Go with the flow - a conceptual framework for supply relations in the era of the extended enterprise

The paper analyses the changes that an extended enterprise model of firms introduces into supply relations. After outlining the nature and characteristics of extended enterprises and the evolving nature of supply relations, the paper suggests a tool for supply network policy makers and a practical benchmarking tool for sectoral. supply network management. It introduces the idea of value streams and flows and illustrates with empirical evidence from West Lothian, Scotland how and why supply networks are conduits of value and knowledge. The paper suggests how the value flow benchmarking tool may be used to approach decisions on the use of e-procurement and concludes with suggestions for further research. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.