Development of models for the successful implementation of collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR) in high-tech industries

ndustries with high demand uncertainties and long lead times, such as those in the high-tech, face many challenges in managing their supply chains. Generally, high-tech industries are highly capital intensive and are characterized by high customer expectations, short product life cycles, proliferating product variety, unpredictable demand, long and variable manufacturing cycle times, and complex supply chains. A significant problem for managing their supply chains is the bullwhip effect which is intensified by poor information transmission up and down the supply chain. To address these problems, researchers have proposed the development of high level collaboration with trading partners. In other words, coordination and interaction through real time information sharing are the key principles in the design and development of supply chain solutions which are designed to meet the challenges in high-tech industries. Therefore, it is essential for organisations to be able to share operational, tactical, and strategic information. This thesis addresses the design and development of models for successful implementation of information sharing collaboration with a particular focus on Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) in high-tech industries. CPFR is a collaborative technique which is based on trust and transparency and in which supply chain participants share information on forecasting, production plans including orders and inventories. It has been acknowledged as one of the best collaborative schemes in business to business commerce since its introduction. Although the literature purports the significant value attributable to supply chain performance from the use of CPFR, its implementation rate has been much lower than expected. In other words, while the benefits of CPFR have been shown to be impressive, its implementation appears to have its own challenges primarily attributable to the complex nature of these collaborative schemes. This slow uptake leads to the following research question ‘what are the required constructs and efficient framework for successful implementation of CPFR?’. Taking these points into consideration, this research has been carried out to develop models with a focus on successful implementation of CPFR in high-tech Industries. This thesis develops integrative models and detailed constructs to address this research gap. This study provides contributions to the existing knowledge of collaboration and practical application and implementation of CPFR. Most importantly, an understanding of enablers and inhibitors and partner selection factors for CPFR adoption will provide guidelines for companies in better developing their collaborative schemes.