19th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Lima, Peru - 2011

Horizontal Supply Chain Collaboration in Swedish and Norwegian SME Networks

Anders Bjornfot1, Liv Torjussen2 & Jarkko Erikshammar3

1Tech. Dr., Div. of Structural Engineering - Timber Structures, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden, Phone +46 920 492 067, FAX +46 920 491 091, [email protected]
2Lecturer, Division of Technology and Management, Gjøvik University College, 2815 Gjøvik, Norway, Phone +47 957 254 70, [email protected]
3Ph.D. Student, Div. of Structural Engineering - Timber Structures, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden, Phone +46 920 491 860, [email protected]

Abstract

An SME is often managed in an informal way with focus on sales and production. Many SME are also financially vulnerable as they are strongly dependent on a few key customers and key products. As variation will always exist, SME should learn to deal with variation instead of try eliminating it. This paper hypothesises that structural flexibility in SME supply chains through horizontal collaboration leads to a regional environment of economical growth from which all active SME will benefit The hypothesis is examined through two case studies; a Swedish supplier network that has worked together six year and a freshly started Norwegian supplier network. The Swedish suppliers are cooperating; e.g. in case of low capacity, they are sharing production resources. Another benefit of cooperation, supported by Norwegian findings, is the sharing of knowledge amongst each other that lessens the economical strain of keeping up with the “latest”. Cooperation within supplier tier networks marks the emergence of a “collective strength” improving individual suppliers bargaining position towards their customers, e.g. when obtaining new orders, when lobbying for changes in regulations, or when developing and verifying new products. This evolution indicates the emergence of a “Lean Enterprise” within the house building sector.

Keywords

Horizontal supply chain management, Construction suppliers, Collaboration, SME

Files


Full Text
 

Reference

Bjornfot, A. , Torjussen, L. & Erikshammar, J. 2011. Horizontal Supply Chain Collaboration in Swedish and Norwegian SME Networks, 19th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , -. doi.org/

Download: BibTeX | RIS Format

 

Founded in 1993, the IGLC is an international network of researchers from practice and academia in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) who feel that the practice, education, and research of the AEC industry have to be radically renewed in order to respond to the global challenges ahead.

2015 © All Rights Reserved.