Supporting Global Operations through Logistics and Purchasing

Abstract

The development of co‐ordinated global manufacturing is an important approach to enhancing competitiveness. However, global manufacturing strategies provide the greatest competitive advantage when they are appropriately supported through key value‐added logistics and purchasing activities. Examines the relationship between global manufacturing and strategic advantage, emphasizing the need to establish adequate logistics and purchasing support. Presents a conceptual overview of the topic and reports the results of a survey‐based empirical study. Objectives are to examine the state of current logistics and purchasing practice as they relate to supporting the global network, and to evaluate the performance of these key activities as they support global operations.