 Investigating operations networks: a research designR. Beach, M. Webster International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2003, vol. 5, issue 1, 38-53 Abstract: Current trends in the global business environment are increasingly leading to the development of vertically disintegrated operations networks for manufacture. Within such networks, the effective use of subcontract arrangements is key to competitive success. This paper explores the reasons for using external manufacturers. A framework is presented and the utility of this is considered in relation to theory and to empirical findings from an industry survey. It is argued that the use of subcontractors in the operations network is determined as much by the competitive environment as contemporary management doctrine. Moreover, this paper reasons that the ability of an enterprise to develop appropriate relationships with its suppliers may differ significantly depending on which of a number of contemporary manufacturing paradigms is adopted by the principal organisation. This notion is explored and propositions pertaining to the influence of the principal-supplier relationship on overall network design are developed. A research design capable of facilitating the investigation of these propositions is presented. Keywords: manufacturing; suppliers; flexibility; methodology; research design; operations networks. (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijbpma:v:5:y:2003:i:1:p:38-53 Access Statistics for this article More articles in International Journal of Business Performance Management from Inderscience Enterprises Ltd |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.