Title: Reverse supply chain flexibility: a theoretical framework of research dimensions

Authors: Rohit Kumar Singh; Padmanav Acharya

Addresses: EI Lab, D-114, ABV-IIITM Gwalior (MP), PIN-474010, India ' EI Lab, D-114, ABV-IIITM Gwalior (MP), PIN-474010, India

Abstract: The main objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of flexibility literature and present integrated framework of reverse supply chain flexibility. This paper also identifies the forces and dimensions of flexibility for achieving reverse supply chain flexibility in the organisation. Dimensions of flexibility are extracted from literature and made fit into broad framework of reverse supply chain flexibility. This study also identifies how flexibility dimensions are catering to the inbound, in-house and outbound stage of supply chain. The originality of this paper lies in theoretical construct of reverse supply chain flexibility. This framework will help present a comprehensive scenario of research in the area.

Keywords: reverse supply chains; supply chain flexibility; theoretical framework; forces; dimensions; uncertainty; supply chain management; SCM; flexible supply chains.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2015.072737

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2015 Vol.22 No.4, pp.442 - 454

Received: 07 Mar 2014
Accepted: 11 Jul 2014
Published online: 28 Oct 2015 *

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