The purpose of this research paper is to study the significant enablers for a competitive supply chain and analyze the relationships among them by using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The supply chain (SC) managers will get better insights from the models of this study to design their SCs that are more competitive for competitive advantage.
After an extensive review of literature followed by experts' opinions, 21 significant enablers for a competitive SC (CSC) were selected for structural modeling using MCDM techniques of total interpretive structural modeling (TISM), Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC), followed by decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach.
Top management commitment is the most prominent causing enabler of a CSC; customer satisfaction is the topmost effect enabler; the operational performance of individual firms in the supply chain is a crucial enabler of a CSC.
The results and findings of this study would provide better insights to SC professionals and practitioners to comprehend the significant enablers of a CSC for designing and executing SC operations more competitively to achieve better customer satisfaction and sustainable business performance.
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a foremost study focusing on the significant enablers of a CSC by utilizing the TISM along with MICMAC and DEMATEL methods. It is expected that this research will offer useful guidance for assessing and considering the SC enablers for achieving a CSC and facilitate new research in this area with more thrust.
