Unpacking critical success factors to improve supply chain effectiveness, efficiency and performance: a 7Vs framework for consideration

This paper seeks to guide supply chain managers regarding critical success factors (CSFs) by examining decision-making themes associated with effectiveness. It builds on previous theoretical and operational perspectives relating to CSFs for supply chain management. The research uses a quantitative survey instrument informed by responses from 303 supply chain decision makers. This enabled the identification of 7 key clusters from 48 variables which are directly linked to supply chain efficiency by applying Principal Component Analysis. CSFs are somewhat neglected in the supply chain literature and to address this, an evidence-based 7Vs framework is proposed, incorporating CSFs to aid the successful operation of supply chain performance. The results suggest that managing CSFs improves supply chain efficiency and performance, whilst assisting organisations in attaining a competitive advantage. This research takes a holistic view of organisations’ operational efficiency and contributes to the evidence base for successful operation of supply chains utilising CSFs.