Making a Transition toward more Mature Closed-Loop Supply Chain Management under Deep Uncertainty and Dynamic Complexity: A Methodology

Jannie Coenen, Rob van der Heijden and Allard Van Riel
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Jannie Coenen: Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9108, 6500 HK Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Rob van der Heijden: Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9108, 6500 HK Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 8, 1-27

Abstract: This article develops a methodology to empirically study and cope with deep uncertainty and dynamic complexity when the actors in a traditional supply chain make a transition toward more mature closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) management. The methodology addressed calls for innovative research and decision-making approaches in this field. Mature, in this context, refers to moving operationally and mentally away from a stochastic, one-dimensional and static approach to CLSC management, towards an exploratory, multi-dimensional and dynamic approach. To empirically study and cope with deep uncertainty and dynamic complexity in a CLSC context, a conceptual framework and related methodological toolbox are developed, together called the ‘closed-loop integration: collective keystones methodology’ (hereinafter CLICK methodology). The conceptual framework entails six maturity stages, which have been defined based on the well-known capability maturity framework and the concept of double-loop learning. Based on the conceptual framework, methods to equip the toolbox have been systematically identified and evaluated. The study identified 31 potentially appropriate methods, varying from non-participatory methods, to the active engagement of actors and stakeholders, and from analytical methods to evaluation/assessment methods.

Keywords: closed-loop supply chain management; deep uncertainty; dynamic complexity; methodological approach; CLICK methodology; decision making (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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