Title: Supply chain purchasing strategy: a model and key determinants

Authors: Abby Ghobadian, David Gallear, Rose Li, Fintan Clear

Addresses: Henley Management College, Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 3AU, UK. ' Brunel Business School, Elliott Jaques Building, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK. ' Brunel Business School, Elliott Jaques Building, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: From a managerial perspective it is important to identify the factors that influence the choice of Supply Chain Purchasing Strategy (SCPS). Based on inductive research, this paper examines the range of strategies, and the factors that determine their relevance. The authors put forward a model depicting the relationship between SCPS and three high level factors, namely market conditions and product characteristics/complexity; mediators; and moderators; that determine its shape and appropriateness. The paper relates each to four archetypal purchasing strategies, providing researchers and managers with a model enabling them to identify the most appropriate supply chain purchasing strategy.

Keywords: supply chain management; SCM; supply chain purchasing strategy; supplier partnerships; purchasing; process management; benchmarking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2007.013333

International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking, 2007 Vol.2 No.1, pp.71 - 87

Published online: 20 Apr 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article