Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the development of research based on the IMP approach during the four decades since the inauguration in 1976. The paper presents a network analysis of IMP research based on one of the central IMP frameworks: the ARA model....

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the transformation of the perspective applied to distribution structures in the late 1900s. This change implied that the previous focus on channel management by a channel captain was abandoned because of changes in the business reality. This...

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to describe and analyse the evolution of the supplier base of a buying firm and the reasons behind these changes. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on a case study of the changes over 52 years in a sub-set of the supplier base of a firm...

Previous research suggests that the construction industry is characterized by (1) particular complexity factors owing to industry specific uncertainties and interdependences, and (2) inefficiency of operations. The aim of this study was to analyse the operations and behaviour of firms as a means...

Ten years ago we published a paper in this journal: “Systematic Combining—An abductive approach to case research”. The aim of the present paper is to further articulate and emphasize key features of ‘systematic combining’ as a non-linear, non-positivist approach, in contrast to the...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of uncertainty in purchasing and supply management, and the changes of this role over time. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a literature review of the development of purchasing and supply management over time and how...