International Manufacturing Network : operational issues and reshoring

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the topic of international manufacturing strategy, especially a focus on operational issues of network manufacturing and reshoring of manufacturing facilities. Manufacturing network is defined as a group of wholly-owned facilities of a firm, as opposed to supply chain management where there are plants belongs to other companies. Research on the importance of the operation of manufacturing networks can help to gain insights into how to manage activities in dispersed facilities and how the network-related advantages are achieved through the network management. Research has validated the contribution of network coordination to attain competitive advantages of international manufacturing. It has also suggested that strategic objectives, such as competitive priorities of manufacturing in globally disperse facilities, are highly important for setting and implementing manufacturing network strategy. However, the impact of such strategic objective/s on network management is still unexplored, Palabras clave: Fabricación global; redes de fabricación; coordinación de red; prioridades competitivas; relocalización; capacidades de red; estudio de caso de investigación; investigación cualitativa.