Exploring integrated solutions in the supply chain context: a dyadic perspective in an emerging economy setting

Abstract

Provision of integrated solutions is a relational process in which suppliers address buyers’ unique requirements through the integration of physical goods, services and knowledge. Although the integrated solutions in the supply chain context require both parties’ involvement to the process, the concept is not yet fully understood from the dual perspectives of buyers and suppliers. This study explores integrated solutions process in the supply chain context from a dyadic perspective, in an emerging economy setting. The chosen setting is particularly important, due to the possibility of market dynamics affecting the process of integrated solutions. We adopt a perspective of dyadic relationship between buyers and suppliers in supply chains and use multiple case study research design to analyse relations between leading manufacturing companies and their suppliers in the consumer durables industry. Findings reveal a need for a new viewpoint based on a cyclical solutions process. Findings also show suppliers’ limited awareness on integrated solutions, despite their full involvement in the integrated solutions creation process. Thus, one of the critical findings is the integration solutions process starts with the need recognition of the buyer. We develop a framework detailing the capabilities and tools needed for each stage of the integrated solutions process. Additionally, we propose a new definition for integrated solutions in the supply chain context, from a dyadic perspective in an emerging economy setting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that explores the concept in the supply chain context reflecting a dyadic perspective of buyers and their multiple suppliers in an emerging economy context.