Title: Differences between supply-chain structures within a given industry: insights from the Brazilian peach canning industry

Authors: Paulo Rigatto, Antonio D. Padula, Donald W. Larson

Addresses: Department of Social Science, Federal University of Pelotas, Caixa Postal 354, Capao de Leao, RS CEP. 96.010–900, Brazil. ' Department of Administrative Sciences, School of Management, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Washington Luis 855, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90010–460, Brazil. ' Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics, Ohio State University, 2120 Fyffe Rd., Columbus, OH 43210–1067, USA

Abstract: What are the causes and conditions that lead to the existence of different Vertical Coordination (VC) structures within the same industry? This study aims to identify, characterise and analyse the varying forms of VC practiced in the 11 firms that comprise the peach canning industry in Rio Grande do Sul (RGS), Brazil. The results reveal that the most relevant factors that influence the choice of VC structure are transactional and resources. Higher levels of uncertainty and opportunism (transaction factors) lead firms to adopt more hierarchical VC structures (own production). Organisational resources (capacities and competencies) are shown to have a strong impact on the adopted, more integrated VC structure. Greater capital availability moves firms towards hierarchical VC. Better quality intangible resources (managerial competencies) in firms facilitate the development of more integrated relationships with suppliers driving them to a Supply Chain Management (SCM) type.

Keywords: vertical coordination; agri-food industry; transaction costs; resources-based view; supply chain management; peach canning industry; Brazil; supply chain structures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2005.006236

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2005 Vol.1 No.4, pp.311 - 330

Published online: 07 Feb 2005 *

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