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Strategies for complex supply networks: findings from the offshore wind power industry

Strategies for complex supply networks: findings from the offshore wind power industry 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/approachThe 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.FindingsThe 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/implicationsBased 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 implicationsThe authors identify strategies for focal firms for managing in complex supply networks, based on control and intervention or coordination and delegation.Originality/valueExisting 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. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Supply Chain Management An International Journal Emerald Publishing

Strategies for complex supply networks: findings from the offshore wind power industry

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References (79)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
1359-8546
DOI
10.1108/scm-11-2018-0410
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

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/approachThe 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.FindingsThe 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/implicationsBased 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 implicationsThe authors identify strategies for focal firms for managing in complex supply networks, based on control and intervention or coordination and delegation.Originality/valueExisting 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.

Journal

Supply Chain Management An International JournalEmerald Publishing

Published: Oct 21, 2019

Keywords: Case studies; Sourcing; Suppliers; Complexity; Complex supply networks; Supply network strategies; Offshore wind power

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