The Impact Of Product Design On Supply Chain Risk: A Case Study

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to address the increasingly important issue of the impact ofrnproduct design on supply chain risk management in an era of global supply arrangements. The need torninclude product design considerations in the development of global supply chain strategies isrnhighlighted. Design/methodology/approach - The research methodology is based on an in-depth longitudinalrncase study of a major UK retailer. Data collection tools included observation of supplierrnmeetings/workshops, semi-structured interviews and access to key company documentation andrnarchives. Findings - This paper provides a framework for design-led supply chain risk management and thusrnpresents a case for recognising design as more than a creative function but as a platform to managernrisk in supply chains. Research limitations/implications - The empirical research reported in this paper is specific tornthe clothing manufacturing and fashion retail industry. Though the findings will most likely apply tornall industries and supply chains where design has an integral role and plays an important part in therncompetitiveness of the final product, there would be benefit in extending the research into otherrnsectors. Practical implications - The increased trends to outsourcing and offshore sourcing and thernelimination of trade barriers have added to the competitive pressures faced by clothing retailers, hencernframeworks to manage supply chain risks are significant to the survival of companies from this sector.rnOriginality/value - Whilst there is a growing literature in the field of supply chain risk there is lessrnempirical evidence providing practical examples of the impact of product design on risk. Design-ledrnrisk management offers a novel approach to mitigating supply chain risk.