To read this content please select one of the options below:

(excl. tax) 30 days to view and download

Clusters and supply chain management: the Amish experience

Tom DeWitt, Larry C. Giunipero, Horace L. Melton

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

ISSN: 0960-0035

Article publication date: 1 April 2006

4315

Abstract

Purpose

To demonstrate the linkage between Porter's cluster theory and supply chain management, and provide evidence of their potential joint positive impact on competitiveness and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the linkage between cluster theory and supply chain management using data from a case study of the Amish furniture industry in Homes County, Ohio, USA.

Findings

Using the Amish furniture industry and a representative furniture firm as examples, the paper shows the positive impact of operating within an integrated supply chain in a geographically concentrated cluster.

Research limitations/implications

Use of a single case study approach limits the generalizability of the findings; the paper recommends further study of linkages in other industries and locations.

Practical implications

The study suggests that firms build competitive advantage by initially focusing primarily on local resources when selecting supply chain partners, rather than looking only for low cost advantage through distant sourcing.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature on business linkages by proposing an expanded definition of clusters as geographical concentrations of competing supply networks.

Keywords

Citation

DeWitt, T., Giunipero, L.C. and Melton, H.L. (2006), "Clusters and supply chain management: the Amish experience", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 36 No. 4, pp. 289-308. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030610672055

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles