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Global Operations: A Review and Outlook

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International Operations Networks

Abstract

This paper starts from reviewing (1) the history of globalisation/internationalisation and related theories and (2) the history of global manufacturing and related studies. A figure is developed to illustrate the overview of the research trajectory of global (manufacturing) studies. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes that global manufacturing can further be accompanied by the internationalisation of other related value chain activities. In this case, discussions are naturally extended from global manufacturing to other global activities as well as their corresponding functional networks. The paper further shows the importance of addressing individual manufacturing, sales, service, engineering, and R&D functional networks simultaneously. Four factors are identified to be critical when addressing each functional network as well as their interactions. A similar development trend can also be observed with regard to the externalisation of both manufacturing and other value chain activities. An internationalisation and externalisation matrix is provided to illustrate the mentioned development trends in a holistic framework. Last but not least, practical implications are given ranging from micro to macro level.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Industrial Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 10, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark

    Yang Cheng, Sami Farooq & John Johansen

Authors
  1. Yang Cheng
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  2. Sami Farooq
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  3. John Johansen
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Correspondence to Yang Cheng .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    John Johansen

  2. Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Sami Farooq

  3. Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Yang Cheng

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Cheng, Y., Farooq, S., Johansen, J. (2014). Global Operations: A Review and Outlook. In: Johansen, J., Farooq, S., Cheng, Y. (eds) International Operations Networks. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5646-8_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5646-8_11

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