Strategic Supply Management: Creating the Next Source of Competitive Advantage

For supply managers, executive leaders, and non-supply leaders at firms of all sizes, Trent (supply chain management, Lehigh U.) explains how to create a supply management organization that delivers reliable sources; he also describes a framework for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. He first defines strategic supply chain management and the leadership required to achieve objectives. Concepts, processes, best practices, tools, and company examples are detailed in chapters on organizational design, measurement, information technology, and human resources. Strategies discussed in subsequent chapters focus on contracting, outsourcing, building a supply base, supplier performance and relationships, managing costs, involving suppliers early, sourcing globally, and creating new value through supply alliances. Information is drawn from research, work with prominent companies, and public sources. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Robert J. Trent, Ph.D., is the supply chain management program director and the Eugene Mercy associate professor of management at Lehigh University, where he teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Trent gained his practical experience in operations management, purchasing, distribution planning, production scheduling, and package engineering at the Chrysler Corporation. He holds a B.S. degree in materials logistics management from Michigan State University, an M.B.A. degree from Wayne State University, and a Ph.D. in purchasing/operations management from Michigan State University.