Johnsen, TE, Mikkelsen, OS and Wong, CY orcid.org/0000-0002-4933-1770 (2019) Strategies for complex supply networks: findings from the offshore wind power industry. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 24 (6). pp. 872-886. ISSN 1359-8546
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing companies that operate within complex supply networks and the strategies they use to manage such complex supply networks.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses mixed methods by combining in-depth case studies with an executive forum with those of senior industry stakeholders. The two in-depth supply network case studies were carried out through multiple interviews with focal (or ‘developer’) firms that supply energy through offshore wind power and key suppliers such as wind turbine manufacturers.
Findings
The findings show the challenges the offshore wind power industry faces because of complex supply networks, including attempts by several actors to exert their power and control. Despite the networks facing similar complexities and challenges, two distinctly different strategies for orchestrating and governing supply networks are uncovered: one strategy resembles an interventionist strategy, while the other is based on delegation.
Research limitations/implications
Based on the findings, the authors identify and develop a classification of complex supply network divided into intervention and delegation strategies, thereby adding to existing research on ways to manage complex supply networks.
Practical implications
The authors identify strategies for focal firms for managing in complex supply networks, based on control and intervention or coordination and delegation.
Originality/value
Existing research on supply network strategies has largely focused on non-complex contexts. This paper draws from complex adaptive systems and organisational behaviour perspectives to contribute original insights into supply network strategies in complex supply networks.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited. This is an author produced version of a paper published in Supply Chain Management: an International Journal. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | case studies; sourcing; suppliers; complexity; complex supply networks; supply network strategies; offshore wind power |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Business (Leeds) > Management Division (LUBS) (Leeds) > Logistics, Info, Ops and Networks (LION) (LUBS) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 27 Jun 2019 12:57 |
Last Modified: | 14 Nov 2019 16:54 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Emerald |
Identification Number: | 10.1108/SCM-11-2018-0410 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:147854 |