Title: The impact of process maturity and uncertainty on supply chain performance: an empirical study

Authors: Archie Lockamy III, Paul Childerhouse, Stephen M. Disney, Denis R. Towill, Kevin McCormack

Addresses: School of Business, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA. ' School of Management, The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, Gate 1 Knighton Road, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand. ' School of Business, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff CF10 3EU, UK. ' School of Business, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff CF10 3EU, UK. ' College of Management, North Carolina State University, 2102 Nelson Hall, 2801 Founders Drive, Raleigh, NC 27695-8614, USA

Abstract: The concept of process maturity suggests that a process has a lifecycle that is assessed by the extent to which it is defined, managed, measured, and controlled. Organisational policies, standards, and structures are institutionalised as organisations increase their process maturity, leading to higher levels of process capability. This concept has been applied to supply chains by researchers through the development of a supply chain maturity model for enhanced supply chain performance. In addition, recent studies have shown that improved supply chain performance can also be achieved by reducing supply chain uncertainty. This paper provides an empirical examination of the relationship between process maturity and uncertainty, along with their impact on supply chain performance. Based on this examination, the paper also provides a framework for supply chain improvement.

Keywords: modelling; process management; statistical analysis; supply chain management; SCM; supply chain uncertainty; process maturity; uncertainty; process capability; supply chain improvement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.018237

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.15 No.1, pp.12 - 27

Published online: 13 May 2008 *

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