Title: Supply chain management maturity and complexity: findings from a case study at a health biotechnology company in Brazil

Authors: Luiz C. Roque Júnior; Guilherme F. Frederico; Maykon L.N. Costa

Addresses: Business Administration Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, Av. Lothario Meissner, 632, 2nd floor, Jd. Botânico, CEP:80210-170, Curitiba – PR, Brazil ' Business Administration Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, Av. Lothario Meissner, 632, 2nd floor, Jd. Botânico, CEP:80210-170, Curitiba – PR, Brazil ' Business Administration Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, Av. Lothario Meissner, 632, 2nd floor, Jd. Botânico, CEP:80210-170, Curitiba – PR, Brazil

Abstract: Recently, research on the maturity levels of different management areas has gained increased importance. In supply chain management (SCM), some approaches have been developed with a view to better understanding how to enhance performance. This paper presents a case study at a Brazilian biotech company, which is a national reference in molecular biology. The purpose is to gather evidence of the level of maturity and complexity in supply chain management. Considering that supply chains are crucial for companies in the health services segment, the results of this survey establish the company maturity dimensions to serve as a base in working towards achieving higher SCM competence levels. The survey also includes complexity elements for the purpose of gathering evidence on existing relations between complexity and maturity. From the main findings, a clear relationship can be established between maturity and complexity levels. This study makes an important contribution to the literature on SCM maturity and complexity. It can also be used by practitioners as a guide to be applied in companies to drive understanding of the relationship between maturity and complexity.

Keywords: supply chain management; maturity; complexity; biotechnology; health; case study; Brazil.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2019.099658

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2019 Vol.33 No.1, pp.1 - 25

Received: 17 Mar 2017
Accepted: 13 Sep 2017
Published online: 20 May 2019 *

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