A typology of service supply chain strategies - pathways between agility and efficiency

Abstract

Various service supply chain strategies may provide firms with competitive advantage, providing appropriate pathways between different configurations are identified. Using a case study and a theory building process, we illustrate a configuration and movement in a typology of service supply chains. We explain how the framework aids analysis of current and future positions and the strategic implications for service supply chains. A key principle of the framework is the distinction between novelty, or frequency, of mismatches between information-as-input and service requirements, and the analysability of the challenge, or the level of difficulty in identifying and acquiring appropriate input information.