Vendor-outsourcer Partnerships

Most research on supply chains has taken the perspective of either the outsourcer (most frequent) or vendor (less frequent). Very little empirical work has been done on partnership relationships, the benefits that accrue, or how they are developed and maintained. This promises to be a fertile area for future research. Vendors need to develop their competences into capabilities that matter to the outsourcer to win, run and renew their contracts. The outsourcers, in turn, can assist the vendors in developing the requisite capabilities and competences by coordination at all stages of the supply chain. This research explores how this mutually beneficial partnership makes both the customer and supplier more competitive and strengthens the relationship.

Principal researchers: Dr. , Dr. and Dr. Robert Mefford (University of San Francisco, CA)