General process‐oriented management principles to manage supply chains: theoretical identification and discussion

Academic discussion in the field of supply chain management is influenced by descriptive, case‐oriented and consultancy‐driven research outcomes. The debate is often limited to the search for valid definitions and models of observable facts. The present research makes an alternative effort. This article deals with the question of whether there are any common suggestions that can be condensed to nine process‐based principles that contribute to the management of such chains. The applicability of these principles was evaluated using Thomas and Tymon's notions of “necessary properties of relevant research”.