Title: Agile supply chain transformation matrix: a QFD-based tool for improving enterprise agility

Authors: Manisra Baramichai, Emory W. Zimmers Jr., Charalambos Marangos

Addresses: 200 W Packer Ave., Suite 304, Bethlehem, PA 18015–1582, USA. ' 200 W Packer Ave., Suite 204, Bethlehem, PA 18015–1582, USA. ' 200 W Packer Ave., Suite 204, Bethlehem, PA 18015–1582, USA

Abstract: Under today|s volatile business environment, companies are reaching the point where they need to be more agile – intelligent, fast, flexible, and responsive to changes. Leveraging supplier-buyer relationship to create an agile supply chain is one of the strategies that can help companies make a successful transition to an agile enterprise. Here we introduce a model that can be used to successfully transform a business: the Agile Supply Chain Transformation Matrix (ASCTM), a tool based on the Quality Function Deployment (QFD), and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). More specifically, we have created a tool that can relate the business changes with the appropriate approaches for supply chain configuration and supplier-buyer relationship establishment and determine the business processes and the infrastructures needed to support agility. This tool is built upon the concepts developed through the Agility Programme at Lehigh University in partnership with company project sponsors and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Keywords: enterprise agility; agile supply chains; supply chain design; QFD application; value chain strategy; supply chain management; SCM; value chain management; quality function deployment; buyer-supplier relationship; analytical hierarchy process; AHP.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2007.013305

International Journal of Value Chain Management, 2007 Vol.1 No.3, pp.281 - 303

Published online: 20 Apr 2007 *

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