David Gallear
Digital/web-based technology in purchasing and supply management: A UK study
Gallear, David; Ghobadian, Abby; O'Regan, Nicholas
Authors
Abby Ghobadian
Nicholas O'Regan
Abstract
Purpose - To date little is known about the actual level of utilisation of digital/web-based interaction technologies in purchasing and supply management (SM) in the UK. This paper seeks to address this gap in the extant knowledge through empirical research in a UK setting. It examines the level of usage, the uses, the perceived benefits, and future perspective on the use, of web-based technology in purchasing and SM. Design/methodology/approach - An empirical survey of UK-based organisations was undertaken. Information simultaneously collected on the buyer-supplier relationship orientation of the firms in the sample was used to test the proposition that the use of web-based technology leads to stronger collaborative relationships with suppliers. Findings - Data obtained from 156 valid responses indicated that six in every ten organisations use web-based technology to support purchasing and SM activities, but that the usage is lower in small to medium-sized enterprises. The main uses reported are for communicating with suppliers, for marketing products/services, and for locating technical data. Making purchases over the internet was significantly more prevalent in organisations exhibiting relatively more partnership orientation. Practical implications - The findings provide only limited evidence in support of the proposition that the deployment of web-based technology leads to stronger buyer-supplier relations. However, findings do suggest that the effectiveness of the purchasing and supply function can be enhanced through greater use of web-based technology for online purchasing and for efficient consumer response. Originality/value - The paper establishes salient UK managerial perception on the strategic and operational importance of web-based technology adoption in purchasing and SM. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
| Journal Article Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | Mar 14, 2008 |
| Journal | Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management |
| Print ISSN | 1741-038X |
| Publisher | Emerald |
| Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 346-360 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/17410380810853777 |
| Keywords | buyers, communication technologies, purchasing, suppliers, supply chain management, United Kingdom |
| Public URL | https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1018652 |
| Publisher URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17410380810853777 |