Information technology in managing global supply chains

As organizations strive to become more competitive in today’s challenging business environment, global supply chain management (GSCM) infused by information technology (IT) is being offered as a paradigm to achieve dramatic improvements in cost and time. This study examines the critical role played by IT to improve GSCM practices. The paper starts by classifying all the IT related articles dealing with GSCM into four research streams. Next, a practical IT framework that organizations can use for achieving a true GSCM is presented. This is followed by examples of corporations that provide IT solutions for GSCM and of corporations that have benefited from using IT in their GSCM efforts. Finally, conclusions and implications for IT‐related issues pertaining to GSCM are suggested.