Probability, adaptability and time: some research-practice paradoxes in supply chain resilience and viability modelling

Modelling of resilience and viability became crucial and visible research avenues for decision-making support in case of supply chain disruptions. This article discusses some research-practice paradoxes stemming from typical problem settings and assumptions in supply chain resilience and viability modelling. We show that the categories of probability, adaptability, and time are major determinants of resilience and viability modelling in supply chains. As an example, we discuss how probability-based supply chain design models can be enhanced through inclusion of adaptability and connectivity characteristics of the network elements with consideration of time. We deduce some open questions the elaboration on which can provide novel and substantial contributions in future. In particular, we stress the importance of furthering our understanding of reliable suppliers, disruption probabilities, disruption time and ripple effect estimation, value-creation perspective of resilience, and viability of intertwined supply networks.