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AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

This page presents an AI-generated summary of a published research paper. The original authors did not write or review this article. [See full disclosure ↓]

Publishing process signals: STRONG — reflects the venue and review process. — venue and review process.

Customer nature is the main building block of supply chain flexibility

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Two business professionals in casual business attire review a logistics or supply chain diagram on a wooden table in an office setting, with additional documents visible in the background.
Research area:Business, Management and AccountingQuality and Supply ManagementStrategy and Management

What the study found

The study found a hierarchical structure for supply chain flexibility (the ability of a supply chain to adapt to change). In that structure, the nature of customers is the main building block, while strategic redundancies are treated as a result of a more advanced flexibility system rather than an initial factor.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that the framework offers practical guidance for prioritizing foundational cultural and strategic investments before software tools or other surface-level solutions. They suggest this supports the systematic development of robust and sustainable supply chain flexibility.

What the researchers tested

The researchers developed an Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) model to show how supply chain flexibility elements affect a data-driven organisational culture and support core technology and operational capabilities. They also aligned macro-level supply chain flexibility elements with five operational areas: market, delivery, logistics, organisational, and volume flexibility.

What worked and what didn't

The hierarchical structure identified the nature of customers as the main foundation of supply chain flexibility. Strategic redundancies were not presented as an early driver; instead, they were positioned as the outcome of a more advanced supply chain flexibility system.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not describe detailed data, sample size, or specific performance tests. It also does not provide limitations beyond the statement that the study addresses a gap in treating supply chain flexibility enablement as unrelated elements.

Key points

  • The study identifies the nature of customers as the main building block of supply chain flexibility.
  • Strategic redundancies are described as a result of advanced supply chain flexibility, not an initial factor.
  • The researchers used Interpretive Structural Modelling to build a hierarchy of supply chain flexibility elements.
  • The framework links macro-level flexibility elements with market, delivery, logistics, organisational, and volume flexibility.
  • The authors say the model can guide prioritization of cultural and strategic investments before software tools.

Disclosure

Research title:
Customer nature is the main building block of supply chain flexibility
Authors:
Narassima Madhavarao Seshadri, Anbuudayasankar Singanallur Palaniswamy, Olivia McDermott, Thenarasu Mohanavelu, A. Sumesh
Institutions:
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway
Publication date:
2026-02-10
DOI:
10.3390/logistics10020043
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by gpt-5.4-mini (OpenAI). The original authors did not write or review this post.