Critical indices and model of uncertainty perception for regional supply chains: insights from a Delphi-based study

Christopher M. Durugbo*, Zainab Al-Balushi, Abdellatef Anouze, Omar Amoudi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: The dynamic nature of uncertainty sources in regional operations represents supply chain management (SCM) imperatives to review uncertainty management frameworks on an ongoing basis with a view to identifying and prioritising critical indices of uncertainty for effective SCM. The purpose of this study is to identify the critical indices of uncertainty for regional supply chains and analyse how SCM practitioners perceive uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a Delphi-based study with a panel of 70 SCM experts from the Sultanate of Oman in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. It applies three rounds of a Delphi exercise to identify, select and prioritise the critical indices of supply chain uncertainty perceived by panel experts. The thematic analysis also provides theorisations on the process for uncertainty perception and factors shaping perception. Findings: A total of 39 uncertainty indices were identified from demand, supply, manufacturing, control, technology, competitive, project, transport and geological sources. The Delphi selection round captured the top 12 indices of experts. The research found an accumulative–aggregative duality that explains uncertainty perception and a cost–conformance–connection triadic set of factors underlying the perceived critical indices. Project uncertainty produced the top-ranked index in the final Delphi round. Originality/value: This paper makes three main contributions. First, it offers a bottom-up based insight into supply chain uncertainty using the Delphi-based study and from a GCC perspective. Second, the research is unique in its focus on Oman and, third, it is of value for the international operations of GCC companies and for international firms with intentions of expanding, moving or outsourcing their operations to a GCC country such as Oman.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)549-564
Number of pages16
JournalSupply Chain Management
Volume25
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 16 2020

Keywords

  • Developing countries
  • GCC
  • Middle East
  • Oman
  • Operations strategy
  • SCM framework
  • Supply chain management
  • Uncertainty

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Business,Management and Accounting

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Critical indices and model of uncertainty perception for regional supply chains: insights from a Delphi-based study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this