Supply chain collaboration: Turning the theory into a reality for Dutch organizations

Abstract

Within academic research it is well-established that Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) can lead to better, faster, lower cost products and services, and it is crucial for innovation and sustainability. However, despite such theoretical advantages, in practice the concepts of SCC are not widely applied. In this research this gap between theory and practice is further analysed. It is found that although SCC might look ‘simple’, it requires a totally different approach to management than most organizations are used to. To help organizations to make the transformation towards applying SCC, within his research a layered framework and a ‘triple A′ approach was used. In the layered framework, different target groups were distinguished to generate and disseminate knowledge. Within triple A, the development towards implementing SCC was focused on top-level executives and distinguished three phases: Awareness (explaining what SCC entails), Acceptance (explaining why SCC is needed), and Action (developing practical tools to help making the transformation). In the effort many managerial publications, blogs, and tools were shared with a wide variety of managers. Given the result on a bi-annual monitor, various testimonials and the wide readership of the publications, it can be concluded that the impact of the research has been substantial.