Review of Global Supply Chain Research

The ILO requested a comprehensive study to map and analyze the different approaches to obtain and manage supply chain information and data collection strategies given the diversity of approaches and techniques used within the ILO to determine decent work deficits in GSCs. The study provided an holistic view of the ILO’s work on supply chain mapping, including an inventory of existing approaches, what is being collected, review of the pros and cons of each methodology, areas of synergy/conflict, current data collection strategies and the stock of current data available, and possibilities for integrating this information to create a new shared information resource. Key steps in the process included:

• Identified the needs and approaches to supply chain mapping and proposed solutions to make the collected data available across the ILO. Activities included:
• Interviewed ILO staff in each department about their SC mapping approaches & strategies, current programs and projects, and operational needs.
• Conducted desk reviews of ILO approaches for mapping at a company/product level, and sectorial level.
• Identified and described the supply chain research of other international organizations including ITC, WTO, UNIDO, FAO, and OECD.

The final report presented findings of the “mapping of mapping strategies” within the ILO and other institutions. It identified the types of mapping tools most appropriate for specific activities (e.g., policy questions and target beneficiary, supply chain tiers, etc.) and for each ILO department. I identified potential synergies across departments when conducting research and proposed ways to increase collaboration.