Research-Thesis: Design and validation of a self-assessment tool for supply chain resilience in SMEs.

Abstract

Moroccan SMEs operating in the automotive sector face increasing supply chain disruptions caused by global uncertainty, supplier dependency, limited digitalization, and financial constraints. Although supply chain resilience has become essential for long-term sustainability, many SMEs still lack practical and accessible tools to assess and improve their resilience capabilities. The research design and validation of a self-assessment tool that is tailored More exactly to Moroccan automotive SMEs is one way to fill this gap. The study combines a literature review with semi-structured interviews conducted with supply chain professionals working in SMEs. The proposed tool bases its assessment of resilience on six major dimensions: Agility, Flexibility, Robustness, Visibility, Collaboration, and Proactivity. These dimensions are converted into practical indicators that can be easily assessed by SME managers without requiring analytical skills or external consulting. The tool also integrates a simple five-level maturity model ranging from reactive practices to more structured and proactive resilience management approaches. Based on the maturity score obtained, SMEs receive practical recommendations to strengthen their supply chain resilience progressively. The findings show that Moroccan automotive SMEs mainly rely on informal resilience mechanisms such as workforce versatility, rapid decision-making, and trust-based supplier relationships. However, important vulnerabilities remain, particularly regarding supplier dependency, weak formal risk management practices, and limited digital infrastructure. This research contributes both academically and managerially by providing a simple, operational, and context-adapted resilience assessment framework for SMEs operating in emerging economies.