Global supply chain configurations using environmental complexity dimensions: an ontological examination

The configurational approach has become popular in operations and supply chain management. A number of configurations that consider the different business conditions of supply chains are published in the literature and can be usefully applied. However, as recently emphasized by Ferdows (2018), much more needs to be done within the realm of international operations. While cross-border configurations are now common in the domain from the point of view of value chains and production networks, little emphasis has been given to understanding these configurations in terms of international uncertainty, complexity, and the related international diversification strategies of firms. This chapter integrates key work within international business and operations and supply chain management and proposes an environmental complexity dimension for distinguishing cross-border supply chain configurations. This dimension aims to enhance our understanding of the detail complexity that arises in international operations. The propositions for future research pertain to the linkages and interrelationships that are posited between the already existing supply chain configurations, but also the geographic scope and complexity that is implied by each.