EVALUATION OF TACTICAL PLANNING MATURITY IN SUPPLY CHAINS OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

Abstract

This paper aims to propose and test a model facilitating assessment of tactical planning maturity in supply chains of manufacturing companies. The author proposes a model called Tactical Planning Maturity Model (TPMM). The model is created based on literature research, participant observations and data gathering conducted in two companies. The proposed framework combines both knowledge from supply chain integration and steps necessary to reach proficiency in sales and operation planning. The second step consists of choosing a case study method to verify model adequacy in two companies operating in central Poland. The findings illustrate the TPMM as a ready-to-use tool where the line to supply chain maturity is clearly drafted and results could be compared between production companies. This paper strengthens the link between practitioner and academic literature by providing empirical evidence of the benefits of tactical planning maturity model usage as well as its impact on further development of supply chains. This paper studied merely two companies and is not intended to be representative of outcomes for all companies looking to understand the complexity and maturity of their supply chains. Furthermore, the analyzed companies only reached level four in the maturity model; levels five and six were not observed. Further quantitative studies are required for testing the accuracy of the proposed model and potentially, qualitative studies could be undertaken in order to understand factors enabling the increase in maturity of tactical planning in the supply chains of manufacturing companies.