Supply chain mapping: Analysis of processes, flows and actors in Latin-American case studies

Abstract

The holistic study of a supply chain is one of the challenges that this philosophy
presents today. This is due to the increasing diversity of stakeholders,
relationships and flows that develop, with the consequent complexity in its
management and performance. The article is motivated by the need to develop
a reliable tool for academic and research based analysis of Latin American
supply chains characteristics, relationships, processes, products and services.
This is done from a literature review, along with the expertise of supply
chain specialists and empirical testing in case studies through the application
and validation of a practical guide. There were organized different techniques
for mapping and preliminary analysis of processes, actors and flows from
a tool box perspective, which implied flexible study of varied supply chains.
It was proven the feasibility of the tool to study either complex or simple
chains, to promote knowledge generation, skills transfer and strong links
among academic, research and business practice. This work has important
practical and managerial implications for supply chain design, performance and
improvement.