The three dimensions of responsiveness

Abstract

Purpose -The concept of responsiveness has been widely discussed, yet so far most of this discussion has remained qualitative in nature. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model identifying the key factors that determine the responsiveness of a supply chain system, whichonce quantified -provide a unique profile of each supply chain setting towards the appropriate supply chain strategy. Design/methodology/approach -The paper reviews existing contributions and synthesises these into a conceptual model of responsiveness. The model is applied using three case studies from the automotive and electronics industry. The case research is based on value stream mapping, semi-structured interviews, and site visits. Findings -Three key findings could be established: first, the concept of responsiveness has a simple logic that aligns itself to a wide range of manufacturing strategies. However, underlying this remit is a complex interaction of an array of key variables, and it was found that previous contributions largely have only addressed a subset of these. Second, these key variables can be grouped into three categories or dimensions of responsiveness -product, process and volume -to provide a holistic understanding of responsiveness and its key determinants. Third, due to the large involved, there cannot be one single "holy grail" concept of how responsiveness can be achieved, neither does one single approach apply to entire sectors. Research limitations/implications -A great variety of variables needs to be considered in order to provide a balanced view of all three dimensions of responsiveness, thus the case analyses remain at a necessarily high level. Practical implications -The paper provides guidelines for management on how to align their supply chain strategy to volume, product and process contingency factors in order to balance responsiveness to customer demand and supply chain efficiency. Originality/value -The paper aims to elevate a discussion that previously has been held mostly at a conceptual level beyond the qualitative description, and thus addresses a key shortcoming in the current debate.

Optimal Design and Operational Planning of Responsive Process Supply Chains

“…As discussed before, responsiveness is the ability of supply chains to respond to the change of customer demands and preferences (Holweg, 2005). Lead time is the time of a supply chain network to respond to customer demand and preference changes in the worst case.…”

Reducing the Negative Effects of Seasonal Demand Fluctuations: A Proposal Based On Cost-Benefit Analysis

“…The sensitivity in this study has been stated to be transportation time, waiting time, cycle planning of multi product cycle planning and inventory management. Similarly [26] has studied on the product, process and volume which he considered as the three basic factors determining supply chain sensitivity.…”

Optimal Design and Operational Planning of Responsive Process Supply Chains

“…In a later work, Yusuf et al (2004) have reviewed emerging patterns for creating responsive supply chain based on survey research driven by a conceptual model. Holweg (2005) proposed in his paper that product, process and volume are three key factors that determine the responsiveness of a supply chain system, and provided guidelines on how to align the supply chain strategy to these three factors in order to balance responsiveness to customer demand and supply chain efficiency. An examination on supply chain system in process industries from a responsiveness view point was carried out by Shaw et al (2005).…”

“…Constraints (1) to (8) determine the network structure, constraints (9) to (14) refer to the operational planning constraints, constraints (15) to (30) …”