A Taxonomy of Supply Networks

There has been limited research into how different types of supply networks can be created and operated. This article develops a taxonomy of supply networks with a particular focus on managing network creation and operation. The taxonomy is based on a review of network literature from various academic perspectives and extensive empirical data across a variety of industry sectors including automotive, fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and communications technologies. The main differentiating factors for classifying a matrix of four types of supply network are found to be the degree of supply network dynamics and the degree of focal company supply network influence. Network characteristics and different patterns of networking activities are identified for each type of supply network.

Please log in to see the content.

Related Resources: Learn About Leading-Edge Thinking and Practices at April 6-8, 2006 Worldwide Supply Management Symposium Materials And Supply Metrics: What to Measure and How to Measure It Research: The Life Blood of the Profession Supply Management - The Services Spin Liner Notes

Content Recommendations: Inside Supply Management® - November 2006 Cost Savings or Lost Savings? Letters of Intent Sending IT Out Mind the Gap Update Your Interest Profile