Centre for International Manufacturing

Inter-firm Supply networks

International supply network research investigates relationships between companies and ways in which they might be optimised. Research is carried out into competitive supply network capabilities deployed by practice leaders and the relationships between capability and supply network configuration.

Cross-sector studies may involve developing capability assessment tools, configuration mapping techniques and identifying reconfiguration opportunities.

Sector projects focus on FMCG, Pharmaceuticals, Food, Electronics, Textiles and Defence including the emergence of international contract manufacturers. A key project focuses on rapid innovation within virtual networks.

Service supply chains

Projects are focused on end-to-end supply network integration, the transition to service supply chains, supply network capability development and performance management, and the design and operation of future service supply chain configuration models.

Current research projects

• Patterns of control in the Chinese supply networks in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry (Jingfang Hu)
• Supply network structure selection for electronic products in outsourcing contexts ((Karen) Ruiying Li)
• Quick response supply network configuration (Nan Wang)
• Service business development in manufacturing companies: context, content and process (Guangjie Ren)
• Global supply networks in the food industry - network and product architecture (Gate-Pichawadee Kittipanya-ngam) [Download 396k PDF file]
• Supply network integration in multi-nodal complex supply chains (Rodney Neville Ephraim)
• Role of investment promotion agencies in regional supply chain development (Dakshata Rana)
• Capability and integration in service supply shains (Annie Iakovaki)
• SCM: Taiwan EMS (Anita Kao)
• Vaccine SCM (Mo Ali)
• Embeddedness within international supply chains (GuanNan Xu)