Global Supply Chain Adaptations to Improve Financial Performance: Supply Base Establishment and Logistics Integration

Document Type

Article

Department or Administrative Unit

Finance and Supply Chain Management

Publication Date

2-8-2011

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand and describe the conditions that compel and underscore global supply chain (SC) adaptations.

Design/methodology/approach – Insights from contingency theory, Porter’s economic cluster theory and international factory mapping are used to analyze the SC adaptations that follow when an automotive firm moves from a domestic to a global SC.

Findings – An automotive global SC adaptation includes market entry considerations, the establishment of a three-stage flexible time- and production-based supplier network plan, and the integration of logistics partners.

Research limitations/implications – SC adaptations are an important consideration for any manufacturing expansion effort, especially international ones. Varying production levels impact supplier relationships and decisions and may result in varied supplier perspectives. Government regulations influence entry and routine decisions, while logistics issues and costs play an integral role in supplier perceptions and reactions.

Practical implications – With the rapid expansion of the Chinese auto market, entering manufacturing firms need more information about how to strategically locate, and develop and support supplier networks. A stepped supplier network establishment approach optimizes benefits for both manufacturing firmand suppliers.Evaluating and integrating logistics issues also sets the stage for future expansion efforts at optimal cost and supplier support.

Originality/value – The internationalization of the automotive SC involves adaptations that can only be successful through advance planning, strategic supplier networking, and systematic logistics integration.

Comments

This article was originally published in Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

Due to copyright restrictions, this article is not available for free download from ScholarWorks @ CWU.

Journal

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management

Rights

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Link to Full Text
Contact Author

Share

COinS