Strategic Supply Chain Positioning (SSCP) methodology development in SMEs context

The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore face particular challenges from increasing competition from manufacturers in China, India and other East Asian countries. For these SMEs, survival and growth depend critically on defining their own competitive space among other companies in the manufacturing supply chains. Unfortunately there is little previous research on Strategic Supply Chain Positioning (SSCP) with most current frameworks and methodologies being developed from the perspective of the larger multinational companies (MNCs). Therefore this research has set out to develop a practical and robust SSCP methodology to support strategic decision making in SMEs in Singapore. By reviewing, selecting, evaluating and testing the most promising methodology, a pilot SSCP methodology for SMEs was developed. The methodology has been tested to provide a practical and procedural aid for strategic supply chain positioning efforts for SMEs in Singapore. This methodology guides the practitioner through a series of well-defined steps necessary to define the desired strategic positioning of the company in the supply chain.