From goods to solutions: how does the content of an offering affect network configuration?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to adopt service-dominant logic (SDL) to empirically explore network configurations resulting from the provision of goods, goods and services, and solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a single, in-depth, exploratory case study in a truck manufacturer and its supply network. An abductive approach is adopted. In total, 54 semi-structured interviews were conducted.

Findings

Three value propositions are clearly discernible within the truck provider. These range from a truck to a “solution”. These propositions have different supply network configurations: dyadic, triadic and tetradic. The extent to which different network actors contribute to value co-creation varies across the offerings.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a single, in-depth case study developed in one industrial context. Whilst this represents an appropriate approach given the exploratory nature of the study, further empirical investigation is needed across different industries.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to empirically examine supply networks using SDL. A rich understanding of the challenges faced by a truck manufacturer in providing different value propositions and the resulting network configurations are discussed. In so doing, evidence is provided of a more complex, tetradic network configuration for solutions, with varying degrees of interplay between actors in the flow of operand and operant resources to create value.

Citation

Chakkol, M., Johnson, M., Raja, J. and Raffoni, A. (2014), "From goods to solutions: how does the content of an offering affect network configuration?", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 44 No. 1/2, pp. 132-154. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-03-2013-0064