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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.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis is a PhD candidate in the Center for Process Innovation at Georgia State University. His research focuses on the how information technology can be used to support enterprise transformation in volatile environments. Before entering academia Mark worked with IBM Global Services as a business analyst and as a research assistant with IBM's advanced internet technology division. He has worked on research projects sponsored by companies such as UPS, Hewlett Packard, Chrysler, Gartner, and SAP.
Rob Hornyak
Rob Hornyak has an MBA and MS in Management Information Systems and is currently a PhD candidate at Georgia State University in the Center for Process Innovation. His research focuses on how IT and process innovations impact business performance and collaboration among organizations. His research has been presented to industry and academic audiences and has appeared in the Proceedings of the America's Conference on Information Systems.
Ravi Patnayakuni
Ravi Patnayakuni is an associate professor of information systems in the Department of Economics and Information Systems at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. His research focuses on supply chain partnerships, information technology business value and knowledge management. His research has been published in MIS Quarterly, Journal of Management Information Systems, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Communication of the ACM, Journal of the Association of Information Systems, Omega, Communications of the AIS and Information Systems Journal. He received his DBA from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1997.
Arun Rai
Arun Rai is Regents' Professor and the Harkins Chair in Information Systems at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. He co-founded the interdisciplinary Center for Process Innovation for industry-university collaborative research. His research has appeared in Decision Sciences, Information Systems Research, Journal of Management Information Systems, Management Science, MIS Quarterly, and others. He serves as Senior Editor for Information Systems Research and as Associate Editor for Management Science. His research has been sponsored by government agencies and leading corporations.
