Concise Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management: (Elgar Concise Introductions)

Our Elgar Concise Introductions are inspiring and considered. They explain the key principles in business and are expertly written by some of the world’s leading scholars. The aims of the series are two-fold: to pinpoint essential concepts of business and management, and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking. This Concise Introduction provides clear insights into the various issues involved in the global supply chain. Covering materials procurement, sourcing, and physical distribution, Masaaki Kotabe examines the global supply chain from a strategic perspective, while also addressing the sustainability concerns which arise in this arena. Key Features: Considers the long-term implications of current global supply chain methods Provides a detailed overview of the historical evolution of global supply chain management Assesses global supply chain management from both a strategic and sustainability perspective Contains detailed case studies to illustrate various global supply chain matters such as variations in physical distribution costs, the ethics of offshore sourcing and international retailers entering foreign markets The Concise Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management will be crucial for professionals and practitioners working in supply chains, company management and global marketing. It will also be of use for students and researchers working in operations management, international business and international economics.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface 1 Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management 2 A Brief History of Supply Chain Management 3 Managing Procurement and Sourcing Strategy 4 Global Sourcing Strategy and Performance 5 Lessons from the Consumer Electronics Industry 6 Managing Physical Distribution 7 Global Supply Chain Management for Sustainability

About the Author :
Masaaki Kotabe, Professor, School of Commerce, Waseda University, Japan, and the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii at Manoa, US

Review :
‘This book is the most efficient, effective path to learning the basics of global supply chain management. From sourcing to sustainability, from ocean freight to e-commerce, from free trade zones to hedging, this book covers it all. Great for students and instructors, and for learning on your own!’ ‘This book offers a concise yet rich explanation of global supply chain management by one of the pioneering researchers in this field. Global supply chain management is a highly complex process that is a critical component of a firm’s strategy and a major contributor to a firm’s competitive advantage. This book should be in the personal library of all who aspire to be strategic leaders of multinational enterprises and all international business educators and researchers.’ ‘Global supply chain (GSC) is a complex phenomenon to grasp because it involves layers of functions, functionaries, firms, institutions, industry effects, and nations. As a leading authority on international sourcing, supply chains, marketing, and international business, Masaaki Kotabe is uniquely positioned to integrate this fragmented field in his latest book. It offers numerous examples, pertinent data, and crystal-clear explanations of complex materials ranging from the basics to important GSC-related topics, including its history, strategic aspects for firms, sourcing approaches and strategies, logistics and distribution, and its impact on pollution and sustainability. With his decades long experience and fine-grained knowledge of GSC, his condensed compilation offers a rare look into this landscape and should be considered an essential read for academics and managers.’ ‘Masaaki Kotabe’s Concise Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management is a timely book in view of developments in the global marketplace and increasing demands for sustainable business practices. I especially value the strategy perspective adopted and the multi-disciplinary and boundary-spanning approach taken to the study of global supply chain management. It’s a comprehensive, clearly written, and well organized book that is a “must read” for all those who want to develop and deepen understanding of this subject in today’s global business world.’ ‘Masaaki Kotabe's Concise Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management is an expertly written guide for understanding the intricacies of global supply chains. It emphasizes efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability, making it essential reading for supply chain professionals and business students alike.’