The Relationship Between Supply Chain Management and Keiretsu

• Published in: The international journal of logistics management Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 1 - 12
• Main Authors: Ellram, Lisa M., Cooper, Martha C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MCB UP Ltd 01-01-1993
• Subjects: Analogies; Business; Channels; Companies; Conglomerates; Cooperative marketing; Customer services; Inventory management; Keiretsu; Logistics management; Management; Supply chain management; Supply chains; Supply chain management; Cooperative marketing; Conglomerates; Keiretsu; Companies
• ISSN: 0957-4093; 1758-6550
• DOI: 10.1108/09574099310804911

The Supply Chain Management (SCM) concept has received much attention as a method for achieving improved customer service, better inventory management, and better overall channel management. Keiretsu, a type of Japanese business network shares many of the goals of SCM, yet is implemented much differently. This paper explores the similarities and differences between SCM and Keiretsu approaches. It also discusses broad changes that are required to make SCM a more viable competitive alternative among western firms.