Supply chain integration strategies under demand and product uncertainty: an empirical study

This paper focuses on the impact of market uncertainty on the adoption of supply chain integration programs. Specifically we consider two kinds of uncertainty, i.e. product uncertainty and demand uncertainty and we analyze their impact on supply chain integration programs (including strategy redesign, information sharing and collaboration) with both customers and suppliers, as well as upstream control (considering both quality and CSR). The analyses are based on data provided in the last edition of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS V), related to 595 manufacturing companies distributed in 21 countries. Results highlight that product and demand uncertainty have both impact on supply chain integration, both up- and down-stream, but with product uncertainty having a stronger impact, as well as impacting also upstream control