Reinterpreting Fisher's coordinated strategies: a longitudinal case study

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Stratton, R. ORCID: 0000-0001-5437-4233, 2018. Reinterpreting Fisher's coordinated strategies: a longitudinal case study. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 38 (5), pp. 1166-1187. ISSN 0144-3577

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-03-2016-0163

Abstract

Purpose: Much has been written about the need to align the supply chain with the product/market but it has proved, elusive especially in response to a supply change transitions. This paper reviews the established theoretical models before considering how the realignment process can be better supported in the light of a longitudinal study.

Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses a single apparel case where data was gathered over a five year period involving multiple site visits, management interviews and archival data across three echelons of the supply chain. Repeated visits enabled the collection of contemporary evidence and the development and testing of the causal relationships. This case was part of a multi case research project that explored the causal relationship between variation, uncertainty, performance trade offs and buffering mechanisms (time, capacity and inventory).

Findings: The case analysis demonstrates how established theory and causal reasoning can be used to explain the trade off oscillations that characterized this case. As with earlier studies, local cost considerations predominated, interspersed with strategic countermeasures. Fisher's (1997) concept of coordinated strategies is shown to provide an effective means of clarifying the trade off implications of the transition in support of proactive realignment. This concept is discussed in relation to other cases and literature before proposing how this could be developed and used as a basis for further research.

Practical implications: Supply chain redesign is of growing importance and with it the need to more effectively manage such transitions. This paper clarifies the need for supply chain orientation and offers means of clarifying the implications of such transitions to management.

Originality/value: This paper provides case evidence of the underlying operations management issues and the associated analysis.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

International Journal of Operations & Production Management

Creators:

Stratton, R.

Publisher:

Emerald

Date:

2018

Volume:

Number: