Toward a Theory of Multi‐Tier Supply Chain Management
Abstract
Recent trends toward outsourcing and global sourcing have created longer, more complex and more fragmented supply chains. In this research, we aim to instigate a theoretical development of multi‐tier supply chain (MSC) management by adopting an inductive case study research design. Following a multiple case research design, we investigate three‐tier supply chains to develop a theory of MSC management. Each of the investigated supply chains consists of a buyer, supplier and supplier's supplier. Based on the case studies, propositions are built concerning how MSC s operate. As an underlying methodology, we first conduct a within‐case analysis and then expand that analysis to the cross‐case context. The results show the impact that the dynamics of the MSC have on power balance, structure, interdependence and relationship stability inherent in MSC s.
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- Authors
- Mena, C., Humphries, A., & Choi, T. Y.
- Affiliations
- Cranfield University (GB)
- SCCI Ltd.
- Arizona State University (US)
- Venue
- Journal of Supply Chain Management
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2013-04
- Volume
- 49
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 58-77
- ISSN
- 1055-6001 (ISSN-L)
- 1523-2409
- 1745-493X
- OpenAlex
- W2038487407
- Cited by
- 483
- References
- 88
- Citations by year
- 2026: 34 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 47 · 2023: 63 · 2022: 55 · 2021: 48 · 2020: 46 · 2019: 38 · 2018: 41 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 24 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 45.02
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Supply Chain Management (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management Information Systems › Quality and Supply Management
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management Information Systems › Outsourcing and Supply Chain Management
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Keywords
- three-echelon supply chain, outsourcing, global sourcing, power balance, interdependence, relationship stability, supply chain structure, buyer-supplier relationships
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