Commercial aerospace supply chains: The empirical validation of an evolutionary classification scheme

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolution of commercial aerospace supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is presented as evolutionary steps by introduction of key supply chain practices. These steps are brought together by applying cladistics, a classification approach from the biological sciences, to classify the evolutionary relationships between supply chain forms. This is presented in two stages.

Findings

Earlier research produced a “conceptual cladogram” from secondary data that describes the evolution of aerospace supply chains. This paper expands on this through empirical validation and develops a “factual cladogram”, revealing a newly emerging supply chain form. Key practices define the change of supply chain forms in the evolutionary adaptation to market realities and to proactive responses to increased competition.

Research limitations/implications

The factual cladogram as such does not necessarily prescribe world‐class performance but may serve as a platform for discussing and monitoring the properties of the emergent supply chain in light of strategies for the future. As such it becomes a strategic bench‐marking tool for the change of practices, technologies and products.

Practical implications

In practical terms, the approach may be developed as a strategic tool for policy development, and a decision support tool through the creation and exploration of future supply chain form scenarios.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this paper elaborates on a framework for how and why evolution produces diversity of supply chain form.

Citation

Rose‐Anderssen, C., Baldwin, J.S. and Ridgway, K. (2011), "Commercial aerospace supply chains: The empirical validation of an evolutionary classification scheme", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 66-89. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381111099815