Managerial research on the pharmaceutical supplychain – A critical review and some insights for future directions

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic review of research on management in the pharmaceutical supplychain PSC). Recent PSC literature, published in peer-reviewed academic journals, was collated for content analysis. Research efforts depict a traditional focus one fficiency-improvement, with an emerging interest in process-analysis and technology implementation in the PSC. PSC research is also highly context- specific and focuses on developed economies. Accompanied with a transition towards network-centric approaches, studies depict distinct focus on three levels of industrial interaction, which influence the final value delivered. Research focus is rapidly moving from value addition with in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution environment to the interface with healthcare services, facilitated by the healthcare procurement and supply function. There view broadly outlines the scope for integrating research efforts from R&D to final healthcare delivery and for more studies in emer...