Configuring manufacturing value chains - Responding to an uncertain world
24 - 25 September 2009 at the Møller Centre, Cambridge
Download this information as a PDF flyer [359k]
The 2009 Cambridge Symposium on International Manufacturing (CamSIM) will focus on 'configuring manufacturing value chains'. It will explore how leading firms are responding to the uncertainties of global supply and the current economic downturn. It will highlight novel approaches currently being used by as well as emerging challenges from industry leaders, both in established and emerging economies.
The Symposium will also review the latest international trends in globalisation, manufacturing and innovation, from the research community. Leading international academics and practitioners drawn from the Centre for International Manufacturing’s expanding network of collaborators will offer a global perspective on how manufacturing value chain models are evolving in their response to global uncertainties.
The changing manufacturing landscape
Significant developments, in recent years, in the management of global supply chains and production networks, mean we must re-examine our understanding of international manufacturing. Operational models are now less formulaic with a variety of approaches evolving to suit different business models. Globally dispersed product innovation networks have also emerged to support international markets. Non-core operations are increasingly outsourced with growing opportunities to access specialist resources in different countries. These changes have redefined the value chain of many industries with value creation and capture dispersed around the world.
Global competition drives change
The intensification of global competition raises considerable challenges for both strategy and operations in manufacturing businesses. Pressure to reduce costs and increase responsiveness is forcing a re-examination of 'legacy' manufacturing and supply networks, whether developed in an earlier competitive environment or acquired as a result of cross-border mergers and acquisitions.
Emerging economies offer potential new markets and opportunities to reduce costs, but they are also the source of new competitors. Patterns of international outsourcing and collaboration are evolving, changing the shape of entire industries.
The Cambridge International Manufacturing Symposium provides a unique opportunity to hear how leading-edge, established companies are facing these issues, how firms from emerging countries are internationalising, and how UK firms can collaborate in these global value chains. The latest thinking from researchers working in the field will be presented capturing emerging patterns in value chain configuration.
Now in its 14th year, the Symposium has gained a reputation as a pre-eminent forum for the exploration of international manufacturing issues. As usual the event will be split into two independent, but related, parts. The first day will focus on current industrial issues, best practice and the application of research - with presentations by senior executives from major companies describing their experience in this important field. The second day will consist of academic presentations and discussion of the latest research on international manufacturing value chains.
While the exchange of ideas between the industrial and academic communities forms a significant feature of the Symposium, this structure is intended to accommodate those who cannot attend for the full two days.
|
