Acquiring competitive advantage in industry through supply chain integration: a case study of Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Ltd
Journal of Enterprise Information Management
ISSN: 1741-0398
Article publication date: 2 October 2007
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of a successful corporate group, Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Limited (abbreviated “Yue Yuen” below), which acquired its competitive advantage through supply chain management (SCM) and supply chain integration (SCI). Focusing on this as a representative example, the paper discusses the features, operations model and performance of SCM and SCI as a useful reference for business, enterprise and academia.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on classical works on supply chain management, a detailed eight part questionnaire, on supplier and customer relationship management, was designed. This was completed by Yue Yuen managers.
Findings
Through nearly two years of research work, it was found that Yue Yuen's success in supply chain management lies in its large investment in information technology. It was found that a global supply chain strategy should target timeline improvements in product development and procurement to produce optimal effects in terms of cost and quality. Rather than optimizing a single process or segment of the supply chain, a firm should target improvements throughout the entire supply chain.
Research limitations/implications
The framework in the case discussed in this paper provides guidance for future research in the field of supply chain management and supply chain integration by focusing on the case of a specific company and industry.
Practical Implications
This paper provides some theoretical support and policy implications for the reform and development of China's manufacturing, especially in the footwear industry.
Originality/value
This paper highlights the importance of shifting from a “vertical solution” model to a “horizontal solution” model, and stresses that under this new management model, companies can use cooperation to provide customers with a full service supply chain model.
Keywords
Citation
Du, L. (2007), "Acquiring competitive advantage in industry through supply chain integration: a case study of Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Ltd", Journal of Enterprise Information Management, Vol. 20 No. 5, pp. 527-543. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410390710823680
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited