Conceptual Framework of Supply Chain Vulnerability

The aim of this article is to investigate the concept of Supply Chain Vulnerability and to understand its causing factors. It has been argued that environment turbulence and complexity and the increase of natural, terrorist and economic crisis are the main causing factors behind the increasing of the level of supply chain exposure to risk. However, the contribution of the use of supply chain philosophies and practices such as JIT, Lean manufacturing, outsourcing, etc. to the increase of vulnerability factors has also been highlighted in the literature. In this context, a model is developed in this article to reveal what could make a supply chain vulnerable. This article provides an outline of the vulnerability drivers in order to suggest a conceptual framework of Supply Chain Vulnerability. The objective of such a model is not to describe another model of Vulnerability, but rather to offer a concrete structure incorporating the previous knowledge. The proposed model allows a better understanding of the vulnerability within Supply Chain Networks. Firstly, the model is analyzed through its positioning and contributions in comparison with existing frameworks in the literature. This comparison highlights the critical points overlooked in the past. Secondly, the model was applied on three case studies.