Supply chain viability: conceptualization, measurement, and nomological validation

• DOI: 10.1007/s10479-021-03974-9
• Publication Date: 2021-03-08T09:04:51Z
• Authors: Salomée Ruel; Jamal El Baz; Dmitry Ivanov; Ajay Das
• Keywords: Conceptualization; Artificial intelligence; Scale (ratio); ddc:000; Strategy and Management; Knowledge management; Social Sciences; Structural equation modeling; Sustainable Supply Chain Management; Supply Chain Network Design; Psychology; Supply Network Complexity; Operationalization; Original Research; Measurement; Construct validity; Dynamic capabilities; Geography; Physics; 05 social sciences; Power (physics); FOS: Philosophy, ethics and religion; Programming language; FOS: Psychology; Reliability (semiconductor); Supply chain viability; Developing Evidence-Informed Supply Chain Management Knowledge; [SHS.GESTION]Humanities and Social Sciences/Business administration; [SHS.GESTION] Humanities and Social Sciences/Business administration; Supplier Development; Cartography; Scale development; Psychometrics; Construct (python library); Clinical psychology; COVID-19 pandemic; Business, Management and Accounting; Epistemology; Building Resilient Supply Chain; Quantum mechanics; Confirmatory factor analysis; Management Information Systems; Machine learning; 0502 economics and business; Conceptualizing the Circular Economy and Sustainable Supply Chains; Supply Chain Resilience; Nomological network; Second-order construct; Computer science; Philosophy

AbstractSupply chain viability (SCV) is an emerging concept of growing importance in operations management. This paper aims to conceptualize, develop, and validate a measurement scale for SCV. SCV is first defined and operationalized as a construct, followed by content validation and item measure development. Data have been collected through three independent samplings comprising a total of 558 respondents. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are used in a step-wise manner for scale development. Reliability and validity are evaluated. A nomological model is theorized and tested to evaluate nomological validity. For the first time, our study frames SCV as a novel and distinct construct. The findings show that SCV is a hierarchical and multidimensional construct, reflected in organizational structures, organizational resources, dynamic design capabilities, and operational aspects. The findings reveal that a central characteristic of SCV is the dynamic reconfiguration of SC structures in an adaptive manner to ensure survival in the long-term perspective. This research conceptualizes and provides specific, validated dimensions and item measures for SCV. Practitioner directed guidance and suggestions are offered for improving SCV during the COVID-19 pandemic and future severe disruptions.