Short answer
Design for survivability by considering the entire ecosystem and planning for long-term, systemic disruptions, not just short-term shocks.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- International Journal of Production Research (2023)
- Method
- Literature Review and Conceptual Framework Development
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Supply chain viability theory extends resilience by focusing on the long-term survivability of entire supply chain ecosystems, not just individual firms, during prolonged crises. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in International Journal of Production Research. Using Literature review and conceptual framework development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design for survivability by considering the entire ecosystem and planning for long-term, systemic disruptions, not just short-term shocks.
Supply Chain Viability: Designing for Ecosystem Survivability Beyond Resilience
Supply chain viability theory extends resilience by focusing on the long-term survivability of entire supply chain ecosystems, not just individual firms, during prolonged crises.
International Journal of Production Research · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Supply chain viability is a distinct concept from resilience, emphasizing long-term survivability of ecosystems.
- 02Seven pillars of supply chain viability theory include: viable supply chain design, viability in process planning and control, ripple effect, intertwined and reconfigurable supply networks, ecosystems, digital supply chain, and Industry 5.0.
Application
Design takeaway
Design for survivability by considering the entire ecosystem and planning for long-term, systemic disruptions, not just short-term shocks.
How to apply
When designing a new product or service, map out its entire supply chain and consider how disruptions at any point, or to related industries, could impact its long-term viability. Develop contingency plans that go beyond immediate recovery.
Project actions
- 01When defining the scope of your design project, consider the broader ecosystem your design will operate within.
- 02Explore how your design can be adapted or reconfigured in response to long-term changes or crises.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a novel theoretical framework for supply chain viability.
- +Identifies key pillars and future research directions.
Limitations
It can be challenging to fully model and predict all potential long-term crises and their ripple effects on complex supply chains.
Reliability & validity
The findings are based on a literature review and conceptualization, so direct reliability and validity testing of empirical data is not applicable. The strength lies in its theoretical contribution and identification of research gaps.
Think critically
How does the focus on 'ecosystems' in supply chain viability change the traditional approach to risk management in design?
Design Principles
"Design systems for ecosystem survivability, not just individual component resilience."
Understanding supply chain viability is crucial for designing robust and adaptable systems that can withstand not only acute disruptions but also systemic, long-term challenges. This perspective shifts the focus from reactive recovery to proactive design for sustained operation and adaptation within a broader network.
What This Means for Your Design
Think about how your design can survive not just for a short time when something bad happens, but for a long time, and how it affects everything connected to it, not just your own part.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the long-term implications and resilience of your design choices, particularly in relation to supply chains and external factors.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The concept of supply chain viability, as explored by Ivanov et al. (2023), offers a critical lens for evaluating the long-term survivability of design solutions within their broader ecosystems. This perspective moves beyond immediate resilience to consider sustained operation during prolonged crises, suggesting that design choices should prioritize adaptability and interdependency awareness.
Source
International Journal of Production Research
Toward supply chain viability theory: from lessons learned through COVID-19 pandemic to viable ecosystems
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about supply chain viability: designing for ecosystem survivability beyond resilience?
- Design for survivability by considering the entire ecosystem and planning for long-term, systemic disruptions, not just short-term shocks. Evidence: International Journal of Production Research (2023).
- Why does "Supply Chain Viability: Designing for Ecosystem Survivability Beyond Resilience" matter for design?
- Understanding supply chain viability is crucial for designing robust and adaptable systems that can withstand not only acute disruptions but also systemic, long-term challenges. This perspective shifts the focus from reactive recovery to proactive design for sustained operation and adaptation within a broader network.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design for survivability by considering the entire ecosystem and planning for long-term, systemic disruptions, not just short-term shocks.
- What were the main findings?
- Supply chain viability is a distinct concept from resilience, emphasizing long-term survivability of ecosystems.. Seven pillars of supply chain viability theory include: viable supply chain design, viability in process planning and control, ripple effect, intertwined and reconfigurable supply networks, ecosystems, digital supply chain, and Industry 5.0.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review and Conceptual Framework Development.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from International Journal of Production Research.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a new product or service, map out its entire supply chain and consider how disruptions at any point, or to related industries, could impact its long-term viability. Develop contingency plans that go beyond immediate recovery.
- What are the limitations?
- The theory is still developing and requires further empirical validation and practical application across diverse industries.