A Systematic Literature Review of Supply Chain Management Strategies and SME Performance: A Retrospective Analysis, Current Trends and Future Opportunities

Ahmad Al Naimat; Lalita Davies

doi:10.5755/j01.ee.36.2.39372

Authors

Ahmad Al Naimat Faculty of Economy and Business, University of Granada, Spain
Lalita Davies Fatima College of Health Sciences, Institute of Applied Technology Al Mafraq, UAE https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3828-5828

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.36.2.39372

Keywords:

Supply Chain Management, Small and Medium Enterprises, Bibliometric Analysis, Performance, Green Supply Chain, Technology Adoption, Emerging Economies

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic literature review on supply chain management (SCM) strategies and their influence on Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) performance in emerging economies. Covering 241 Scopus-indexed articles from 2001 to 2024, the analysis utilizes bibliometric and content analysis with tools such as RStudio, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) SCM strategies’ impact on SME performance, (2) integration and collaboration for enhanced performance, and (3) technology adoption for competitive advantage. Findings reveal notable trends, such as the growing interest in green SCM and supply chain resilience, with the UK and India leading in contributions. This research offers SMEs actionable insights for integrating supply chain strategies, enhancing collaborative planning, and refining supply chain management capabilities. Additionally, the study provides a roadmap for future research into sustainable practices, regulatory compliance, and technology driven SCM strategies to support SMEs in addressing complex market challenges.

Author Biographies

Ahmad Al Naimat, Faculty of Economy and Business, University of Granada, Spain

Ahmad Al Naimat is a doctoral student in the field of Economics and Business Administration at Granada University, Spain. He earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Mutah University, where he began building his expertise in economic strategy and business operations. Ahmad has several years of experience across academia and industry; he has dedicated his research to exploring the impact of supply chain management (SCM) strategies on the performance of SMEs in emerging economies. Currently, he is focused on identifying effective SCM approaches to enhance SME success, aiming to advance applied knowledge in Economics and Business Administration.

Lalita Davies, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Institute of Applied Technology Al Mafraq, UAE

Lalita Davies graduated from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 2018 and earned her Master of Science in Global Health and Development from University College London (UCL) in 2021. She has dedicated her career to research and academia, initially working at the Metropolitan School of Business and Management in Dubai. Currently, she serves at the Institute of Applied Technology in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the intersection of healthcare, technology, and sustainable development in emerging markets.