Managing resource dependencies in electric vehicle supply chains: a multi-tier case study

Dimitra Kalaitzi, Aristides Matopoulos, Benjamin T Clegg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate dependencies that arise between companies during the ramp-up of production volume in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. Design/methodology/approach: An inter-company case study method has been used. Data were collected via tours of manufacturing plants, workshops and interviews from multiple tiers in a supply chain, namely, a niche EV manufacturer, as well as two of its tier-one suppliers and five of its tier-two suppliers. Findings: As production volumes increased, a more relational approach was found to be necessary in inter-company relationships. The authors’ research showed that key suppliers, in addition to providing the parts, pursued a supply chain orchestrator’s role by offering direct support and guidance to the niche EV manufacturer in designing and executing its development plans. Research limitations/implications: The resource dependence theory (RDT) is used to analyse and explain the changing dependencies throughout the planning and execution of production ramp-up. Practical implications: This study will help supply chain managers to better manage resource dependencies during production ramp-up. Originality/value: This study explores dependencies during the early stages of the production ramp-up process in the EV sector, which is in itself in the early stages of evolution. RDT is used for the first time in this context. This study has moved beyond a simple dyadic context, by providing empirical insights into the actions taken by an EV manufacturer and its suppliers, towards a multi-tier supply chain context, to better manage resource dependencies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)256-270
Number of pages15
JournalSupply Chain Management
Volume24
Issue number2
Early online date31 Jan 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Mar 2019

Bibliographical note

© Emerald Publishing Limited 2019
Published by Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only
Funding: Advanced Propulsion Centre UK.

Keywords

  • Case study
  • Electric vehicle
  • Production ramp-up
  • Resource dependence theory
  • Supply chain management

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