Managing resource dependencies in electric vehicle supply chains: a multi-tier case study
Kalaitzi, Dimitra and Matopoulos, Aristides and Clegg, Ben (2019) Managing resource dependencies in electric vehicle supply chains: a multi-tier case study. Supply Chain Management, 24 (2). pp. 256-270. ISSN 1359-8546
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SCMIJ - EV supply chains - final version.pdf - Accepted Version Download (1MB) |
Abstract
To investigate dependencies that arise between companies during the ramp-up of production volume in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
An inter-company case study method has been used. Data was collected via tours of manufacturing plants, workshops and interviews from multiple tiers in a supply chain, namely a niche EV manufacturer, as well as two of its tier one suppliers and five of its tier two suppliers.
As production volumes increased, a more relational approach was found to be necessary in inter-company relationships. Our research showed that key suppliers, in addition to providing the parts, pursued a supply chain orchestrator’s role by offering direct support and guidance to the niche EV manufacturer in designing and executing its development plans.
Resource Dependence Theory (RDT) is used to analyse and explain the changing dependencies throughout the planning and execution of production ramp-up. This study will help supply chain managers to better manage resource dependencies during production ramp-up.
This study explores dependencies during the early stages of the production ramp-up process in the EV sector, which is in itself in the early stages of evolution. RDT is employed for the first time in this context. This study has moved beyond a simple dyadic context, by providing empirical insights into the actions taken by an EV manufacturer and its suppliers, toward a multi-tier supply chain context, to better manage resource dependencies.
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