A comparison of supply chain people competence between dynamic and developed markets

Abstract

The objective of this research is to determine if the generally accepted supply chain competency frameworks are in fact applicable to dynamic markets. Many studies into supply chain competencies have been conducted but these have largely focussed on developed markets. With the onset of globalisation and emerging economies competing for a bigger piece of the global economy, supply chain skills have become even more critical as supply chains, rather than organisations, compete. A survey was done amongst supply chain practitioners in both dynamic and developed markets. The survey was issued to test the extent to which the widely accepted supply chain competencies are important to supply chain practitioners in dynamic markets. After confirming the reliability of the results, it was found that respondents in dynamic markets accepted that the competencies as articulated in supply chain competency frameworks were in fact applicable and relevant to supply chain practitioners in dynamic markets. The study also found that while there is strong dynamic market alignment with the competencies, supply chain practitioners differed with their developed world counterparts about the importance of some of the individual competencies. Even though this research has some limitations due to a relatively small sample that is essentially localised to the mining industry, its implications for supply chain practitioners should not be ignored. Also, there is a possibility that the APICS competency model may not have accurately reflected the competency requirements that are characteristic of the supply chain practitioners in dynamic markets. This study can be used as a basis for future research; for example: the perceptions of supply chain practitioners across multiple industries and organisations can be compared. Also, a mix of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis could be used to gain an in-depth understanding of the requisite supply chain skills and competencies