An examination of the strategic and operational impact of global sourcing on UK small firms

Abstract

This paper presents three in-depth case studies of UK small manufacturers from the electronics manufacturing industry with global supply chains. There is no overlap in products, suppliers or customers and over time, each has developed a distinct and different strategy for managing an extended supply chain. The outcomes and experiences though are not markedly different. The operational challenges they encounter around quality and delivery, as well as the strategic dimensions of information asymmetry and capability fit are discussed. The study identifies the financial risks the firms are exposed to, the constraints to innovation and the wider strategic implications for long-term business performance.

Keywords:

• small firm
• manufacturer
• global sourcing
• China
• business performance
• case study research

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the reviewers for their input and advice, it helped to improve the contribution of the article.