An Investigation Of The Role Of Supply Chain Visibility Into The Scottish Blood Supply Chain

The management of the blood supply chain is considered of vital importance. This study explores the role of supply chain visibility in the inventory and demand planning of blood products. The study is based on a qualitative and inductive research design. Data were collected through interviewing staff at various stages of the Scottish blood supply chain, and a template analysis technique was used to analyse the collected data. Results showed that supply chain visibility plays a vital role in the daily material flow of blood products, enabling an effective response to emergencies with demand or supply shortages. Further, the study identified some gaps associated with the Scottish blood supply chain in terms of providing their staff with the information they desire. This study contributes to both supply chain visibility and blood supply chain management literature. It highlights perceived benefits by having end-to-end visibility in supply chains, especially in the context of blood supply chains. In addition, the study offers insight into what information staff at various stages of the BSC believes they require. Practitioners can utilise the identified visibility gaps to determine future development projects, target resources to overcome the identified inhibitors and seek to develop further the factors that enable SCV.