Supply structure: The pendulum in action

Using an in-depth longitudinal case study based on an “historical retrospective”, this article focuses on how some factors (“drivers”) set into motion the pendulum of change in supply structures, a research theme neglected in the supply field. It examines, over a 20-year period, the changes made to the supply structure of a well-known organization. The data comes mainly from: (a) semi-structured interviews with 21 managers and professionals within eight operating units, and (b) documentary analyses of the archives. This article shows how to map structural changes of the supply function, while explaining the nature and the causes of these changes. Understanding the pendulum movement from one supply structure to another can be very valuable, as well for academics as for managers.

Research highlights► Uses an in-depth longitudinal case study of the changes made to a supply structure over 20 years. ► Focuses on how key factors set into motion the pendulum of change in supply structures. ► Shows how to map structural changes of the supply function. ► Explains the nature and the causes of the changes to the supply structure over time. ► Helps to understand the sequence of events that describes when, why and how a structure changes.