Managing Contract Manufacturing Relationships: A Design Science Approach to Client-Applied Management Practices

Contract manufacturing has become a crucial part of global supply chains, with contract manufacturers overtaking brand-leaders in various areas. This book examines the relationship management of contract manufacturing relationships through the client's use of management practices, adopting an eclectic transaction cost economics and relationship velocity perspective. The findings indicate the need for systematic alignment of client companies and contract manufacturers at commercial and social relationship levels and recommend practical applications.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 219 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2023
Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG

Contract manufacturing has emerged as a pivotal component of global supply chains since the initial surge of production outsourcing. Over time, leading brands have prioritized their supply chains towards the end consumer, while contract manufacturers have surpassed them in various critical domains. Consequently, contract manufacturers are assuming strategic roles in the implementation of product designs, necessitating dedicated relationship management to facilitate seamless manufacturing coordination across organizational boundaries. This book delves into the management of contract manufacturing relationships through the client's utilization of management practices. It adopts an eclectic perspective encompassing transaction cost economics and relationship velocity. By examining applied management practices, relationship dynamics, and the targeted selection and adjustment of management practices, the book aims to provide insights into the complexities of contract manufacturing partnerships.

The findings from this research indicate a pressing need for systematic alignment between client companies and contract manufacturers at both commercial and social relationship levels. Furthermore, regular assessments of the commercial and social fit are essential to sustaining healthy relationship dynamics. These findings contribute to the existing literature on contract manufacturing relationships and offer practical recommendations for practitioners.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658413583
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023