| This study researches how firms manage value-based supply chain strategies. It focuses on purchasing and supply management's (PSM) role in the management of those strategies. Four topic areas are explored: (1) How the term “value” is defined and interpreted across a value chain. (2) Whether the definition or interpretation of value changes based upon one's assumed value chain perspective (i.e., customer- versus supplier-facing). (3) Whether the definition or interpretation of value changes at different operating/management levels of the value chain. (4) How firms might improve their management of value as evidenced by uninterrupted flows of value across their respective value chains. In order to explore these topic areas this author examines the set of management processes used by individuals inside and outside PSM (the unit of analysis) to implement and achieve value-based strategies.; The author advances an empirical framework—the integrated value process—based upon (a) a conceptual model describing how value is conceptualised, configured and implemented across a triad of firms (i.e., the customer, the focal organisation, and the supplier), (b) a high level definition of value and (c) a set of five value “first principles”, all of which are derived from the literature. The author empirically tests the conceptual model both quantitatively and qualitatively across a range of firms in the UK and the US. Research methods employed include a semi-structured focus group, several unstructured interviews of subject matter experts, a large-scale survey questionnaire, and in-depth case studies of six firm triads.; The study advances the concept of “value gaps”, i.e. differing definitions and interpretations of the term value that lead to goal misalignment and conflict. The research documents instances of such value gaps. The findings suggest that interruptions in value flows across a value chain arise when participants operate with an inadequate understanding of value. To help companies address these value gaps, this thesis advances an empirical framework for evaluating, implementing and managing a value-based supply chain strategy. |
