Some issues of supply management integration

The study explores the factors contributing to an integration project concerning global supply management. Four factors based on the literature are defined and hypotheses established accordingly. The relationships between the defined factors and supply management integration are analysed by means of linear regression analysis using data from 100 Finnish firms. The results of the analysis are discussed in the light of a case study from the forest industry. Thus, both methodological and data triangulation are applied. Skilful internal cooperation is found to be the main positively influencing factor. According to the results of linear regression analysis, internationality, strategic status and financial value of supply management have no significant influence on integration. However, the findings from the case study do suggest that a readiness for change among supply management staff and environmental forces plays a considerable role in global supply management integration.