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Factors that affect internal supply chain integration. Dissertation Proposal Ana L. Rosado Feger Clemson University. Motivation. Competition based on Supply Chain vs. Supply Chain Supply chain management is a source of competitive advantage.
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Factors that affect internal supply chain integration Dissertation Proposal Ana L. Rosado Feger Clemson University
Motivation • Competition based on Supply Chain vs. Supply Chain • Supply chain management is a source of competitive advantage. • Sustainable competitive advantage results from managing linkages. (Porter 1985)
Motivation • Much has been written about the benefits of supply chain integration (external and internal), but there are few studies examining how firms can achieve it. • This research project will develop a model of the factors that affect integration of three key SC departments.
Why Internal Integration? • The strength of a chain is limited by the strength of its weakest link. • Understanding the supply chain begins with understanding internal processes. • An integrated firm presents a united front to customers, suppliers, and competitors. • Process view is the customer’s view.
Key Internal SC Processes • Purchasing, Operations, and Logistics are responsible for delivering the product to the customer. • Purchasing: • Gatekeeper for process inputs • Operations: • Transforms raw materials into final product • Logistics: • Responsible for physical transfer and delivery
Research Question • What factors affect the integration of the three focal departments? • How are these factors interrelated? • What can plant managers do to facilitate integration?
Research Model • Starting point: Pagell 2004 • Modified to enhance generalizability • Combined with findings of St.John et al 2001, Vickery et al 2003
Outcome Variable: Integration • Definition: • A process of interaction and collaboration in which manufacturing, purchasing and logistics work together in a cooperative manner to arrive at mutually acceptable outcomes for their organization (Pagell 2004)
Outcome Variable: Integration • Shared Goals • the extent to which the manager of each focal function (purchasing, operations, logistics) is familiar with the strategic goals of each of the other two focal functions • Cooperation • the frequency of requests from other focal functions that are fulfilled by the members of each focal function • Collaboration • is the frequency at which a member of a focal function actively works on issues with members from the other focal functions
Management Support • Management sets the tone for the organization • Three dimensions • Individual vs. Collective • Normative vs. Facilitative • Strategic vs. Tactical
Structure • The structure of the firm determines the balance between differentiation and integration: • Span of control • Levels of authority
Human Resource Management • Job rotation programs • Cross-functional teams • Measurement/Rewards • Departmental vs. Firm Goals
Communication • Formal • Frequency • Content • Informal • Frequency • Content • Mode (personal, email, telephone)
Information Systems • Facilitators of data and information transfer (St.John et al 2001) • Precursor to supply chain integration (Vickery et al 2003) • Computerized production systems • MRP, MRPII • Integrated information systems • Enterprise systems (ERP) or interfaced function-specific systems
Research Model Management Support Structure • HR Strategy: • Measurement—Rewards • Job Rotation • Cross-functional Teams • Communication • Formal • Informal INTERNAL INTEGRATION Information Technology
Research Hypotheses • H1: Management Support has a direct effect on plant Structure. • H2: Management Support has a direct effect on HR Strategies • H3: Management Support has an indirect effect on Internal Integration. • H4: Structure has a direct effect on Communication.
Research Hypotheses • H5: HR Strategies has a direct effect on Communication • H6: HR Strategies has a direct effect on Internal Integration • H7: Information Technology has a direct effect on Communication • H8: IT has a direct effect on Internal Integration • H9: Communication has a direct effect on Internal Integration
Methodology • Cross-sectional survey • Web-, e-mail, mail-, and phone-based • Domain: Manufacturing plants in the US • Target respondents • Managers of Purchasing, Operations, and Logistics departments • 1-3 respondents per firm
Analysis • Structural Equation Modeling using EQS
Contributions: Academic • Contribute to theory-building in Supply Chain Management • Empirical tests of proposed models • Initial look at managerial levers
Contributions: Practitioners • Understand how factors influence internal integration • Develop action plans to improve internal integration • Encourage “systems thinking” to address supply chain issues