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Center for Global Business and the Economy

 

Faculty Perspectives

Global Supply Chain

Hau Lee
Triple-A Supply Chains [icon - video] Video File (48 min)

Building Supply Chain Excellence in Emerging Economies
Supply chain management trends and practices in China were the focus of two conferences sponsored by the Stanford Global Supply Chain Management Forum in Shanghai during 2004 and 2005. Speakers described the challenges and opportunities in China where infrastructure is still mostly inadequate in many parts of the country. Professors Hau Lee, Stanford GSB and Chung-Yee Lee, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, co-sponsors of the conference, were so intrigued by these situations that they asked industry leaders to expand on their experiences and findings.

This led to a new book, edited by Hau and Lee, Building Supply Chain Excellence in Emerging Economies (Springer, September 2006) which expanded the focus to include other "emerging economies" such as India, Mexico and Eastern Europe and covers general frameworks, strategies, trends and case examples of innovations in thes economies.

Some interesting strategies can be observed from the cases in this book: First, emerging economies have provided companies with the opportunities to develop and test cutting- edge supply chain practices; secondarily, that emerging economies have expanded their supply chain capabilities and are providing corporations with design and product innovations; thirdly, that the capabilities and needs of customers vary tremendously, thus service providers must be flexible; fourthly, that it is important to create sustainable supply chains in emerging economies to ensure long-term profitability and growth; and finally, that companies that have been able to identify and successfully fill large customer service gaps are reaping the benefits of early market entry. The book provides valuable insights and lessons that enable practitioners to create value and build excellence with this extension of the supply chain. Details [pdf_icon PDF 81 KB]

When Disaster Strikes, United Chain Efforts Can Enhance Relief Work
The time to help is before a disaster strikes, focusing on planning, building partnerships, and using the same techniques that supply chains focus on to keep factories running, said speakers at a seminar on Effective Disruption Management. Details

Stanford Global Supply Chain Forum Marks 10th Year
Mastering the supply chain is critical to ensuring a steady flow of goods and can also be the key to gaining advantage over rival businesses in extremely competitive markets. For this reason, Stanford University researchers and industry partners founded the Stanford Global Supply Chain Management Forum. Details

Supply Chains Adapt to Disruptions When There is No Time for a Huddle
Whether it's a natural disaster or an equipment problem, supply chains today are focused on being flexible to emergencies than on product design to maximize efficiency. Stanford's 10-year-old Global Supply Chain Management Forum has studied the progress. Details

Professor Hau LeeResearch by Hau Lee Honored
Lee's paper, "The Triple-A Supply Chain," published in October 2004, has been honored by the McKinsey Awards for excellence in management thinking, presented annually by the Harvard Business Review. Details