1. An investigation of supply network typologies
Fiachra Coll
Centre for Strategic Manufacturing (Strathclyde University)
Logistics and Supply Chain Research Group (Dublin Institute of Technology)
Contact:
Tel: (+353)
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01

2. Rationale
“No attempt to model anything like a whole [supply] network…indeed, we might ask whether a task should be attempted” Macbeth
“It is the role of the academic to codify “better” [supply chain] practice… based on robust theoretical conceptualisation” Cox
Many well known typologies... include only a few aspects of organisational life as a basis for classification and squeeze these into as few categories as possible.” Rich
“It is important to recognize the multi-dimensional nature of an effective typology” Hall
Ideas such as these… illustrate the need for underlying theory to drive classification schemes… theory, then, must remain central to the classification process as the decider and arbiter of boundaries” Rich
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01

3. Objectives
To validate the supply network approach in the analysis of several coordinating companies with distinct end-products operating in a competitive environment.
To critically assess current supply chain classification systems.
To create an approach to the analysis of supply networks.
To identify typologies (variations within the supply network) based on an analysis of the data generated by using the approach.
To validate these typologies by comparing them with other existing networks.
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01

4. Gaps in existing research
Do supply networks and chains exist outside theory? Difficult to illustrate collective benefit using standard modes of enquiry
Purposive nature of existing research inhibits cross-concept comparisons
Disparate theories from a variety of disciplines
Failure to distinguish between prescriptive and descriptive approaches to functioning of supply network
Prevalence of traditional ‘common-sense’ models with distinguishable different supply chain types on the basis of one / two character difference.
Evolution or revolution in the field of inter-firm relationships and logistics?
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01

5. Methodological issues
In essence there are two approaches to creating a multi-character typology based on actual data:
empirical approach- exhaustive use of independent characters that create groups specifically based on data analysis
theoretic approach; use ‘a priori’ theory to define universe of characters select characters of interest based on theory (archetype)- and then create groups based on data analysis
Richness of approach- too few characters and all supply networks are homogenous- too many and they are all different.
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01

6. Describe individual system Verify network clusters against typologies
Research approach
Define archetype
Describe individual system
Supply network data
Purpose
Verify network clusters against typologies
Existing typologies
Draw con-
clusions
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01

7. Components
Systems theory forms the ‘point of entry’ for investigation of the supply network.
Components are derived from a comprehensive review of previous:
supply chain theories
supply chain classifications
extended enterprise classifications
schools of thought that overlap with the supply chain (channel marketing, value chain, inter-organisational dependence...)
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01

8. Components Purpose Performance Structure Environment
Supply network objectives
Individual firm objectives
Super-organisational objectives
Conflicting objective resolution
Purpose
Performance
Structure
Performance of network
Co-ordination of strategy
Individual & super-organisational performance measures
Nature of organisation
Supply network- of what?
Number of firms
Focal firm
Critical / non-critical network boundaries (substitutability of member firms)
Density of network
Co-ordination mechanism
Delineation of areas of firms involved
External inhibitors / drivers
Globalisation
Networked software applications
Legislature
State of market and industry
Environment
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01

9. Industrial contribution
Different supply network types to choose from enable firms to quickly determine what are the critical network characteristics to concentrate on.
The development of specific tools in supply chain management are contingent upon robust theoretical concepts.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that company-wide modelling forms a necessary precursor to BPR- therefore network-wide modelling should provide a means of accelerating the successful evolution of a supply network.
Fiachra Coll
30-Jan-01