Supply chain talent: the missing link in supply chain strategy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to build a supply chain talent framework and test it empirically. Design/methodology/approach – The present study adopts extant literature to understand current state of supply chain talent literature and used knowledge and skill constructs and their items from comprehensive literature review to develop an instrument to gather data. The data are further checked for assumptions and further examines the framework using confirmatory factor analysis. Findings – The findings support previous studies and establishes that knowledge-skill framework is scientifically a strong framework which can help to build current supply chain competencies among future supply chain managers. Research limitations/implications – This study considers only a limited number of variables that define the supply chain talent. The framework can be further developed and extended to different industries and countries. Practical implications – The study identifies knowledge-skill framework which can help to develop a training module for current or aspiring supply chain managers. It also can provide significant input to design university supply chain management program to meet future supply chain manager’s requirements. Social implications – Include providing the right education and training in support of supply chain operations and in turn serving the community with products and services on time and that too in a most cost effective manner. Originality/value – This paper develops a new framework for supply chain talent development. This framework has been empirically tested, and major findings and future research directions are highlighted.