Step 3.3 - Decision on Mitigation Actions and Action Plans

3 Step 3.3 - Decision on Mitigation Actions and Action Plans 

Due to increasing turbulences in today s global maikets, supply chains are exposed to numerous risks. Companies are starting to realise that SCRM can not only protect against unforeseen and costly supply chain disruptions but can even become a competitive advantage (Sheffi 2005). However, in industry and research, there is a lack of techniques and measures which meet the specific SCRM requirements of small to medium sized businesses. The chapter strives to close this research gap and presents a SCRM approach for SMEs which has been developed jointly by a project team comprising two research institutions and fom companies. 

At the current stage of the research project the industry partners are implementing the approach within their supply chains. They have been advised to generate rich SCRM case studies and, at the same time, validate the methodology and identify areas for improvements. The results will enable us to refine the approach and, more importantly, provide further insights into the SCRM practice and business needs of SMEs. 

Aitken J, Christopher M and Towill D (2002) Understanding, implementing and exploiting agility and leanness. International Journal of Logistics Research and AppUcations, Vol 

Christopher M and Lee H (2004) Mitigating supply chain risk through improved confidence. International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management, Vol 34, No 5, 

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