Daesik Hur

An exploration of supply chain structure in Korean companies

A supply chains structure describes the processes that control and co-ordinate the objectives and activities of independent organisational units that comprise the supply chain. This research explores supply chain structures based on case studies of Korean automobile, semiconductor and tyre manufacturing firms. The study found that the supply chain structures of the three product families are different from one another. Based on the case studies, we propose that supply chain structures can be classified as supply network dominated, conversion network dominated, or distribution network dominated. Factors that are likely to influence the supply chain structure are identified and discussed.

Leveraging Knowledge in Buyer-Supplier Alliances: A Theoretical Integration

Global competition, ever-demanding customer expectations, and rapid technological changes are forcing firms to restructure the scope of operations and then outsource non-core processes to outside suppliers. Such organisational efforts have resulted in increased dependence on supplier firms to sustain competitive advantage. This paper provides a theoretical model to understand the process of successful learning and knowledge transfer in buyer-supplier alliances. The proposed model uses a social exchange framework for effective knowledge exchange and learning. Reciprocal commitment, interorganisational trust, power sharing, and socialisation are identified as essential for collaborative behaviour for successful learning and knowledge transfer between alliance partners. Specific testable propositions are presented.