Desmond Doran

Rethinking the supply chain: an automotive perspective

This paper contends that the description of tiering within automotive supply chains is likely to require redefining in light of the development of modular supply and that a natural consequence of modular supply will be the transfer of value‐adding activity throughout the supply chain. Two concepts are presented to illustrate the characteristics that are likely to be required for suppliers to succeed within a modular environment. These concepts are applied to a supply chain currently in the process of accommodating modular supply. The findings suggest that whilst modularity accrues a number of tangible benefits to both the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) buyer and the modular supplier, the skills required to become a modular supplier are likely to result in a number of first‐tier suppliers either exiting the industry or becoming second or third‐tier suppliers.

Supply chain implications of modularization

This paper explores the development of modular supply within the automotive sector with particular emphasis on the impact that modularization is likely to have on the value‐adding processes of key component suppliers. In addition, a reclassification of the term “first‐tier” supplier is proposed with a view to exploring the attributes necessary for such suppliers to succeed within the emerging modular environment.

Supplying on a modular basis: an examination of strategic issues

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the strategic issues associated with the implementation and subsequent development of modular supply chains within the automotive sector.Design/methodology/approach – Given the exploratory nature of this research a case study approach was adopted analysing key suppliers within a single developing modular supply chain. The key approach to the topic was to examine strategic operations management literature in order to determine the operational impact associated with the move from traditional supply chains to supplying on a modular basis.Findings – The findings indicate that moving from the traditional approach to supplying parts to a modular approach requires suppliers to consider how they can develop their individual module offerings and to determine what operations do not add value to a modular offering and as a consequence can be transferred to downstream suppliers.Research limitations/implications – Given the exploratory nature of this research and its se...

An examination of a modular supply chain: a construction sector perspective

Purpose: This paper aims to present research which explores the application of modular practices and principles within a construction sector supply chain to demonstrate the degree to which supply chain practices are aligned with modular construction. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses an exploratory case study approach to examine a construction supply chain from module manufacturer through to module client. Each member of the supply chain was involved in the provision of a modular hospital in the United Kingdom. Findings: The findings suggest that there is a need to increase supply chain integration to ensure that modular solutions can compete more effectively with traditional, on-site solutions and overcome some of the negative attributes associated with modular buildings. Research limitations/implications: The study has focused on the key stages of a modular supply chain in order to identify the application of supply chain practices within the context of modular operations. Suppliers need to balance the inherent limitations associated with modular product architecture with the increasing needs of module clients for more bespoke modular solutions. Practical implications: The paper provides useful insights into the dynamics of modular supply chain operations, which illustrate the difficulties associated with integrating modular operations and competing with the traditional on-site construction, which currently dominates the sector. Originality/value: The main theoretical argument put forward in this paper centres on the need for greater levels of supplier integration amongst suppliers to the modular construction industry. The study is one of the first to explore supply chain integration through the lens of a single modular supply chain and contributes to knowledge in this growing area through the development of a number of tools to position potential and current module suppliers.

Examining buyer‐supplier relationships within a service sector context

Purpose – The primary aim of this research is to explore buyer‐supplier relationships within a service sector context.Design/methodology/approach – To address the primary aim, both quantitative and qualitative approaches were utilised. A questionnaire was issued to selected buyer and supplier groups in order to determine relationship issues associated with insurance claims. The questionnaire was complemented by a number of semi‐structured interviews with buyers and suppliers across each spend category.Findings – The results of this research indicate that there are significant gaps between buyer and supplier expectations concerning how relationships should evolve and that the issues of power and trust will need to be explored in greater depth if relationships are to be optimised.Practical implications – This research is of practical use to service sector companies attempting to examine how to develop effective buyer‐supplier relationships. It is of particular use to service buyer operations within the insu...

An analysis of supply chain related graduate programmes in Europe

This is the post-print version of the Article. The official published version of the Article can be accessed from the links below. Copyright @ 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

A review of modular strategies and architecture within manufacturing operations

Abstract This paper reviews existing modularity and modularization literature within manufacturing operations. Its purpose is to examine the tools, techniques, and concepts relating to modular production, to draw together key issues currently dominating the literature, to assess managerial implications associated with the emerging modular paradigm, and to present an agenda for future research directions. The review is based on journal papers included in the ABI/Inform electronic database and other noteworthy research published as part of significant research programmes. The research methodology concerns reviewing existing literature to identify key modular concepts, to determine modular developments, and to present a review of significant contributions to the field. The findings indicate that the modular paradigm is being adopted in a number of manufacturing organizations. As a result a range of conceptual tools, techniques, and frameworks has emerged and the field of modular enquiry is in the process of codifying the modular lexicon and developing appropriate modular strategies commensurate with the needs of manufacturers. Modular strategies and modular architecture were identified as two key issues currently dominating the modular landscape. Based on this review, the present authors suggest that future research areas need to focus on the development and subsequent standardization of interface protocols, cross-brand module use, supply chain power, transparency, and trust. This is the first review of the modular landscape and as such provides insights into, first, the development of modularization and, second, issues relating to designing modular products and modular supply chains.

The design and delivery of modular legal services: implications for supply chain strategy

We explore how professional legal services and their supply chains can be modularised. Based on a review of the service modularity, supply chain modularity and supply chain strategy literature, we posit that the scope of service modularisation should be determined by, and aligned with, the supply chain strategy of a firm. We develop a conceptual framework that links the service and supply chain modular architectures with the supply chain strategy of service firms. The framework provides the foundation for an empirical confirmatory analysis through in-depth multiple case studies in 10 law firms in the UK. We identify the current status quo of service and supply chain architectures of professional legal services and then explore several options for their modularisation. Our findings show that legal services are currently over-customised, offering significant opportunities for the application of modularity across their supply chains. We generate insights to show how service modularity can be applied to the service offering, processes and supply chain levels of law firms. We also demonstrate the effects of each level of modularisation on the selection of appropriate interfaces and on the decomposability of services.

Operations Management Teaching Establishing Content and Relevance to Practitioners

This paper explores the relevance to industrys needs of operations management (OM) teaching in higher education, by researching the content of OM modules delivered by UK academics and comparing the results of this research with the views of business practitioners having had first-hand experience of OM teaching on MBA programmes. To determine whether a gap exists in terms of the importance placed on key content areas, the views of OM academics and practitioners were empirically tested using an online survey instrument. The findings indicate that although there is a broad degree of cohesion among academics relating to module content there are gaps between academics and practitioners in terms of the relative importance of key content areas. Such differences are most evident with regard to supply chain management, capacity management, inventory control and lean production tools and techniques. In this regard, the results provide a backdrop for the development of this important subject discipline to ensure that what is taught in the lecture theatre is valued in the business environment.