Purpose: Megatrends are large, transformative global forces of change e.g. social, technological that may affect the future of multiple industries. Due to their importance companies across different industries try to identify, analyse, and act on megatrends to secure a sustainable future; thus, these megatrends are used as a base in their strategic work with the future. This paper will shed new insights on the megatrends shaping the supply chain and logistics as well as it will raise the level of awareness of how these megatrends may affect the future of these fields. Research approach: The research design adopted follows two sequential phases of data collection: systematic literature review and experts workshop. NVivo software was used for content analysis of the 349 collected reports and articles for recognising recurring themes, namely megatrends and their associated trends. Megatrends and trends were classified based on the PESTLE (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analysis. In phase two, a workshop was conducted with 21 experts from both the academic and practitioner domains to discuss, refine, and extend the findings and insights gained from the literature review. Findings and Originality: The study reveals a comprehensive list of megatrends and associated trends that address critical aspects of several domains of analysis (e.g. political). In total 22 megatrends and 66 related trends were identified. The methodological review will provide increased understanding of the megatrends shaping the logistics and supply chains that are in a state of transition. Research Impact: This study outlines a list of the trends and megatrends that can influence particularly the discrete manufacturing, the process manufacturing and the logistics industry and thus define the future of supply chains. These megatrends/trends provide an agenda for future research and based on them future scenarios can be generated. Practical Impact: This research provides direction to companies from process industry, discrete manufacturing, distribution and logistics industry for the evolution of their thinking and practice
Megatrends shaping the future of the supply chain and logistics
Irene Marchiori;
2018
Abstract
Purpose: Megatrends are large, transformative global forces of change e.g. social, technological that may affect the future of multiple industries. Due to their importance companies across different industries try to identify, analyse, and act on megatrends to secure a sustainable future; thus, these megatrends are used as a base in their strategic work with the future. This paper will shed new insights on the megatrends shaping the supply chain and logistics as well as it will raise the level of awareness of how these megatrends may affect the future of these fields. Research approach: The research design adopted follows two sequential phases of data collection: systematic literature review and experts workshop. NVivo software was used for content analysis of the 349 collected reports and articles for recognising recurring themes, namely megatrends and their associated trends. Megatrends and trends were classified based on the PESTLE (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analysis. In phase two, a workshop was conducted with 21 experts from both the academic and practitioner domains to discuss, refine, and extend the findings and insights gained from the literature review. Findings and Originality: The study reveals a comprehensive list of megatrends and associated trends that address critical aspects of several domains of analysis (e.g. political). In total 22 megatrends and 66 related trends were identified. The methodological review will provide increased understanding of the megatrends shaping the logistics and supply chains that are in a state of transition. Research Impact: This study outlines a list of the trends and megatrends that can influence particularly the discrete manufacturing, the process manufacturing and the logistics industry and thus define the future of supply chains. These megatrends/trends provide an agenda for future research and based on them future scenarios can be generated. Practical Impact: This research provides direction to companies from process industry, discrete manufacturing, distribution and logistics industry for the evolution of their thinking and practiceI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
