Strategic Outsourcing, Innovation and Global Supply Chains : A Case Study from the Aviation Industry

Decision-making on outsourcing new product development (especially innovation projects), such as engaging and managing the supply chain, is far from easy. It may involve addressing strategic and operational risks that might cause longer development times and increase innovations costs. It is, therefore, imperative to select suppliers very carefully and set up an effective management strategy vis-à-vis the supply partners right from the inception phase. Supply chain management is facing enormous challenges, driven by interrelated disruptions that will have a vast and lasting impact.

Based on a relevant case study, Boeing 787 Dreamliner programme, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of the decision-making models for outsourcing strategic activities. The proposed model suggests a valuable approach to outsourcing the decision-making strategies for new product development when the innovation is driven by technological innovation.