Sourcing from outside – six managerial challenges
Abstract
Purpose
As companies become more aware of their role in the business network and their own value contribution hereto, the question of the companies’ sourcing strategy and use of suppliers has simultaneously come more and more into focus of their decision making. The purpose of this paper is to describe some managerial challenges on the sourcing side, which companies must address in order to be able to act appropriately in relation to their own role and the cooperation with others in the network. The paper aims to focus on managerial implications of deliberate strategic sourcing.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on empirical observations, discussions with managers, and previous research the paper discusses six significant strategic managerial challenges that companies must address in their quest to form their role in the network.
Findings
Strategic sourcing is not a stand alone activity, but an activity impacting the whole network. The paper pinpoints how important it is to address the raised managerial challenges when relationships are to be terminated, maintained or developed.
Originality/value
The paper helps managers to navigate and focus in discussing their strategic sourcing process.
Keywords
Citation
Freytag, P.V. and Mikkelsen, O.S. (2007), "Sourcing from outside – six managerial challenges", Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 187-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/08858620710741896
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited