The impact of product design on supply chain risk: a case study
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
ISSN: 0960-0035
Article publication date: 13 June 2008
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the increasingly important issue of the impact of product design on supply chain risk management in an era of global supply arrangements. The need to include product design considerations in the development of global supply chain strategies is highlighted.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology is based on an in‐depth longitudinal case study of a major UK retailer. Data collection tools included observation of supplier meetings/workshops, semi‐structured interviews and access to key company documentation and archives.
Findings
This paper provides a framework for design‐led supply chain risk management and thus presents a case for recognising design as more than a creative function but as a platform to manage risk in supply chains.
Research limitations/implications
The empirical research reported in this paper is specific to the clothing manufacturing and fashion retail industry. Though the findings will most likely apply to all industries and supply chains where design has an integral role and plays an important part in the competitiveness of the final product, there would be benefit in extending the research into other sectors.
Practical implications
The increased trends to outsourcing and offshore sourcing and the elimination of trade barriers have added to the competitive pressures faced by clothing retailers, hence frameworks to manage supply chain risks are significant to the survival of companies from this sector.
Originality/value
Whilst there is a growing literature in the field of supply chain risk there is less empirical evidence providing practical examples of the impact of product design on risk. Design‐led risk management offers a novel approach to mitigating supply chain risk.
Keywords
Citation
Khan, O., Christopher, M. and Burnes, B. (2008), "The impact of product design on supply chain risk: a case study", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 38 No. 5, pp. 412-432. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030810882834
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited