Industry-Focused White Papers

The Global Supply Chain Institute’s white papers, written and researched by the University of Tennessee’s globally ranked faculty, explore supply chain trends and challenges and discuss innovative approaches to supply chain management to reveal today’s best practices. Research from these white papers has appeared in leading business and industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Supply Chain Management Review and DC Logistics.

COVER-Supply Chain Planning Talent and Leadership White Paper

Leadership Development for Tomorrow’s Supply Chain Planning Professionals

Supply Chain Training and Talent Considerations for the Next Generation of Leaders

April, 2024
Supply chain planning is central to the strategic initiatives and goals of modern-day businesses. The demand for competent supply chain professionals is higher than ever. Demand will only grow as supply chain leadership leans heavily on planners to manage change, navigate new technologies, and manage ambiguity with flexibility and skill. This white paper is the product of a year-long engagement with senior supply chain leaders. Its key findings and core competencies provide businesses with the tools to ensure success in developing supply chain planning talent for the future.
White Paper Cover: Advanced Supply Chain Planning

Advanced Supply Chain Planning: Leading Edge Capabilities for Future Success

A Must-Read for Today’s Supply Chain Planning Manager

November, 2023
For the past decade, companies have faced unprecedented supply chain challenges. In response, supply chain planning emerged as a critical priority for business leaders responding to pressures and leading transformation. This white paper explores how companies can develop a robust supply chain planning foundation today and presents seven advanced planning capabilities they will need for competitive success in the future.
White Paper Cover: EPIC Global Supply Chain Risk Assessment

EPIC Supply Chain Framework

A Global Risk Assessment & Readiness Resource 

April, 2020
In an increasingly unpredictable world, business leaders can better assess risk by using the EPIC Report and associated EPIC Supply Chain Framework, which measures supply chain readiness from four perspectives: Economy (E), Politics (P), Infrastructure (I), and Competence (C). The authors of this white paper evaluated 64 countries from 10 geographic regions, with a particular focus on how supply chain leaders can manage risk and plan, prepare, and measure supply chain capabilities both globally and for their organizations. This report is must-read information for today’s supply chain decision-makers.
White Paper Cover: End-to-End Supply Chain Planning Framework and Key Concepts: Why Planning is the “Brains” of the Supply Chain

End-to-End Supply Chain Planning Frameworks, Concepts, and Best Practices

"End-to-End Supply Chain Planning Framework and Key Concepts: Why Planning is the ‘Brains’ of the Supply Chain”

April, 2019
In a complex global supply chain environment, the role of a supply chain planner cannot be underestimated. Increasingly, business executives are recognizing the importance of supply chain planning, with an urgency to improve systems, staffing, and processes. Supply chain leaders are adding dedicated, highly qualified supply chain planners to eliminate waste as well as to lead and manage processes that will more efficiently deliver on corporate goals. This white paper provides supply chain planning frameworks, concepts, research, and best practices for planning as one of the essential roles of supply chain management.
White Paper Cover: Advanced Demand/Supply Integration (DSI) Best Practices: Why S&OP Has Largely Not Been Effective in Last Four Decades

Advanced Demand/Supply Integration (DSI)

DSI Best Practices and How To Avoid Ineffective S&OP Implementations

April, 2018
During field interviews about demand/supply integration (DSI), GSCI researchers uncovered a friction point that required further investigation. Across 18 benchmark companies spanning several industries, and through a partnership with global DSI expert Mark Moon, they found that: 1) Supply chain leaders support and believe in DSI and dedicate time, money, and resources to DSI processes and S&OP implementation, and 2) DSI and S&OP have been largely ineffective for decades. Download this white paper to dig into the supply chain best practices we’ve unearthed for creating the right culture and rewards to ensure DSI's success.
White Paper Cover: New Product Initiative Best Practices: Driving Incremental Value through Proactive Supply Chain Involvement

New Product Initiative Best Practices: Driving Incremental Value through Proactive Supply Chain Involvement

October, 2017
Driving incremental value through proactive supply chain involvement. Sponsored by Bush Brothers and Company.
White Paper Cover: The ABCs of DCs - Distribution Center Management: A Best Practices Overview

The ABCs of DCs – Distribution Center Management: A Best Practices Overview

February, 2015
Sponsored by Kenco – A Report by the Supply Chain Management Faculty at the University of Tennessee
White Paper Cover: Managing Risk in the Global Supply Chain

Managing Risk in the Global Supply Chain

How to Manage Supply Chain Challenges and Risk

April, 2014
One constant when it comes to global supply chain management is risk. Despite the many challenges companies face, executives don’t always prioritize or formalize how supply chain challenges will be resolved. Supply chain leaders must therefore prioritize risk management and enact processes to identify and mitigate risk. This is must-know information for the modern supply chain professional.