The articulation of supply networks, as an extension of supply chains, seeks to accommodate and explain the commercial complexity associated with the creation and delivery of goods and services from the source of raw materials to their destination in end‐customer markets. In place of the simplistic, linear and unidirectional model sometimes presented for supply chains, the supply network concept describes lateral links, reverse loops, two‐way exchanges and so on, encompassing the upstream and downstream activity, with a focal firm as the point of reference. A review of classifications of supply networks reveals that none of the existing approaches appears adequate for managers facing the practical problems of creating and operating them on a day‐to‐day basis. This research identifies differing emphases that may be required for managing within supply networks, according to the nature of the products for which they are created. Taking an established categorisation of supply chains as its starting point, the research first develops the conceptual basis, using strategy literature, and then tests the resultant initial model in 16 case studies. Finally, a new categorisation for supply networks is presented, using the type of product as a differentiator

This paper investigates the detail and dynamics of how contractual and relational governance mechanisms are deployed in managing complex, longterm public-private supply arrangements. Using empirical data from two UK Private Finance Initiative (PFI) cases, the paper analyses the interplay of governance mechanisms along a timeline of project phases. Conceptual and practical findings confirm that relational and contractual mechanisms are indeed complementary forms of exchange governance but also that the relational intentions of all parties frame whether the contract is interpreted as a written sign of distrust or commitment. Equally, relational and contractual governance follow different development paths: both follow cumulative trajectories but (a) inter-personal relational mechanisms are more incremental and fragile, whereas (b) contractual mechanisms move with fewer degrees of freedom and 'anchor' the exchange throughout the life cycle. Finally, the different development characteristics of relational and contractual mechanisms mean that their dynamic interplay does not follow consistent patterns. The paper concludes with suggestions for more longitudinal studies.

There has been limited research into how different types of supply networks can be created and operated. This article develops a taxonomy of supply networks with a particular focus on managing network creation and operation. The taxonomy is based on a review of network literature from various academic perspectives and extensive empirical data across a variety of industry sectors including automotive, fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and communications technologies. The main differentiating factors for classifying a matrix of four types of supply network are found to be the degree of supply network dynamics and the degree of focal company supply network influence. Network characteristics and different patterns ofnetworking activities are identified for each type of supply network

The literature extols the potential benefits of supply chain integration and the crucial role of integrated eBusiness to deliver those benefits. However, adoption of eBusiness in supply chains has been slower than expected, particularly in small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper reports findings of a longitudinal study of four supply chains in different sectors over a 4-year period. Specifically it examines the barriers to adoption of eBusiness technologies and therefore to achievement of integrated information in supply chains. Differences between firms in supply chains and between supply chains are examined. The study reveals disparity between existing and planned use of eBusiness by larger downstream firms compared to upstream SMEs. The SMEs are cautious, only planning to invest in eBusiness if dominant downstream customers force them; however, they do not appreciate the full benefits to be gained from eBusiness adoption. The downstream larger businesses are forging ahead with eBusiness in 'eIsolation' and are not providing supply chain leadership. They are creating eLands with SMEs adrift of them. #

PurposeTo examine management literature for guidance on what constitutes a discipline. To examine supply management publications to determine whether the field constitutes a discipline or an emerging discipline. To contribute a structured evaluation to the body of supply management theory/discipline development knowledge.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review of what constitutes a discipline and an initial assessment of whether supply management is a discipline. Development of research questions used to design tests, using combinations of qualitative pattern matching, journal quality rankings, and social science citations index impact factor. Application of the tests, to evaluate field coherence, quality and the existence of a discipline‐debate, to determine whether supply management is an emerging discipline.FindingsAn initial literature review finds supply management not to be a discipline, as the field lacks quality of theoretical development and discussion, and coherence. Tests for increasing evidence of coherence, quality and impact yield positive results, indicating that supply management is progressing in its theoretical development. The test findings combined with the existence of the start of a discipline‐debate indicate that supply management should be judged to be an emerging discipline.Originality/valueDrawing from the management literature, the paper provides a unique structured evaluation of the field of supply management, finding it not to be a discipline, but showing evidence of being an emerging discipline.

O'FARRELL P. N., WOOD P. A. and ZHENG J. (1998) Regional influences on foreign market development by business service companies: elements of a strategic context explanation, Reg. Studies 32 , 31-48. The internationalization literature - both of manufacturing and services - has concentrated upon the issue of entry, and largely ignored post-entry behaviour and market development. A major aim of this paper, therefore, is to present evidence on foreign market development by business service firms in two UK regions, Scotland and the South East of England, and the Amsterdam urban region of the Netherlands. Following a review of the relevance of the internalization approach, the development stages paradigm, network analysis and a strategic choice framework to internationalization by business services, empirical findings are presented from the three regions on trajectories of foreign market development, modal shifts, the incidence of proactive market strategies and the characteristics of major clients. A behavioural framework is proposed for decision making by business service firms developing foreign markets, identifying the elements of a strategic context explanation. O'FARRELL P. N., WOOD P. A. et ZHENG J. (1998) L'impact regional des societes de services sur l'evolution du marche exterieur: les elements d'une explication portant sur un contexte strategique, Reg. Studies 32 , 31-48. La documentation au sujet de l'internationalisation - et de l'industrie, et des services - s'est concentree sur la question de la penetration et dans une large mesure a ignore le comportement qui s'ensuit et le developpement des marches. Aussi, cet article cherche-t-il principalement a faire des preuves a propos du developpement des marches exterieurs par des societes de service situees dans deux regions au Royaume-Uni, a savoir en Ecosse et dans le Sud-Est, et la conurbation d'Amsterdam aux Pays-Bas. Suite a une critique de l'importance de la facon d'interiorisation, du paradigme des phases de developpement, de l'analyse de reseaux et d'un cadre de choix strategiques relatif a l'internationalisation des societes de service, les preuves empiriques se voient presenter a partir de trois regions quant au developpement des marches exterieurs, aux deplacements modaux, a la frequence des strategies de marchedynamiques et aux caracteristiques des clients importants. Un cadre du comportement se voit proposer pour la prise de decision des societes de service qui developpent des marches exterieurs et identifie les elements d'une explication portant sur un contexte strategique. O'FARRELL P. N., WOOD P. A. und ZHENG J. (1998) Regionale Einflusse auf Entwicklung von Markten im Ausland durch Gesellschaften, die Geschaftsdienstleistungen anbieten: Elemente einer Erklarung strategischer Zusammenhange, Reg. Studies 32 , 31-48. Die Literatur der Internationalisierung - der Produktion wie auch der Dienstleistungen - hat sich auf die Frage des Einstiegs konzentriert, und das Verhalten und Marktenwicklung danach grossenteils vernachlassigt. Es ist deshalb ein ...

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