Managing the global supply chain: A SME perspective1

Tan, E. N.; Smith, G.; Saad, M.

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight the underlying factors that contribute to the effective management of a global supply chain from the perspective of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Global competition has placed considerable pressure on SMEs to improve on cost and efficiency, to provide value-added services to meet market demand, leading to a need for them to re-examine their competitive strategies. Through a case study on a UK firm, GB Electronics Ltd (GBE), the 'key motives, 'enablers and 'inhibitors of supply chain management, particularly related to cultural differences, were investigated. A framework for effective collaboration was then established to provide an insight into possible ways of addressing these issues adequately within SMEs.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2006
• Journal: Production Planning and Control
• Print ISSN: 0953-7287
• Electronic ISSN: 1366-5871
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 238-246
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09537280500285417
• Keywords: supply chain management, cultural differences, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), case study
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1045500
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09537280500285417