Perspectives on quality coordination and assurance in global supply chains

The 2007 recall of Berko Electric Toe-Space Heaters made in the US, the recall of backpack blowers made in Japan, the recalls of toys and pet food produced in China have exposed the potential of global supply chain disruptions. This product recall storm leads to the issue of quality assurance in global supply chain management. Product recalls indicate that manufacturing companies are particularly vulnerable to ensure quality when they source via a global supply chain with poor visibility. Obviously, a supply chain cannot afford this kind of sourcing and supply structure that threatens the supply-chain integrity. This special issue on quality assurance in global supply chains intends to offer a few useful concepts, methods, and approaches to ensure quality in global supply chains. The 14 articles presented here identified common themes and indicate increased emphasis on supply chain quality assurance.