Managing the global supply chain:a SME perspective

Abstract

Abstract This paper aims to highlight the underlying factors that contribute to the effective management of a global supply chain from the perspective of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Global competition has placed considerable pressure on SMEs to improve on cost and efficiency, to provide value-added services to meet market demand, leading to a need for them to re-examine their competitive strategies. Through a case study on a UK firm, GB Electronics Ltd (GBE), the 'key motives', 'enablers' and 'inhibitors' of supply chain management, particularly related to cultural differences, were investigated. A framework for effective collaboration was then established to provide an insight into possible ways of addressing these issues adequately within SMEs. 1An earlier version of this paper was published in the Proceedings of the 6th International SMESME Conference, 2003. Keywords: Supply chain managementCultural differencesSmall- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)Case study Notes 1An earlier version of this paper was published in the Proceedings of the 6th International SMESME Conference, 2003.