Framework for choosing supply chain strategies

The root cause of the problems plaguing many supply chains is a mismatch between the supply chain strategy and the business strategy. The purpose of this article is firstly to examine supply chain management challenges with specific reference to the South African automotive industry and secondly to suggest a framework to help supply chain managers choose their supply chain strategies. The article is based on a theoretical analytical review of related literature on supply chain strategies. Based on the review of literature, the article articulates that supply chain challenges in the South African automotive industry stem from the external environment, the customers, competition and the automotive industry. The article also contends that the challenges in the supply chain are caused by a mismatch in the application of supply chain strategies. The article concludes by suggesting a framework for chosen supply chain strategies and endeavours to contribute to the debate on differentiating supply chain strategies.   Key words: Supply chain management, supply chain strategy, automotive industry.