Learning to integrate: supply chains reconceptualised

Andrew J. Sense, University of Wollongong
Michael D. Clements, University of Wollongong

Abstract

This paper introduces and explains a conception of supply chains from a situated learning perspective. This non-conventional supply chain perspective invites the reader to consider supply chain scenarios as ‘situated learning opportunities involving multiple communities of practice’ interacting and participating together. It is argued that by embracing and appropriately engaging this humanistic, social and practical learning perspective, supply chain practitioners have opportunities to initiate a ‘community of practice’ condition across a supply chain setting. Therein, practitioners systematically and collaboratively focus on developing their learning skills, their knowledge and their relationships which stimulates and promotes inter-organizational integration and performance along a supply chain.