Title: Supplier risk management in direct sourcing from China

Authors: Naveen Kumar, Dan Andersson, Anna Isaksson, Maria Olofsson

Addresses: Division of Logistics Management, IEI Department of Management and Engineering, Linkopings Universitet, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden. ' Division of Logistics and Transportation, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden. ' Division of Logistics Management, IEI Department of Management and Engineering, Linkopings Universitet, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden. ' Division of Logistics Management, IEI Department of Management and Engineering, Linkopings Universitet, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden

Abstract: Studies regarding risk management in low cost country (LCC) sourcing are limited considering the dramatic increase in direct sourcing from LCC. The purpose of this paper is to present supplier risk management mechanisms in sourcing directly from China. An in-depth case study serves to identify the perceived risks in sourcing directly from China. This is followed by exploratory studies with nine industrial product companies to study supplier risk management. Identified perceived risks are classified as performance and relational risks managed by trust and control mechanisms. Involving Chinese employees, local presence and constant communication are three interrelated antecedents for managing risks. Prioritised customer, cross-functional team, supplier development and performance feedback are identified as four trust based risk management mechanisms. Performance measurement, clarity of specifications, supplier selection and contractual agreements are the four control based risk management mechanisms. Trust precedes control and determines the effectiveness of control, though both are pursued simultaneously.

Keywords: suppliers; risk management; low cost countries; direct sourcing; global sourcing; China; perceived risks; industrial products; performance risks; trust mechanisms; relational risks; control mechanisms; employees; local presence; constant communication; prioritised customers; cross-functional teams; supplier development; performance feedback; performance measurement; clarity; specifications; supplier selection; contractual agreements; contracts; effectiveness; procurement management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2011.041090

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2011 Vol.4 No.4, pp.363 - 385

Published online: 31 Jan 2015 *

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