CAPS Research studies are bias-free, disciplined, and executable.
Led by notable professors in the supply management space from top universities worldwide in collaboration with supply management executives, reports are designed to give you a head start on the topics that shape the profession.
A future-looking agenda with practical application today
The CAPS research schedule
CAPS research studies are member-driven and future-focused, ensuring that the actions you take today give your organization the upper hand for the future of the profession. Through our research pipeline meetings, members guide our agenda and it is carried out by researchers over the following year.
Operational & Geopolitical Risks
Researchers: Greg Collins and Adegoke Oke
Discover how to strengthen your supply chain resilience with our research on operational and geopolitical risks. In a world where disruptions are the new norm, this comprehensive study reveals the top challenges faced by global supply chains and offers actionable insights from industry executives. Unlock strategies to effectively mitigate risks and justify investments, even when faced with uncertainty.
Engaging Employees and Customers in Sustainability
Researchers: Lisa Ellram and Wendy Tate
This report explores the idea that “every job is a climate job,” highlighting how each employee can contribute to sustainability through their daily decisions. It provides practical strategies for fostering a sustainability mindset among employees and reviews the essential knowledge they should embrace regarding sustainable practices. Key focus areas include appropriate metrics, voluntary participation vs job integration, and engagement strategies for employees and customers.
CAPS research reports
Stay in-the-loop on the latest research
Sign up for our newsletter or subscribe to our YouTube channel for short preview videos. Each report consists of the full study, a brief with report highlights, and illustrative examples and use cases. Our newest research reports are available to members immediately upon release with login. Non-members with an account in the CAPS Library may access research published more than 7 years ago.
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Using Circular Economy and Circular Supply Chain Principles in Packaging
Published October 2024 by CAPS Research
Researchers: Lisa Ellram and Wendy Tate
This report explores the concepts and implications of circular packaging. Researchers examine the 10 Rs of the circular economy, illustrating how these principles can be applied across various industries and packaging types. The report also includes a review of the potential benefits and challenges of circular packaging, along with suggestions on how to get started.
CAPS Research members: Register for an account or login to access all reports in the CAPS Library now.
CAPS Research members: Register for an account or login to access all reports in the CAPS Library now.
Differences in Sourcing, Contracting, and Managing Different Types of Technology
Published September 2024 by CAPS Research
Researchers: Srimathy Mohan, Mohan Gopalakrishnan, Brett Duarte
This research study focuses on the evolving technologies for sourcing and contracting, as well as the ecosystems in which these technologies function effectively. A detailed playbook comparing various advanced software tools is included in the report.
Incorporating Environmental Sustainability Criteria in the Sourcing Decision
Published April 2024 by CAPS Research
Researchers: Craig Carter and Hitendra Chaturvedi
In this study researchers examine how organizations are currently incorporating environmental sustainability criteria into sourcing decisions, including key drivers and barriers to implementing ESG into sourcing decisions.
Engaging Suppliers in Sustainability
Published March 2024 by CAPS Research
Researchers: Lisa Ellram and Wendy Tate
Addressing GHG reduction is a significant challenge for businesses today. This report explores organizational readiness, materiality, best practices, and recommended scorecard metrics for engaging suppliers in your GHG reduction efforts.
Purchasing and Supply Management Organizations' Adaptation to Dynamic Environments
Published December 2023 by CAPS Research
Researchers: Adegoke Oke, Stephan Wagner, Renae Rockwood, and Yan Zou
In this study, researchers investigate how supply management teams may change their structure, skill requirements, and responsibilities in response to dynamic organizational objectives. The research specifically examines how digitalization and automation in supply management are driving these changes.
CAPS research reports are practitioner-focused, practically-applicable, and relevant to the evolving supply management landscape. We leverage our powerful network of supply management executives at leading companies worldwide and the expertise and discipline of notable supply management academics from top institutions.
Our researchers' higher education institutions:
- Arizona State University
- Colorado State University
- ESADE Business School (Spain)
- Miami University
- Michigan State University
- North Carolina State University
- Northeastern University
- Ohio State University
- Portland State University
- Rutgers The State University of New Jersey
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) (Switzerland)
- Texas A&M University
- University of Houston
- University of Minnesota
- University of Notre Dame
- University of North Texas
- University of Tennessee
- Wake Forest University
- Wayne State University
New research exclusively for members
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Help shape the future of the profession
CAPS relies on best-in-class organizations to participate in our unbiased, primary research. Are you willing to share your stories and experiences?