Supply chain management for SMEs: a research introduction

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the key areas that influence managing the supply chain in the small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) sector. It outlines in an informative and explorative manner the research environment of supply chain management (SCM) in SMEs in India.Design/methodology/approach – Initially, the paper scans the environment of Indian SMEs using a self‐developed framework with the acronym immunity‐infection‐net resistance‐offerings and code of conduct (I2NOC). Having outlined the key characteristics of SMEs, the paper focuses on exploring selected issues for SCM in the SME sector.Findings – A literature review identified gaps in the research and a set of investigative questions were derived from the review. These questions help define the premise behind the research approach outlined in the paper. Investigative questions were further grouped to identify specific issues and/or areas of concern. Finally, the paper constructs a generic research problem, a tentative...