Quality risk in global supply network

Abstract

Purpose

The rise of recent product recalls reveals that manufacturing firms are particularly vulnerable to product quality and safety where goods and materials have been sourced globally. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues of quality and safety problems in global supply networks, and introduce a supply chain risk management (SCRM) framework to reduce the quality risk.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual SCRM framework for mitigating quality risk is developed. In addition, four SCRM treatment practices are proposed by consolidating the empirical literature in the operations management and supply chain management areas. The general feasibility was discussed based on literature.

Findings

The research has identified the root causes of the recent product recalls and a series of product harm scandals ranging from automobiles to unsafe toys. Supply chains are extended by outsourcing and stretched by globalization, which greatly increase the complexity of supply networks and decrease the visibility in risk and operation processes.

Originality/value

The paper identifies four SCRM practices, and proposes two distinct antecedents that can prompt the effectiveness of SCRM.

Citation

Kei Tse, Y., Hua Tan, K., Ho Chung, S. and Kim Lim, M. (2011), "Quality risk in global supply network", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 22 No. 8, pp. 1002-1013. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381111177458