In this exploration of formal international purchasing alliances, a broad overview of why firms become involved in international purchasing alliances is developed. Then, using a data base developed based on formalized international alliance activity reported in The Wall Street Journal ,...

The Supply Chain Management (SCM) concept has received much attention as a method for achieving improved customer service, better inventory management, and better overall channel management. Keiretsu, a type of Japanese business network shares many of the goals of SCM, yet is implemented much...

The concepts of a supply chain and supply chain management are receiving increased attention as means of becoming or remaining competitive in a globally challenging environment. What distinguishes supply chain management from other channel relationships? This paper presents a framework for...

Total cost of ownership is a concept which strives to analyze and understand the true cost of doing business with a supplier, going well beyond price. This paper briefly explores trends which have increased interest in total cost of ownership analysis. Barriers and benefits of total cost of...

While the concept of partnerships has received much attention in the literature, the focus has primarily been on the manufacturing firm. This paper explores the similarities and differences in partnerships from the perspectives of manufacturing and non‐manufacturing firms. Findings indicate...

The outsourcing decision considers the issue of whether an organization should perform certain activities internally or purchase these services from third parties. One of the key issues in outsourcing is the potential for cost reduction. This paper suggests the use of total cost of ownership...

The paper begins with an overview of some of the forces that have shaped supply chain management and partnership relationships. Next the potential benefits and risks of involvement in supply chain management/partnership relationships are discussed from the perspective of both the shipper and the...