Research in the Decision Sciences for the Service Economy: Best Papers from the 2015 Annual Conference

7. Supplier Development in SME Networks: Learning Strategies Applied in Relationship Management

—Vesa Kilpi ([e-mail]), Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, 20500 Turku, Finland, Tel: [phone]

Abstract

Small and medium-size enterprises have abundant resources within their reach, but to utilize these resources they have to implement new strategies. This paper draws on service logic and knowledge-based firm concepts to examine the buyer–supplier relationship and learning strategy applied in supplier development. The cross-case analysis compares supplier development activities in 16 cases representing different industries and businesses. Semistructured interview guidelines were formulated using a ...