Supply chain operational performance roles Available to Purchase

Takes a holistic view of supply chain management tracing supply chains ultimately to end customers. Describes findings from empirical research in European automotive aftermarket supply chains performed under the EC ESPRIT initiative in the CMSO (CIM for Multi‐Supplier Operations) project. The field research was carried out in non‐vertically integrated supply chains in the UK and Spain. The main findings are: chains in different territories exhibited different operational requirements; and position in the supply chain gave rise to different operational requirements. From these findings concludes that, in order to manage supply chains, we must identify each chain player’s role in contributing to satisfying end customer requirements, recognizing that these roles may differ depending on the international environmental context and position in the supply chain.