Title: Complementarities and alignment of information systems management and supply chain management

Authors: Christina W.Y. Wong, Kee-Hung Lai, T.C.E. Cheng

Addresses: Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. ' Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. ' Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Abstract: Although prior research has generated considerable knowledge on the importance of information systems management (ISM) and supply chain management (SCM) for improving business performance, the findings are at best inconsistent and at worst contradictory. This is because one of the key issues concerning the effectiveness of their implementation – the alignment of ISM and SCM – is under-explored. The lack of understanding on the alignment of ISM and SCM has prevented the full exploitation of their implementation that will contribute to improvements in business performance. Drawing on the organisation theory, this study attempts to: 1 examine the complementarities in the philosophical emphases of ISM and SCM 2 investigate how they could complement each other 3 provide illustrative case examples on the performance implications of alignment and misalignment in their implementation. This study advances knowledge on the alignment of ISM and SCM practices and highlights the importance of recognising the complementarities of ISM and SCM in their implementation efforts.

Keywords: complementarities; information systems management; ISM; supply chain management; SCM; organisation theory; business performance; alignment; logistics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2009.024493

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2009 Vol.1 No.2, pp.156 - 171

Published online: 07 Apr 2009 *