Title: Managing supply chain complexities and integration issues for competitive advantage: a comparative analysis

Authors: Alan D. Smith

Addresses: Department of Management and Marketing, Robert Morris University, USA Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3099, USA

Abstract: The basic decisions inherently important to SCM were showcased in an inspection of four relatively large manufacturing and/or firms headquartered in the metropolitan area of Pittsburgh, PA in terms of the supply complexities and integration issues associates with successful SCM included a publicly traded manufacturer of underground coal mining equipment and the associated aftermarket products, a diversified industrial manufacturer that operates in the truck, automotive, fluid power, and electrical segments, an over-the-road motor carrier specialising in the service of the steel and building materials industry, and a consulting and service provider of innovative business techniques and advances to reduce costs and streamline operations of its customers.

Keywords: competitive strategy; data warehousing; information technology; new product development; NPD; manufacturability; operational effectiveness; SCM; supply chain management; supply chain integration; supply chain complexity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2011.041693

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2011 Vol.9 No.3, pp.351 - 374

Published online: 06 May 2015 *

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