A transaction cost analysis of the fruit supply chain in South Africa : a case study approach

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The agro-food sector is swiftly moving towards an internationally interconnectedsystem with a large variety of complex relationships, due to year-round supply,product differentiation and developments in information technologies, with the aimof enhancing competitiveness. In this context, vertical linking in the agro-foodbusiness especially, vertical coordination has gained attention.A case study approach is used to analyse two fruit supply chains -the table grapeand citrus fruit chain. The study uses a transaction cost approach to analyse thesupply chain of the fruit industry in South Africa. Transaction cost analysis (TCA)represents one possible approach to understanding and evaluating supply chainmanagement and has the potential to be combined in an interdisciplinary settingwith the insights provided by the marketing, logistics and organisational behaviourliteratures.By means of literature study, constructs are identified that help explain the choicesmade, with regard to governance structures and the sources of competitiveness ofsupply chains. The question of governance structures is addressed in transactioncost economics (TCE) where asset specificity is of major importance. The sourcesof competitiveness are addressed both in the literature study and from discussionsundertaken with key industry representatives.The empirical application of the TCE theory helped demonstrate the extent towhich the exporter has adapted to changes in the global environment. The studyrevealed that for both supply chains, the role-players overcompensate to minimisetheir risk. Hence vertical integration rather than outsourcing takes precedence.Bilateral contracting and strategic alliances should be given priority to enhanceeffective communication, commitment and collective decision-making. This growingrecognition of the competitive advantage that can be gained through improvingcoordination in the supply chain is the starting point for SCM initiatives and, theseare important signals that in the long run will determine the sustainability andcompetitiveness of the industry.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University