Mette Vedel

Supply risk management functions of sourcing intermediaries: an investigation of the clothing industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to uncover how buying companies use sourcing intermediaries to manage supply risks in global sourcing.Design/methodology/approach – The authors carry out an explorative qualitative study of the clothing industry, interviewing key respondents who occupy different positions in the supply chain, including sourcing intermediaries, retailers, and brand marketers.Findings – Sourcing intermediaries carry out a broad range of supply risk management functions, including design availability and support, and the operation of high risk markets. The authors identify different sourcing intermediary types, characterised by the set of functions they handle.Research limitations/implications – By analysing a limited set of in‐depth interviews in one industry the authors have traded off broader analytical generalization for in‐depth exploration and theory building. Therefore, future research should test the findings in other industries and across broader populations.Practical implicati...

The triad value function – theorizing the value potential of connected relationships

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of the paper is to explicate how connectedness of relationships results in varying value potentials of triads. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nFirst connectedness is re-described as an actor-perceived and actor-interpreted phenomenon. The re-description is used to theorize the triad value function. Next, the applicability and validity of the concept is examined in a case study of four closed vertical supply chain triads. n n n n nFindings n n n n nThe case study demonstrates that the triad value function facilitates the analysis and understanding of an apparent paradox; that distributors are not dis-intermediated in spite of their limited contribution to activities in the triads. The results indicate practical adequacy of the triad value function. n n n n nResearch limitations/implications n n n n nThe triad value function is difficult to apply in the study of expanded networks as the number of connections expands exponentially with the number of ties in the network. Moreover, it must be applied in the study of service triads and open vertical supply chain triads to further verify the practical adequacy of the concept. n n n n nPractical implications n n n n nThe triad value function cannot be used normatively or prescriptively. It is a descriptive tool which indirectly supports managerial decision-making through the analysis of how the structural context of a triad influences the value of relationships. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThe paper offers an additional aspect for the study of value in and of triads. It illustrates that perceived connectedness of relationships operates as a triad value function, which captures the structural value potential of the triad for a focal actor.

More Than Just One Middleman: On the Value of Different Entry Modes by SMEs in Foreign Markets

In international business literature several researchers have applied the microeconomic concepts scope and scale economy in the context of foreign market servicing modes. Researchers discussing the optimal timing of Foreign Direct Investments have shown that in terms of total costs, it is favorable first to export to the foreign market via a local sales agency or a distributor due to scope economies and later on to switch to a production subsidiary due to scale economies. Export channel volume is therefore conceptualized as one of the determinants of entry mode choice. This chapter focuses differently by taking a network approach to internationalization. Setting of from the triadic entry nodes concept we highlight the value offered to small firms in the internationalization process by intermediaries operating as network informants, integrators and coordinators. Moreover, we challenge the viewpoint that foreign market entry is a mona dic relationship between one producer and one foreign party.