Global supply network health: Analysis and visualization

Abstract

The health of a global supply network (GSN) plays an important role in the effective and timely delivery of complex products and services. Decision makers are in need of a holistic approach inclusive of several aspects affecting GSN performance, moving beyond traditional approaches that limit GSN analysis to a singular aspect, such as operational or financial performance. We argue that GSN health consists of four key aspects: operational, financial, collaboration, and strategic health. Using a network analytic approach, we propose a methodology to assess and visualize GSN health. We illustrate our methodology using a field study in the aerospace industry. Our contributions are multifold. Theoretically, we contribute to our understanding of GSNs as multimodal networks consisting of both technical and social relationships. From a managerial perspective, we provide a GSN health assessment and visualization framework that enables decision makers to identify risks, determine potential paths of their diffusion, and devise appropriate mitigation strategies.