Problem Definition and Scope of the Diploma Thesis
The problem which is addressed in this diploma thesis is the research deficit in the field of benchmarking supply and sourcing strategies. As it was stated in the introduction, no academic publication could be identified in which supply or sourcing strategies in the automotive industry are benchmarked with another industry and detailed recommendations for a particular industry are derived. This lack of academic research is related to a general research deficit in the whole field of supply management which was already identified by Wildemann (2000), Van Weele (2002) and Jahns (2005).
The whole field of supply management cannot be entirely benchmarked within two industries in a diploma thesis. Because of that and to reduce complexity, the sourcing strategy triangle which is further explained in section 2.4 and shown in the following figure 2 was developed as a benchmarking framework.
1.3 Structure of the Diploma Thesis
Firstly, chapter one provides an introduction including the problem definition (section 1.1), background information about the Hilti Corporation (section 1.2) and the structure of the diploma thesis (section 1.3). This is followed by supply management definitions and classifications which are given in chapter two of the thesis; supply management terminologies are defined (section 2.1), a supply strategy is explained in its strategic environment (section 2.2) and different supply management concepts are explained and analyzed (section 2.3). Besides that, also the sourcing strategy triangle which is used for the benchmarking approach is introduced in section 2.4. After that, chapter three includes the benchmarking analysis of the sourcing strategy triangle. In section 3.1, the applied benchmarking methodology is explained before the actual benchmarking analysis is pursued in section 3.2 which is divided into three sections according to the three elements of the sourcing strategy triangle: benchmarking global versus local sourcing (section 3.2.1), benchmarking supplier management (section 3.2.2) and benchmarking commodity management (section 3.2.3). Based on this benchmarking analysis, recommendations are derived for power tool companies in chapter four. Finally, a conclusion and an outlook into the future of the automotive and power tool industry together with supply management in both industries are given in chapter five.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Problem Definition and Scope of the Diploma Thesis
1.2 The Hilti Corporation: Introduction and Background Information
1.3 Structure of the Diploma Thesis
2 Definitions and Classifications
2.1 Supply Management Definitions
2.2 Classification of a Supply Strategy
2.3 Introduction to Supply and Sourcing Strategy Concepts
2.4 The Sourcing Strategy Triangle
2.4.1 Global Sourcing versus Local Sourcing
2.4.2 Supplier Management
2.4.3 Commodity Management
3 Benchmarking the Sourcing Strategy Triangle in the Automotive and the Power Tool Industry
3.1 Applied Benchmarking Methodology
3.2 Benchmarking Analysis of the Sourcing Strategy Triangle
3.2.1 Benchmarking Global Sourcing versus Local Sourcing
3.2.2 Benchmarking Supplier Management
3.2.3 Benchmarking Commodity Management
4 Supply Strategy Recommendations for Power Tool Companies focusing on the Hilti Corporation
5 Conclusion and Future Aspects
Objective and Key Themes
The primary objective of this diploma thesis is to address the research deficit regarding the benchmarking of supply and sourcing strategies by comparing the automotive and power tool industries. The study establishes a "Sourcing Strategy Triangle" framework to provide tailored recommendations for the Hilti Corporation.
- Benchmarking of supply and sourcing strategies across different industries.
- Development of a "Sourcing Strategy Triangle" framework for holistic supply management.
- Analysis of geographical sourcing trends (global vs. local) and their impact on costs.
- Evaluation of supplier management methods and OEM-supplier relationship models.
- Classification of commodity groups and their impact on sourcing strategy selection.
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1.1 Problem Definition and Scope of the Diploma Thesis
The problem which is addressed in this diploma thesis is the research deficit in the field of benchmarking supply and sourcing strategies. As it was stated in the introduction, no academic publication could be identified in which supply or sourcing strategies in the automotive industry are benchmarked with another industry and detailed recommendations for a particular industry are derived. This lack of academic research is related to a general research deficit in the whole field of supply management which was already identified by Wildemann (2000), Van Weele (2002) and Jahns (2005).
For understanding the scope of the diploma thesis, it is necessary to take Jahns’ (2005) findings into consideration; the field of supply management strategies is complex and it includes different functional fields, such as process management, human resource management, controlling, performance measurement and other functional aspects.
Therefore, the whole field of supply management cannot be entirely benchmarked within two industries in a diploma thesis. Because of that and to reduce complexity, the sourcing strategy triangle which is further explained in section 2.4 and shown in the following figure 2 was developed as a benchmarking framework.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the research topic, defines the problem of limited benchmarking data in supply management, and introduces the Hilti Corporation context.
2 Definitions and Classifications: Establishes fundamental terminology for supply management and introduces the "Sourcing Strategy Triangle" as a framework for the subsequent analysis.
3 Benchmarking the Sourcing Strategy Triangle in the Automotive and the Power Tool Industry: Conducts a qualitative and quantitative benchmarking analysis comparing supplier management, commodity grouping, and geographical sourcing strategies between the two industries.
4 Supply Strategy Recommendations for Power Tool Companies focusing on the Hilti Corporation: Derives actionable strategic recommendations for Hilti based on the identified industry benchmarks and best practices.
5 Conclusion and Future Aspects: Summarizes the key findings of the thesis and provides an outlook on future trends and competitive challenges in the global supply environment.
Keywords
Supply Management, Benchmarking, Sourcing Strategy, Automotive Industry, Power Tool Industry, Hilti Corporation, Global Sourcing, Local Sourcing, Supplier Management, Commodity Management, Total Cost of Ownership, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Purchasing, Strategic Sourcing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this diploma thesis?
The work focuses on benchmarking supply and sourcing strategies in the automotive and power tool industries to derive strategic recommendations, specifically for the Hilti Corporation.
What are the central thematic fields addressed?
The study centers on the Sourcing Strategy Triangle, covering three main dimensions: Global versus Local Sourcing, Supplier Management, and Commodity Management.
What is the primary goal of the benchmarking approach?
The goal is to address the current lack of academic research regarding cross-industry supply benchmarking and to develop a practical framework to improve supply management efficiency.
Which scientific methodology is used for the benchmarking?
The study utilizes both qualitative literature research and a quantitative benchmarking analysis based on empirical data from 47 companies in the automotive and machinery sectors.
What is covered in the main part of the thesis?
The main part analyzes the three elements of the Sourcing Strategy Triangle using data to compare how these industries handle supply, vendor relationships, and material classification.
Which keywords characterize this thesis?
Key terms include Supply Management, Global Sourcing, Supplier Management, Commodity Management, and benchmarking within the automotive and power tool sectors.
Why was the Hilti Corporation chosen for this study?
The thesis is written in cooperation with Hilti to provide the company with specific, benchmarking-based recommendations to optimize its supply structure and gain a competitive edge.
How does the "Sourcing Strategy Triangle" help in supply management?
It acts as a holistic framework that reduces complexity by grouping all relevant supply aspects into three manageable dimensions, allowing for a structured and objective benchmarking process.
What role does the "Country of Origin" play in sourcing according to the study?
The study reveals that, despite global trends, the majority of sourcing value is still generated within the country of origin, highlighting a gap between global sourcing discourse and actual practice.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Weth (Author), 2006, Benchmarking supply strategies in the automotive and the power tool industry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/79125
