(18th ICPR) MANAGING AND DEVELOPING SUPPLIERS: CAN SCM BE ADOPTED BY SMES?

S J Williams (1)

1 School of Management and Business

Abstract Primary Objective: The aim of the research is to investigate whether it is possible for the smaller organisation to undertake supplier development activities. A review of the literature identifies that the furniture industry, which this paper focuses, has been overlooked in terms of supply chain (SC) research. Research design: This research adopted a case study approach, which included both with the lead organisation (assembler/customer) and a number of their suppliers. Methods and Procedures: Semi- structured interviews were conducted with various personnel within the lead organisation and their suppliers. Company documentation and field notes were also employed. Main outcomes and results: A three-stage model was used to communicate the different activities that the assembler employed in order to engage their suppliers. This model details the internal and external drivers for change and the outcomes in terms of approved suppliers, preferred suppliers and eventually working towards strategic partners. The findings include the benefits of SC activities can bring the smaller organization but also considers the issues around limited resources. Conclusions: The paper concludes that Supply Chain Management is appropriate for the smaller organisation and recommends further testing of the generic model proposed by this study. Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Small and Medium sized Enterprises, supplier development, change

Mots clés: Physical Sciences

S J Williams. (18th ICPR) MANAGING AND DEVELOPING SUPPLIERS: CAN SCM BE ADOPTED BY SMES?. International Journal of Production Research, 2006, 44 (18-19), pp.3831-3846. ⟨10.1080/00207540600849133⟩. ⟨hal-00512933⟩