Title: Using competitive strategy patterns to determine ideal supply chain management information systems capabilities

Authors: Tim S. McLaren, Milena M. Head, Yufei Yuan

Addresses: DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M4, Canada. ' DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M4, Canada. ' DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M4, Canada

Abstract: Supply chain management information systems (SCM IS) have become vital tools for synchronising information among the customers and suppliers of a supply chain. However, recent advances in inter-enterprise systems and e-business technologies have led to a confusing variety of SCM IS alternatives, each with varying capabilities. This paper demonstrates how a business unit|s competitive strategy patterns can be identified and used to determine the levels of support an SCM IS should provide to enable operational efficiency, flexibility, and planning and analysis capabilities. An exploratory pilot study using the emergent model illustrates its utility and assesses various measures of its operationalisation.

Keywords: business strategy; interorganisational information systems; strategic alignment; supply chain management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIEM.2004.004400

International Journal of Internet and Enterprise Management, 2004 Vol.2 No.1, pp.45 - 61

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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