Supply chain response framework : systematic literature review and framework to respond to stimuli

This study analyzed supply chain response frameworks (SCRFs). An SCRF that applies to any situation involving supply chain responses (SCRs) and facilitates the understanding of SCR as a process was proposed. The SCRF was designed based on a systematic review of the literature and thematic synthesis. Thirty-seven documents related to the SCR and SCRFs were selected for the literature review. The thematic synthesis identified the contexts in which the frameworks were designed, supply chain (SC) aspects comprising the framework, and coherence between the SCR definition and framework components. Consequently, a new SCRF based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model was proposed. The stimuli that an SC responds to and the results it achieves with the response, response strategy, decision types, time horizon, relationship facilitators, and response feedback are the chain aspects comprising the framework. The new SCRF makes it easier for SC managers to identify the aspects encompassing the response to a stimulus in which managers should be trained to provide a better response. In addition, it extends the theory on the SCR. Using the systematic literature review and the stimulus-organism-response model, this paper proposes a framework for planning the supply chain response to a stimulus. The response is given following a process that begins with the identification and detection of the stimulus, continues with the management of the response, then the results to be obtained are identified, and finally, the response process is evaluated, and feedback is provided. The framework is a guide so that the response to the stimulus, on the one hand, facilitates the achievement of the objectives of the chain and, on the other hand, satisfies the requirements of those who receive it.