Framework for Improving the Design and Configuration Process of Global Operations

Abstract

Abstract. In the current dynamic, volatile and competitive playground, the design and managing of global production and logistic networks has become a crucial issue even for SMEs, although with the difficult added that they have limited resources. Thus, how dealing with these complex production networks present a real challenge for this kind of companies. In order to do so, it is necessary to provide business managers a useful guideline to face the internationalization process in an effective way. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose a framework, which takes into account the three main problems (new facilities implementation, global supplier network and multi-site network) related to Operations configuration, to aid managers in the different stages of the decision making and propose useful principles, methods and techniques depending on the problem.

Key Parameters for the Analysis Stage of Internationalization of Operations

“…According to Martínez et al (2013), GLOBOPE bears in mind the key decisions of the operations' strategy that need to be made about a global production and logistic network configuration and design in the internationalization process. The framework considers three core challenges relating to operations configuration: NFI, GSND and multisite production network configuration.…”

“…All the previous problems must be dealt with according to five main stages: analysis, set up, stability, improvement, and excellence. In this paper, based on the proposal of principles, methods and tools to aid during the decision-making process for the analysis stage of NFI and GSND by Martínez et al (2013), we review the scientific literature related to these principles, methods and tools for the analysis stage in order to identify the key quantitative parameters that allow the detailed evaluation of strategic, tactical and operational key decisions for NFI and tactical and operational key decisions for GSND that must be made before devising the internationalization plan. Martinez (2013) proposes different principles, methods and tools to evaluate the key internationalization of operations' decisions made in the analysis stage.…”

“…This study is based, mainly, on the works of Errasti (2011), Martinez (2013) and Martínez et al (2013), which summarise the main contributions made by researchers from the field of internationalization of operations processes as regards principles, tools and techniques to support managers and professionals in the analysis, design and management process of a global production and logistics network. These contributions are summarised within the framework known as Global Operations (GLOBOPE), which is divided into three main parts: new facility implementation (NFI), global suppliers' network development (GSND) and multisite production network configuration (MPNC).…”

Methodology to Identify SMEs Needs of Internationalised and Collaborative Networks

“…Nevertheless, the internationalisation starting up process is a difficult decision to make, because it implies risks especially for SMEs whose capabilities and resources are insufficient. Many SMEs fail in foreign markets due to the production management of internationalised networks requires a greater collaboration to achieve optimal degrees of quality, flexibility and costs [4].…”