Relationship Between Supply Chain Flexibility and Supply Chain Resilience: A Review of Literature

Ndayisenga Innocent (), Uwimana Rosemary () and Mugisha David ()

Journal of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, 2025, vol. 4, issue 1, 22 - 40

Abstract: Aim: In modern dynamic and uncertain business environment, firms' ability to maintain operational stability while responding quickly to shocks is becoming increasingly vital. This study investigates the relationship between supply chain flexibility and resilience, specifically how adaptive abilities contribute to the overall robustness and responsiveness of supply systems. Methods: This study adopted a systematic literature review approach to explore and synthesize existing research relevant to supply chain flexibility and resilience. The review methodology was guided by the principles of transparency, replicability, and rigor, aiming to identify patterns, gaps, and insights from the body of scholarly work on the subject. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, to collect peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and relevant grey literature published between 2010 and 2025. Keywords and search terms included combinations of supply chain flexibility, supply chain resilience and supply chain management. To ensure relevance and quality, the inclusion criteria used was articles published in English, peer-reviewed publications, and studies explicitly focused on supply chain. Results: Supply chain flexibility was identified as a crucial enabler of resilience. According to a review of Dynamic Capabilities Theory and System Theory and emerging global concerns, flexible supply chains are better positioned to manage risks, reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure company continuity. It also examines current problems such as economic insecurity, regulatory complexity, sustainability demands, labor shortages, and cybersecurity dangers, emphasizing the importance of combining technology and collaborative strategies to promote flexibility and resilience. Conclusion: Firms that intentionally adopt digital tools, foster strong relationships, and embrace agility will be better positioned to weather disruptions and achieve long-term growth. Recommendation: The study recommend that businesses should use dynamic risk management frameworks and engage in smart technology and environmental sustainability practices to build future-ready supply chains that balance efficiency and resilience.

Keywords: Supply chain flexibility; supply chain resilience; supply chain management; dynamic capabilities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cjk:ojpscm:v:4:y:2025:i:1:p:22-40:id:345

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Journal of Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Global Peer Reviewed Journals
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Chief Editor ().