Information flow and supply chain management in local production networks: the role of people and information systems

Abstract

This paper aims to explore supply chain management (SCM) in local production networks (LPN) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). What is of particular importance in this study is not just the analysis of the characteristics of SCM in these networks which is based on the interplay between local society and business, but the closer investigation of information flows and of how these flows are facilitated by people and information systems. Local production networks are identified and analysed in a specific localised economy in Greece. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. Major findings suggest that localised production systems are complex economic entities. Information flows are found to be of increased importance especially regarding external information. The role of people is found to be changing with a need of more skilled and knowledgeable ones, while the role of information systems was evaluated as critical due to their efficiency and effectiveness on increasing information exchange mainly with external to the district actors in global supply chains.

Keywords:

• Supply chain management
• Local production networks
• SMEs
• Information flow

Acknowledgments

Nikos I. Dimitriadis is a lecturer in Marketing at The Sheffield University Management School. Before that he taught for three years at various undergraduate and postgraduate modules at CITY Liberal Studies, an Affiliated Institution of the University of Sheffield, in Thessaloniki, Greece, and also at seminars and training programs for entrepreneurs and managers, organised by the Centre for Development of Greek Trade. He received his bachelor in Business Administration (Marketing) from CITY Liberal Studies by winning the Best Annual Achievement Award for two years running, and his MBA (Marketing) degree from the University of Sheffield. He is currently concluding his doctoral research on industrial districts at the same university. His research papers have been presented in several national and international conferences and published in various journals, business magazines and newspapers. His research interests include information flow in industrial districts, alliances and supply chain management, integrated marketing communications and marketing strategy, and partnerships between SMEs.

Dr S.C.L. Koh , BEng (Hons), PhD, MIEE, MCMI, MIOM, is a deputy director of MBA in EcoBusiness and a lecturer in Quantitative Methods and Management at The Sheffield University Management School, UK. Her research interests are in the areas of production planning and control (particularly in MRP, MRPII and ERP), uncertainty management, modern operations management, logistics and supply chain management, e-business, e-organisations and sustainable manufacturing. She has published widely in various international and national academic journals and conferences. She is the Associate Editor of the International Journal of Operational Research, an editorial board member of the International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management and Benchmarking: an International Journal, serves as a chair and on the board of committee of various international conferences, and as a referee for several international journals in these disciplines.