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Information sharing across supply chains: the Absolut truth

Kembro, Joakim LU orcid (2013) 25th NOFOMA Conference, 2013 p.1-18
Abstract
Purpose

To explore demand related information sharing in a multi-tier supply chain and propose contingency factors that impact benefits of information sharing across three or more tiers.



Design/methodology/approach

Through an in-depth case study a range of methods are used to collect data from companies representing three different tiers, including focal company, 1st tier suppliers and 1st tier customers along a seven-tier supply chain. The collected data is analysed by applying contingency theory as theoretical lens.



Findings

The results indicate that there is no information sharing across three or more tiers in the studied supply chain. Reasons for the lack thereof are... (More)
Purpose

To explore demand related information sharing in a multi-tier supply chain and propose contingency factors that impact benefits of information sharing across three or more tiers.



Design/methodology/approach

Through an in-depth case study a range of methods are used to collect data from companies representing three different tiers, including focal company, 1st tier suppliers and 1st tier customers along a seven-tier supply chain. The collected data is analysed by applying contingency theory as theoretical lens.



Findings

The results indicate that there is no information sharing across three or more tiers in the studied supply chain. Reasons for the lack thereof are analysed to propose contingency factors that impact benefits of information sharing, namely product volume and range, capacity flexibility/constraints and demand uncertainty.



Research limitations/implications

The studied supply chain represents production and distribution of a functional product. Based on the findings a supply chain is characterized where information sharing between three or more tiers is most likely to increase performance. The findings challenge the general recommendation to provide each stage of the supply chain with complete access to customer demand.



Practical implications

Several challenges are highlighted related to information sharing across three or more tiers in a supply chain. Opposite to general recommendations in academic literature the study indicates that companies in certain cases may be better off emphasizing dyadic information sharing.



Originality/value

The main body of information sharing literature investigates dyadic relationships. By mapping a seven-tier supply chain and collecting data from companies representing three tiers this study is original and provides valuable insights to key system dynamics. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to conference
publication status
unpublished
subject
keywords
Supply chain, information sharing, contingency theory, demand data, bullwhip effect
pages
18 pages
conference name
25th NOFOMA Conference, 2013
conference location
Gothenburg, Sweden
conference dates
2013-06-03 - 2013-06-05
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
9b947771-40ba-4e55-9b91-13e27dde8287 (old id 4450693)
alternative location
http://www.nofoma.net/SubPage.aspx?id=85
date added to LUP
2016-04-04 14:37:19
date last changed
2018-11-21 21:21:20
@misc{9b947771-40ba-4e55-9b91-13e27dde8287,
  abstract     = {{Purpose<br/><br>
To explore demand related information sharing in a multi-tier supply chain and propose contingency factors that impact benefits of information sharing across three or more tiers.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Design/methodology/approach<br/><br>
Through an in-depth case study a range of methods are used to collect data from companies representing three different tiers, including focal company, 1st tier suppliers and 1st tier customers along a seven-tier supply chain. The collected data is analysed by applying contingency theory as theoretical lens.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Findings<br/><br>
The results indicate that there is no information sharing across three or more tiers in the studied supply chain. Reasons for the lack thereof are analysed to propose contingency factors that impact benefits of information sharing, namely product volume and range, capacity flexibility/constraints and demand uncertainty.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Research limitations/implications<br/><br>
The studied supply chain represents production and distribution of a functional product. Based on the findings a supply chain is characterized where information sharing between three or more tiers is most likely to increase performance. The findings challenge the general recommendation to provide each stage of the supply chain with complete access to customer demand.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Practical implications<br/><br>
Several challenges are highlighted related to information sharing across three or more tiers in a supply chain. Opposite to general recommendations in academic literature the study indicates that companies in certain cases may be better off emphasizing dyadic information sharing.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Originality/value<br/><br>
The main body of information sharing literature investigates dyadic relationships. By mapping a seven-tier supply chain and collecting data from companies representing three tiers this study is original and provides valuable insights to key system dynamics.}},
  author       = {{Kembro, Joakim}},
  keywords     = {{Supply chain; information sharing; contingency theory; demand data; bullwhip effect}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{1--18}},
  title        = {{Information sharing across supply chains: the Absolut truth}},
  url          = {{http://www.nofoma.net/SubPage.aspx?id=85}},
  year         = {{2013}},
}