Business Network
Agility for Global Demand-Supply Synchronization: A Comparative Case Study in
the Apparel Industry
Lewis, Mark mark.lewis@ceprin.gsu.edu
Hornyak, Rob rob.hornyak@ceprin.gsu.edu
Patnayakuni, Ravi ravi.patnayakuni@uah.edu
Rai, Arun arun.rai@ceprin.gsu.edu
Journal of Global Information Technology
Management; 2008, Vol. 11 Issue 2
Abstract
Firms are looking to leverage information
technology (IT) to develop higher order capabilities that span the extended enterprise,
such as demand-supply synchronization for agile response in volatile markets.
In this study, we examine two global firms that are both driven to become orchestrators of their respective global business networks,
where product design, distribution, and manufacturing are managed as one
coordinated whole. However, each firm has pursued a different business strategy
to develop demand-supply synchronization capabilities. The design of their
business networks, digital enablement of business processes, and product
characteristics are key attributes that differentiate these firms. By
conducting a comparative case analysis of both firms, we assess differences and
similarities, in an effort to understand how
IT capabilities and business network structure can be aligned to leverage
global resources, synchronize demand and supply, and develop business network
agility on a global scale.