Navigating supply chain disruptions: a purchasing portfolio matrix analysis of Chinese manufacturing SMEs in the context of COVID-19

Yu Han, Anna Yumiao Tian, Woon Kian Chong, Alain Yee Loong Chong, Antony Paulraj*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets with an updated Purchasing Portfolio Matrix (PPM) specifically for international sourcing. This data-driven PPM matrix is designed to provide a dynamic and process perspective that can help SMEs survive the disruptions caused by emergency situations such as the global COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: This research reports on qualitative interviews with experienced informants from 15 SMEs in the manufacturing industry. The authors follow process-based research using a combination of retrospective and real-time case study approaches to gradually unveil the dynamics in segmentation and sourcing strategies in the international sourcing context during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: The findings reveal the dynamics of segmentation and international sourcing strategies during global disruptions and unpack the underlying logic behind the dynamics that is specific to SMEs in emerging economies. Originality/value: Existing literature on PPM predominantly focuses on static and normal sourcing circumstances. This paper addresses this gap by adopting a dynamic approach to study how sourcing strategies of SMEs from emerging economies evolve in a highly volatile environment from an international sourcing perspective.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1324-1353
Number of pages30
JournalInternational Journal of Operations and Production Management
Volume44
Issue number7
Early online date21 Nov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

Keywords

  • COVID-19 pandemic
  • Emergency situations
  • Emerging economies
  • International sourcing
  • Purchasing portfolio matrix
  • SMEs
  • Supply chain disruption

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