Systematic Review and Research Agenda on Blood Supply Chain

With the purpose of revamping blood supply chain as a relevant research topic, we conduct a systematic review of the literature. We perform a systematic review of academic articles published in peer-reviewed international journals, mostly in the domains of blood, blood products (fresh frozen plasma, red blood cell, and platelet) and blood supply chain management. A systematic review has been developed that emphasizes the need for alignment between the key aspects of blood, blood products (fresh frozen plasma, red blood cell, and platelet) and its supply chain processes, the links between supply chain processes and supply chain strategy. A final sample of 31 articles published from 2008 to 2018 constitutes the knowledge base of the study. The scope of the research is to study the various levels and distinct forms of blood Supply Chain. Literature Survey indicates that most of the research has been conducted in the field of products having longer life cycles than the products having shorter life cycle like perishable (blood, blood products) products. The results show the publication pattern over time and provide evidence about the journals, the methodology adopted and the content elements of the blood supply chain. The research findings are applicable to a large extent for managerial decisions. There is a huge research scope available in this area as only a limited research has been done in this field. This research work and future researches in this field would be helpful for managers, students as well as academicians. After thoroughly reviewing and synthesizing important findings from existing literature, critical review and challenges are derived that highlights how blood products should be best matched with their production and logistics processes.