Adding value to onshore manufacturing: a theoretical framework of flexible supply chains

This paper argues for the inclusion of a theoretical framework of onshore strategic flexibility when making decisions about onshore or offshore manufacturing. This study will explore how flexible supply chain activities can add value among Australian fast-changing-good manufacturers (FCGM) to gain competitive advantage within the same business environment where the demand occurs, with the same or better cost and effectiveness compared with offshore outsourcing. We assume that with the flexible supply chain strategy, a firm is able to achieve sustainable competitive advantage, which can be located beyond the border. Propositions will be examined through a qualitative methodology, inclusion of
dynamic capabilities (DC) and total cost of ownership (TCO) theories.