
DOI:10.1108/09600030710825676