A Theoretical Framework Assessment Proposal for a Complexity Degree Measurement on a Supply Chain Network

A complex system is usually defined as an environment that the current processes and activities do not allow a simple approach to the overall management tasks. Despite the distinct types of complexity present on a supply chain (SC), the management level needs a more comprehensive understating of how does it impact the SC performance, identifying the supply chain complexity (SCC) degree and applying the appropriate approach to support the decision-making and business risk assessment. Based on an exploratory research methodology, a theoretical framework proposal was developed and applied in a test case to validate potential use in the SC management network based on a literature review of the most recent works on SCC models. The preliminary findings were promising, and it is encouraging further investigation and model improvements.