The following definitions all attempt to clarify the concept
of SCM. According to the eighth edition APICS’ Dictionary(1995), the supply chain is: “The processes from the initial
raw materials to the ultimate consumption of the finished
product linking across supplier-user companies.” Morgan
(1997) defined integrated SCM as: “the alignment of buyers,
suppliers, and customers and their processes to achieve an
advanced form of competitive advantage.” Morash and
Clinton (1997) define supply chain structure as: “the
organizational efforts by three or more firms to manage and
integrate material and related information flows in order to
get closer to customers.” Other definitions by Lummus and
Vokurka (1999) and Wisner (2003) emphasize customer
service, an objective consistent with a marketing orientation.