The book focuses on the development of the concept of supply chain management and the current state of knowledge on supply chain structure and infrastructure. It draws together knowledge from materials management, purchasing and supply management, operations management, industrial marketing and logistics perspectives, as well as industrial economics, organizational behaviour, systems thinking, and strategic management.

Three key conceptual themes are developed: (1) the recognition of supply chain management as a multi-level endeavour, (2) the increasing aspirations for supply chain management to be a strategic, not just an operational concept, and (3) the view of the supply chain management research community as an academic discipline. The book also examines supply chain structure in terms of dyads, triads, chains, networks, supply bases, supply systems and supply markets.

Supply chain infrastructure is discussed in terms of processes, roles and behaviours, and draws on extensive international empirical research. Challenges for researchers are addressed, such as interconnectedness in complex supply systems, the need for greater resilience, and how public policy and public value can be impacted by research.

It concludes with a co-authored chapter that examines the potential future identity of supply chain management. .