A Value Chain Approach to Studying Antecedents of Delivery Flexibility
The literature on manufacturing flexibility indicates that much work remains to be done on understanding the various dimensions of flexibility. This paper focuses on one particular dimension, namely delivery flexibility, which is defined as the ability to adjust delivery dates and accommodate rush orders and special orders (Sawhney, 2006). In order for a firm to provide delivery flexibility to its customers, it is necessary to coordinate the entire link that extends down the value chain, from the supplier-to the marketing-end, which is the focus in this paper. We draw on the existing literature to identify several antecedents of delivery flexibility at these different stages of the value chain. We then embellish the literature with field observations to develop a conceptual framework and testable model. We also develop a measure for delivery flexibility, which was necessary for testing the proposed model.We employ data from printed circuit board firms that share characteristics like high technology and rapid new product development, and require highly responsive supply chains. The findings support assertions often made in the literature regarding the need for better integrating the supplier, process, and marketing stages of the value chain to contribute to delivery flexibility.
Value Chain Approach Delivery Flexibility
Rajeev Sawhney Narendar Sumukadas
Western Illinois University University of Hartford
国际会议
香港·广州
英文
271-276
2010-07-25（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）