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The Nature of Supply Networks

Thomas Y Choi author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:7th Nov '23

£38.99

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The Nature of Supply Networks cover

Supply chains are networks. The concept of the supply chain is an oversimplification of the complex dynamics involved between the individuals, organizations, and resources required to produce and deliver a product. No firm exists in isolation, and every firm must operate in connection with other firms. As firms work together, they become organized into supply networks. Written by a leading authority on supply chain management, The Nature of Supply Networks synthesizes decades of research to understand supply networks as a complex adaptive system. Incorporating network concepts and theories, Thomas Y. Choi describes the basic structural elements of supply networks and their organization--buyer-supplier relationships, supplier-supplier relationships, supply bases, and extended supply chains--and examines the dynamic and evolutionary patterns of supply networks. He then considers a host of specific issues: control vs. emergence, nexus suppliers, and cyber security, as well as how supply networks will evolve with increased disruptions from extreme weather patterns, trade wars, and other unforeseen events. Importantly, Choi also provides an in-depth look into the distributive nature of supply chain management, arguing that no one firm or government can completely orchestrate entire supply networks. Bringing together the concepts of network theory and extending them specifically to supply chains and buyer-supplier relationships, Choi provides a critical resource on how to strategically manage supply networks and to create more resilience.

The Nature of Supply Networks takes us through the fascinating world of supply networks, using an interdisciplinary lens from complexity science and operations management. The result is a unique and powerful combination of firm-level perspectives, complex triadic relationships, and the wider, emergent ecosystems. This is a timely and important book that guides a research agenda for supply chain management in an increasingly volatile world. A must-read for both scholars and practitioners. * Alexandra Brintrup, University of Cambridge *
Business resilience is anchored on having a solid supply network. Choi provides the foundational framework combined with new theoretical developments and practical insights on how to build a first-class supply network. Understanding the complex supply networks and building collaborative relationships can enable companies to orchestrate the supply network for resilience, and managing it as an adaptive system allows the network to jointly become an engine of innovation and value creation. This is a great book for supply chain leaders, practitioners, and researchers. * Hau Lee, Stanford University *
I have been excited about this book since first hearing about it. The concept of supply networks developed in this book is important. In fact, it is a much better construction of the relationships we call supply chain management than supply chains themselves. The Nature of Supply Networks is a spellbinding examination of wider, emergent ecosystems told in a clear and concise manner. It is an important work for practitioners and academics. * Dale Rogers, Arizona State University *
Hardly any organization could create value for its customers without the input from its suppliers and other stakeholders in the wider ecosystem. Hence, the understanding of how suppliers and the interaction among them create value is of utmost importance. This book contains a critical analysis of supply network structures and management practices. It is research-based and forward-looking. Many firms-from small firms to multinationals-still have to understand and take up many of the practices discussed in the book. * Stephan M. Wagner, ETH Zurich *
Today, companies are, more than ever before, embedded into global supply networks. Developing collaborative relationships with supply chain partners and integrating processes though digital technologies are crucial for achieving competitive advantages. This book addresses these issues by applying the network concepts and complex adaptive systems theory. It presents best practices for supply base management and supply network design. All supply chain researchers and practitioners should read it. * Xiande Zhao, China Europe International Business School *

ISBN: 9780197673249

Dimensions: 160mm x 224mm x 41mm

Weight: 635g

344 pages