On supply chain competitiveness of Indian automotive component manufacturing industry

This paper examines the determinants of competitiveness for Indian automotive component (IAC) manufacturing industry, in special context to its supply chain (SC) performance indicators. A longitudinal case study of a large scale automotive component manufacturer in India is used to examine the SC competitiveness of IAC. Real world data on 24 competitiveness drivers are collected from the case study company. Analytical network process is used to prioritize the competitiveness determinants by considering their mutual dependence. Management strategies to improve the competitiveness drivers and their effects on overall supply chain competitiveness of the firm in question is discussed. Our case study shows that the business environmental factors such as workers' skills, globalization, and government regulations contribute the most to the overall supply chain competitiveness of the IAC. However, the competitiveness factors are mutually dependent; therefore, making managerial decisions by considering individual weights only can lead to a wrong conclusion. This study can serve as a guide to the supply chain mangers and strategists of auto component firms in emerging markets who are seeking to improve their position in global marketplace.