A supplier development programme: the SME experience

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to identify and understand the learning opportunities that exist for smaller organisations within the context of a supplier development and business improvement environment. Design/methodology/approach -Through case study research two pilot activities are presented. These are co-ordinated by a lead organisation (customer) and involve two micro firm suppliers. Findings -The research discusses the types of learning identified within two pilot activities and the benefits and issues for both the supplier and customer when undertaking development and improvement programmes. The results conclude that the collaborative nature of the supply chain environment is conducive to shared learning between the lead customer and the suppliers.Research limitations/implications -The case study approach taken for this exploratory research limits the generalisibility of the results. Yet, this research has started to understand how the smaller firm can benefit from supplier development activities. The challenge will be to sustain these activities by ensuring that double loop learning is achieved. Originality/value -The applied nature of this research should appeal to both the academic and the practitioner.

Corporate Autonomy and Buyer–Supplier Relationships: The Case of Unsafe Mattel Toys

“…In turn, the buyers would work with a smaller number of suppliers. Supplier integration makes it possible to source more efficiently and is often described as a buyer's competitive edge (Kannan and Tan, 2004;Lee-Mortimer, 1994;Theodorakioglou et al, 2006;Wagner, 2006;Williams, 2007). This approach results not only in closer-knit buyersupplier relationships, but also in a greater interdependence of both corporations.…”

Why most of the supplier development programs fail in discrete manufacturing – findings from selected Indian discrete manufacturing industries

“…In particularly, they ascertained that joint action and trust emerged as important factors for increasing the operational performance of buying firms. Williams (2007) investigated supplier development programs in SMEs. He found that suppliers and buyers are able to share knowledge and this can be advantageous to the community of SMEs.…”

Supplier development practice: Arising the problems of upstream delivery for a food distribution SME in the UK

“…Different learning activities through mutual information exchange have radical impacts on supplier development efficiency [5]. The learning activities are either single or double loop in which the former is achieved by training methods but the latter is more elusive as it is more challenging to the existing process.…”

“…There have been different studies which indicate the proper management of supplier relationships constitutes one essential element on supply chain success [1][2][3][4]. The literature has emphasized greater collaboration between the firms and their suppliers to assure an efficient and successful supply chain [5].…”