Information Sharing in a Supply Chain. Value Creation through Effective and Efficient Information Technology

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose and research questions

1.2 Design of the study

Choice of theoretical background

Choice of general methodology

Research limitations

1.3. Structure of the report

1.4. Definitions of core terminology

2. Theoretical Framework

2.1 Market oriented view

2.2 Literature Review

3. Empirical design of the study

3.1. Research approaches

3.2. Research strategies

The Case study

Interview

Grounded Theory

Archival research strategy

3.3 Validity and Reliability of empirical data

4. The case study of XY A/S

4.1 General facts about XY A/S

4.2 Supply Chain of XY A/S

5. Descriptive analysis

5.1 Empirical findings

6. Contingency Analysis

6.1 Defining support and primary activities at XY A/S

6.2 Linkages between TD and support activities

7. Discussion

7.1 Further research

7.2 Recommendations for XY A/S

8.Conclusion

Research Objectives and Focus Areas

The primary objective of this thesis is to investigate how information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) can create value for a company within a manufacturing supply chain context. The study explores the effectiveness of IT, identifies necessary system requirements for value creation, and analyzes the internal and external challenges associated with implementing new information systems.

• Analysis of the relationship between IT implementation and value chain (VC) performance.
• Examination of information sharing (IS) practices and their impact on supply chain coordination.
• Identification of barriers to successful IT system integration, such as infrastructure and know-how.
• Development of a contingency framework to link technology development with primary value activities.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Outlines the research context, globalization trends, the necessity of SCM, and defines the core research questions regarding IT and value creation.

2. Theoretical Framework: Establishes the market-oriented view and introduces Michael Porter's Value Chain and Five Forces models as the basis for analysis.

3. Empirical design of the study: Details the research methodology, focusing on the single-case study approach, qualitative interviews, and the application of Grounded Theory.

4. The case study of XY A/S: Provides a profile of the case company, describing its structure, business areas, and existing supply chain processes.

5. Descriptive analysis: Presents the findings from the qualitative interviews, categorized into variables like information quality and system requirements.

6. Contingency Analysis: Analyzes the linkages between Technology Development (TD) and the firm's primary and support value activities.

7. Discussion: Synthesizes findings to address the research questions, reflecting on the impact of IT on firm performance and competitive advantage.

8.Conclusion: Recaps the main study outcomes, confirming that IT creates value when implemented with specific functional requirements and alignment with partner needs.

Keywords

Supply Chain Management, Value Chain Analysis, Information Sharing, Information Technology, Competitive Advantage, Manufacturing Sector, Information Systems, Porter’s Five Forces, Case Study, Qualitative Research, Technology Development, Process Automation, Logistics, Customer Satisfaction, Business Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this thesis?

The thesis investigates how implementing a new information system within a manufacturing company can contribute to value creation and improve supply chain efficiency.

What are the central thematic fields?

The study centers on Supply Chain Management (SCM), the Value Chain (VC) concept, the role of Information Sharing (IS), and the strategic deployment of Information Technology (IT).

What is the core research question?

The main research question is: "How can Information systems create value for a company?"

Which methodology is employed?

The research uses a qualitative, exploratory single-case study methodology, incorporating semi-structured interviews and an archival literature review.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body covers the theoretical background (Porter's models), the empirical design, a detailed case study of the company "XY A/S", and a contingency analysis mapping technology to specific value chain activities.

Which keywords define this work?

Key terms include Supply Chain Management, Information Sharing, Value Chain, IT Implementation, and Competitive Advantage.

How does the author define a "Value Chain"?

The author uses Porter’s definition, describing it as a system of interdependent activities that are divided into primary and support categories to generate profit margin exceeding the costs of creation.

What are the identified challenges for IT implementation?

The study identifies poor IT infrastructure, a lack of know-how among partners, and security/access concerns as the most critical challenges when integrating new information systems.

Why was XY A/S chosen for this case study?

XY A/S was selected as it is a global manufacturing SME facing specific international expansion challenges that require integrated IT solutions for better coordination with customers and suppliers.