From a supply chain perspective, often big differences exist between global raw material suppliers’ approaches to supply their respective local markets. The progressing complexity of large centrally managed global supply networks and their often-unknown upstream ramifications increase the likelihood of undetected bottlenecks and inefficiencies. It is therefore necessary, to develop an approach to strategically master the upstream complexity of such networks from a holistic perspective, in order to align regional competitive priorities and supply chain structures. The research is set in the context of polyamide engineering thermoplastics in the automotive industry. Based on an initial industry analysis and a literature review, a conceptual framework is developed. The framework is matched with existing empirical and theoretical literature, as well as multiple case study analyses in the relevant supply market and a centrally managed global supply network. As a result, strategic group theory is transferred into the supply network management context, to allow for the consideration of upstream supply chain structures in the category strategy development process. The proposed approach introduces strategic groups of supply chains as a segmentation criterion for complex global supply networks, which enables the network-wide alignment of competitive priorities, flexibility requirements, and partnerships with suppliers. Supply chain-based category strategies can effectively reduce the complexity firms are facing in this context. The results of this research are applicable for certain types of global supply networks, and can be used for network alignment and strategy development. The approach can furthermore generate valuable insights useable for negotiation support with suppliers.

This work presents a comprehensive model of supply chain management. Experienced executives from 20 companies clearly define supply chain management, identifying those factors that contribute to its effective implementation. They provide practical guidelines on how companies can manage supply chains, addressing the role of all the traditional business functions in supply chain management and suggest how the adoption of a supply chain management approach can affect business strategy and corporate performance.

Business Logistics Management 4e covers concepts and theories relating to the movement of goods, the coordination of supply chain, the most recent advances in logistics technology, the exchange of information, and the impact on business within the logistics management framework.

Product development and ramp-up is a well-researched challenge for industry. However, how to end the production of a product is a blind spot for industry and science although practitioners are calling for scientific support. This book sheds light on the topic of production phase-out by offering measures that can turn a process that is perceived as uninspiring to a success pillar for companies. The book reveals cross-industry insights on the relatively new topic of phase-out. The interview findings are mirrored with the Phase-Out Process Model, which describes activities and tasks to be performed during a phase-out. As an instrument to support the implementation of the process model, the Phase-Out Production Planning and Control was developed as an add-on to standard production IT support. It enables companies to better forecast spare parts needs and expected remaining stock costs at the proposed end of production. Through a qualitative and a conceptual research phase, the findings of this dissertation show that there is a high potential of improving phase-out in the industry. This manuscript provides theoretical and managerial implications to pave the way towards enhancing phase-outs. This potential can be raised by implementing the proposed formalization structures and mathematical models based on empirical and conceptual research. This book, therefore, helps to promote the effective implementation of a formalized phase-out in company’s management practice to make their business more efficient.

This open access book explores supply chains strategies to help companies face challenges such as societal emergency, digitalization, climate changes and scarcity of resources. The book identifies industrial scenarios for the next decade based on the analysis of trends at social, economic, environmental technological and political level, and examines how they may impact on supply chain processes and how to design next generation supply chains to answer these challenges. By mapping enabling technologies for supply chain innovation, the book proposes a roadmap for the full implementation of the supply chain strategies based on the integration of production and logistics processes. Case studies from process industry, discrete manufacturing, distribution and logistics, as well as ICT providers are provided, and policy recommendations are put forward to support companies in this transformative process.

Decision-making on outsourcing new product development (especially innovation projects), such as engaging and managing the supply chain, is far from easy. It may involve addressing strategic and operational risks that might cause longer development times and increase innovations costs. It is, therefore, imperative to select suppliers very carefully and set up an effective management strategy vis-à-vis the supply partners right from the inception phase. Supply chain management is facing enormous challenges, driven by interrelated disruptions that will have a vast and lasting impact. Based on a relevant case study, Boeing 787 Dreamliner programme, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of the decision-making models for outsourcing strategic activities. The proposed model suggests a valuable approach to outsourcing the decision-making strategies for new product development when the innovation is driven by technological innovation.