From Buyer to Integrator: The Transformation of the Supply-Chain Manager in the Vertically Disintegrating Firm
Production and Operations Management, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 75-91, Spring 2002
17 Pages Posted: 27 Aug 2008 Last revised: 4 Oct 2011
Date Written: May 5, 2002
Abstract
Using case study data, we describe how a large personal computer manufacturer changed its supply-chain management strategy after outsourcing the majority of its design and manufacturing activities to a network of focused suppliers. To cope with this new structure, the firm created highly skilled generalists, "supply-chain integrators," who coordinate product development, marketing, production, and logistics from product concept to delivery across firm boundaries. We particularly focus on the skill-set that characterizes these integrators. Finally, we use the case evidence, combined with previous theory, to suggest a specific program of research into coordinating product development across disaggregated supply chains.
Keywords: Supply Chains, New Product Development, Integration, Outsourcing, Organization Design, Interface
JEL Classification: M1, L2
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Edward G. Anderson
University of Texas at Austin - Department of Information, Risk and Operations Management ( email )
CBA 5.202
Austin, TX 78712
United States
512-471-6394 (Phone)
512-471-3937 (Fax)
