Dimensions, management and outcomes of supply base complexity: a systematic literature review

This research aims to propose a comprehensive conceptualization of supply base complexity (SBC), evaluate its performance implications, and provide avenues for future research. For this purpose, a systematic literature review is conducted, resulting in a final set of 91 articles across 26 journals published in the last two decades (2002-2021). We distinguish three SBC dimensions (i.e. structural, operational, and relational) and several sub-dimensions. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the nuanced picture of the potential SBC effects on several performance dimensions, by also illustrating how SBC can be managed. Finally, we pose research questions that can guide future research on SBC.