Aims

Adoption of the technologies of Industry 4.0 and digitalization in the supply chain enables optimization of operating models and unlocking new business models with implications on firm competitiveness and even competitive advantage. The complexity of supply chains implies multiple interdependent digitalization projects across functions, business units, dyads and networks, suggesting the use of programs as mechanisms for managing the transformative change. While the concept of a program has been discussed in several literature streams, research specifically on digital supply chain transformation programs is scarce. This research seeks to draw on the existing knowledge on programs, in order to inform further research on this important topic.  

Approach

A literature review approach is taken to sample relevant articles across the domains of project management, IT management, digitalization, change management and supply chain management. Article selection is subjective, focusing on the offering of theoretical perspectives regarding programs. NVivo was used in systematically analysing the sampled articles.    

Findings

Emergent cross-domain topics and other insights relevant to digital supply chain transformation are identified and discussed. It is concluded that the program perspective offers a useful lens to observe and better understand the management of digital supply chain transformations.

Relevance

The research offers perspectives for both practitioners and researchers on how to advance the agendas related to digital supply chain transformation.