CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF SUPPLY CHAIN NERVOUSNESS: MENA CASE STUDY

Abstract

As part of the global supply chain (SC), Middle East and North Africa (MENA) SC is subject to many disruptions and instability resulting in an unpredicted interference among decisions causing SC nervousness (SCN). Nervousness reduces the efficiency and negatively impact the overall SC performance. Nervousness greatly effect supply chain stability and resilience leading to an increase in costs and fluctuation of the relationships with suppliers as well as customers. This research explores the supply chain nervousness (SCN) in MENA region. An investigation of the existing literature and interviews with the experts used to identify factors related to nervousness in the SC. This study was prompted by a lack of research depth to identify and investigate the main causes, effects, and measures, of SCN. A survey is used to analyze and asses the SCN in the region. A comprehensive framework of SCN in MENA region is presented and analyzed. The results identify the major sources, causes, and impact of SCN, and then arrange causes based on their impact. Also, the relative criticality of nervousness factors was assessed using the Delphi based analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Furthermore it investigated the factors and response strategies to mitigate the nervousness sources. Finally, a list of measures is proposed to reduce the SCN and improve competitiveness, effectiveness, and responsiveness. Identification and assessment of nervousness factors enables professionals to take appropriate mitigation strategies, help companies decide plans to reduce nervousness in their SCs, and lead to better decisions on future resilient supply chains.