A Review of Complimentary Theoretical Lens: Managing Supply Chain of Material Drugs in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The study examines supply chain coordination of the distribution of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs)intended for the treatment of malaria in Africa. Uganda, like most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, lacks effective coordination structures to facilitate the delivery of ACTs. Thus, the researchers attempt to explain supply chain coordination using the activity domain, resource dependency, and coordination theories. This study builds upon previous studies that have used complexity theory and transaction cost economies perspectives to inform supply chain coordination. The article answers the following questions: What theories can be used to understand supply chain coordination in Sub-Saharan Africa? What opportunities does this case of coordination of medicines in Uganda contribute towards understanding supply chain coordination? What methods are appropriate for supply chain coordination studies? This study adopts post-modernism philosophical orientation. It is based on how medicines are distributed from National Medical Stores to the end users. Analysis of the case of coordinating medicines in Uganda demonstrates that a multi-theoretical approach namely, the activity domain, resource dependency and coordination theories all together can be used for understanding supply chain coordination