Decision support tools for optimizing supply chain management information systems

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This research aims to design and evaluate a new model and methodology that enables practitioners to more fully analyze the functional gaps in their implemented supply chain management information systems (SCM IS). The primary contribution to knowledge is in understanding the theoretical principles governing the effective design and evaluation of enterprise information systems. A prescriptive model is proposed to assist with determining optimal SCM IS capabilities. A measurement model is also proposed for analyzing gaps between desired and realized capabilities of an implemented SCM IS. Both models incorporate fuzzy logic to model uncertainty and are grounded in prior studies of fit between supply chain configurations and information systems capabilities. The first objective is to design and evaluate a prescriptive model of optimal SCM IS capabilities by: (a) identifying design principles and fuzzy rules for analyzing supply chains and recommending optimal SCM IS capabilities; (b) creating a computer simulation for predicting the performance of different combinations of supply chain and SCM IS configurations; and (c) analyzing the simulation results to validate the fuzzy model. The second objective is to design and evaluate a gap analysis measurement model by: (a) designing a web-based decision support system (DSS) for analyzing SCM IS configurations, determining where functional gaps exist, and explaining how to optimize the configuration; and (b) evaluating the DSS using field studies and experiments to iteratively evaluate and improve the design of the gap analysis decision tools. Contributions to the literature are expected in: (1) new design and evaluation methods for requirements engineering incorporating fuzzy set theory and configurational theory; (2) new fuzzy logic models for analyzing supply chain configurations and emergent information systems capabilities; and (3) new simulation and decision support tools for evaluating the impact of different combinations of supply chain configurations and information systems capabilities. Furthermore, the research program will provide decision-makers with practical guidance on the design, evaluation, and optimization of SCM IS, with an aim to improve their utility.