Supplier Relationship Management 2.0: Cross-industry Best Practices

Details

Supervisors

Blome, Constantin

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] en Ingénieur de gestion

Abstract

The goal of this study is to identity how companies must manage partnership processes in order to leverage all the capabilities of their suppliers. In order to answer to this question, it analyzes and defines the different findings linked to SRM and more specifically the management of strategic partners. It is addressed by answering to other sub-question which are How to define the scope of Supplier Relationship Management? What is the most relevant supplier partnership process in line with this scope? What are the Best Practices that can cover all this process? This research is divided in several parts in order to address the key questions. A first part is dedicated to the analysis of the theoretical literature. It is a clear vision of the scope analyzed, some existing cases but also the opportunities and threats linked to this topic. There is also the creation of a personal SRM framework and the analysis of different best practices that can be applied to this process. Secondly, there is a description of the methodology followed to address the empirical part. Thirdly, a summary of the different interviews realized through a case study. Fourthly, a cross-case analysis is achieved to highlight the similarities and differences between the theory and the practice. Finally, a conclusion was done in order to highlight findings such as new practices found in the case studies or the limitations.