Supply
Chain Management (SCM) refers to the integrative approach to managing
the flow of goods and services from supplier all the way through to the
end user. Supply chains have three components; the procurement system,
the production system, and the distribution system. These three
components are prevalent in all businesses, regardless of the industry
sector. In recognition of the importance of supply chain issues, some
academic institutions have developed new supply chain management
programs, modified from traditional functional programs such as
logistics, operations management, procurement, industrial and production
engineering to encompass supply chain concepts and issues. From an academic
perspective, there is a need for developing a knowledge base in the
area of Supply Chain Management because of the changing business
philosophies and practices.