Supply Chain Flexibility: Unravelling the Research Trajectory Through Citation Path Analysis

To counter the uncertainties encountered within a supply chain and enhance its efficiency, it is imperative for a supply chain to be flexible. This paper aims to investigate the trajectory of development in the field of Supply Chain Flexibility (SCF). We perform citation analysis to understand the evolving trajectory. VOSviewer and Pajek software are used to conduct citation path analysis and keyword co-occurrence analysis in the field of SCF. Subsequently, a meticulous evaluation of papers along citation paths is conducted, accompanied by a comparative analysis between the general corpus and a specialized journal focused on flexible systems, namely the Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management (GJFSM). The main path identifies specific themes: SCF, agility, risk and uncertainties, and a holistic view of the SC. The evolving trajectory has origins in 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. We additionally identify specific clusters of research, highlighting their concentration in areas such as SCF, risk management, performance management, and supply chain uncertainties. The research outcomes indicate a congruence between the studies featured in GJFSM and the broader corpus of SCF. Furthermore, these findings imply that exploring the intersection of Industry 4.0 and SCF presents promising avenues for future research endeavors.