The effect of strategic alliances on supply chain resilience under external shocks

ABSTRACT

Enterprises opt for alliances to bolster supply chain resilience (SCR) against external shocks. Yet, studies on the impact of strategic alliances on SCR from an operations management perspective are still lacking. This study develops a supply chain network (SCN) cascading failure model that accommodates the presence of strategic alliances, drawing upon complex network theory and cascading failure theory. Using numerical simulations and empirical examples, the study delves into how enterprises can effectively enhance their SCR by forming strategic alliances and appropriately allocating redundant resources. The findings reveal that: (I) Strategic alliances enhance SCR; (II) When enterprises maintain a degree of redundancy, the strengthening effect of alliances on SCR is even more pronounced, particularly under significant external shocks; and (III) In the context of cascading failures, disruptions to smaller enterprises have a more pronounced effect on SCR. Notably, weak-weak alliances contribute more to SCR than strong-strong alliances.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Supply chain resilience
• strategic alliances
• cascading failures
• complex networks
• external shocks
• redundant resources

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in [“figshare”] at [https://figshare.com/], reference number [10.6084/m9.figshare.24474814].

Additional information

Funding

This paper is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 52062026 and No. 52162041], Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province Project [NO.23JRZA364]. Double-First Class Major Research Programs, Educational Department of Gansu Province [No. GSSYLXM-04] and Lanzhou Jiaotong University Basic research top talent training program [NO.2022JC56].

Notes on contributors

Qiang Xiao

Xiao Qiang was born in Nanyang Henan, China, in 1979. He received M.S. degrees in School of electronic information and electrical engineering from Lanzhou JiaoTong University in 2007, and Ph.D. degree in School of Traffic and Transportation from Lanzhou JiaoTong University in 2017. He is currently a professor in School of Economics and Management, Lanzhou JiaoTong University, GanSu, China. His research interests include data mining and data analysis.

Guoqing Song

Song Guo-qing is currently a master student at the College of Economics and Management, Lanzhou JiaoTong University. His current research interests include Supply chain management and logistics.

Zongyan Gao

Gao Zong-yan is currently a master student at the College of Economics and Management, Lanzhou JiaoTong University. Her current research interests include Supply chain management and logistics.