Title: A strategic examination of Radio Frequency Identification in Supply Chain Management

Authors: Teresa L. Ju, Patricia H. Ju, Szu-Yuan Sun

Addresses: Department of Information Management, Shu-Te University, 59 Hun Shan Rd, Yanchao, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan, ROC. ' Department of Information Management, Shu-Te University, 59 Hun Shan Rd, Yanchao, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan, ROC. ' Department of Information Management, National Kaohsiung First University, 1 University Rd, Yanchao, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: Businesses are gaining interest in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, but few studies exist regarding its strategic value in Supply Chain Management. This study combines the theoretical background of technology and sustainable competitive advantage with specific, actionable business cases in which firms currently are employing RFID technology to shift costs and to improve overall industry structure, thereby leading to sustainable competitive advantage. From this study, it is evident that inter-organisational communication and cooperation are even more crucial in truly leveraging the benefits of RFID technology. Companies must negotiate with each other so that they can determine accountability, responsibility, data standards, hardware standards, network standards, and the like.

Keywords: competitive advantage; cost shifting; RFID; radio frequency identification; supply chain management; SCM; strategic value; inter-organisational communication; inter-organisational cooperation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2008.020555

International Journal of Technology Management, 2008 Vol.43 No.4, pp.349 - 362

Published online: 30 Sep 2008 *

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