Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain
This concept introduces the terms and describes some essential characteristics of loosely-coupled and tightly-coupled supply chains.
Technique Overview
Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain Definition
Tightly-coupled (also known as hard-wired or linked) and loosely-coupled supply chains are two polar models of collaboration between buyer and supplier where a linked model represents a close relationship and a loosely-coupled model refers to low-interdependency between partners. Supply chain collaboration is defined as "two or more chain members working together to create a competitive advantage through sharing information, making joint decisions, and sharing benefits ..." (Simatupang and Sridharan, 2002).
Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain Description *
* The full technique overview will be available soon. Contact us to register your interest in our business management platform, and learn all about Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain.
Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain *
* The business evidence section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business Evidence.
Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain *
* The business application section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business application.
Professional Tools
Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain videos and downloads *
* The professional tools section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the professional tools.
Further Reading
Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain web and print resources *
Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain references (4 of up to 20) *
- Balasubramanian, P. and Tewary, A.K. (2005) Design of Supply Chains: Unrealistic Expectations on Collaboration. Sãdhanã, Vol.30(2/3), pp. 463-473.
- Brown J.S., Hagel, J. III and Durchslag S. (2002) Loosening Up: How Process Networks Unlock the Power of Specialisation. McKinsey Quarterly, Vol. 2, pp. 59-69.
- Clapperton, G. (2010) Dell Outsources its Supply Chain Reinvention. [online] Available at: www.information-age.com/channels/it-services/features/1261013/dell-outsources-its-supply-chain-reinvention.thtml [Accessed: 27 January 2011].
- El Sawy, O.A. (2003) Collaborative Integration in e-Business Through Private Trading Exchanges. Information Systems and e-Business Management, Vol. 1(1), pp. 119-137.
* The further reading section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the further reading.
Learn more about KnowledgeBrief Manage and how you can equip yourself with the knowledge to succeed on Loosely-Coupled vs. Tightly-Coupled Supply Chain and hundreds of other essential business management techniques