Automaker–supplier relationships and production organisation forms: case study of a Brazilian engine supply chain
by Alceu Gomes Alves Filho, Alessandra Rachid, Julio Cesar Donadone, Manoel Fernando, Paulo Eduardo Gomes Bento, Oswaldo Mario Serra Truzzi, Rosangela Vanalle
International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (IJATM), Vol. 3, No. 1/2, 2003

Abstract: In this paper, we discuss the similarities and differences in the production organisation forms (POFs) implemented at an engine assembly plant and at 10 of its suppliers, addressing the main conditioning factors that contribute to those types of organisations in the context of Brazil's revitalised automotive industry that emerged after the restructuring of the 1990s. Many variables condition the adopted POFs, such as the type of supply chain configuration, the level of partnership among automakers and local suppliers, the degree of outsourcing, the importance assigned to the local technological capacity accumulated by the engine assembly plant or by the automaker's Brazilian subsidiary, the technological capacity of local suppliers (national and multinational companies), and the influence of labour unions in the areas where suppliers are located, etc. Although each POF can be considered unique, companies adopt similar organisational structures according to their size, technological capacity and other factors. Multinationals and larger companies are autonomous in defining their organisational characteristics, while national and smaller companies are strongly influenced by the engine assembler.

Online publication date: Fri, 05-Sep-2003

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (IJATM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com