Factors influencing global supply chain efficiency: implications for information systems

Gaining a competitive advantage in international supply chains requires matching the value‐adding activities of a chain with the unique comparative advantages offered by diverse nations that make up the chain. To do this, a supply chain manager must identify and control the factors that influence the performance of the chain in each of the three areas, namely, procurement, processing and distribution. Controlling these factors requires, among other things, setting up suitable information systems. This article provides a checklist of factors and offers suggestions for international supply chain managers to gain competitive advantage.

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