Competing through cooperation in international supply networks: a case study from the clothing industry
by Vasco Eiriz, Joao S. Areias
International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business (IJGSB), Vol. 2, No. 3, 2008

Abstract: This article focuses on the competitive and cooperative issues that arise from the management of interdependence within international supply networks. When small and medium manufacturers are dependent on a major retailer, their capability in allocating resources to build a competitive position is limited. Firms in this dependent position need to develop and implement strategies that enable them to deal with such dependence. The article presents a case study developed within the Portuguese clothing industry and explores evidence on how several small and medium manufacturers develop their relationships with Zara, a major international retailer. The case was studied based on document analysis and data gathered through semi-structured interviews with several clothing manufacturers. The case identifies factors that influence the development of collaboration in international relationships between manufacturers and retailers, and discusses how manufacturers integrated in the supply network manage their interdependence and develop their competitive capacity through a cooperative approach.

Online publication date: Fri, 22-Feb-2008

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 Globalisation and Small Business (IJGSB):
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