Introduction of SCM
environment that contributed to the development of supply chain networks.
First, as an outcome of globalization and proliferation of multi-national
companies, joint ventures, strategic alliances and business partnerships were
found to be significant success factors, following the earlier "Just-In-Time",
31
"Lean Management" and "Agile Manufacturing" practices (MacDuffie and
Helper, 1997; Monden, 1993; Womack and Jones, 1996; Gunasekaran, 1999).
Second, technological changes, particularly the dramatic fall in information
communication costs, a paramount component of transaction costs, has led to
changes in coordination among the members of the supply chain network
(Coase, 1998).
Many researchers have recognized these kinds of supply network
structure as a new organization form, using terms such as "Keiretsu",