Creating flex-lean-agile value chain by outsourcing An ISM-based interventional roadmap

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the characteristics of flexible, agile and lean supply chains and establish, by factor analysis, that outsourcing can be a key intervention achieving the triple objective of flexibility, agility and leanness. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is a blend of theoretical framework and practical application and employs structural analysis to draw an interventional roadmap to facilitate value chain outsourcing. Findings - The paper finds that by outsourcing activities processes, organizations can deliver better value to the customer. Originality/value - The paper is of value in identifying the variables for effective value chain outsourcing.