The importance of robust supply base management under demand uncertainty requires an understanding of the benefits associated with a contractor having an optimal number of suppliers. The key benefit is a reduction in a contractor's total cost of supply base management. However, few...

Manufacturers in a high-tech durable product industry may have to make operational decisions in the presence of uncertainties associated with product demand and supplier’s wholesale price. In this paper, the authors investigate the impact of such uncertainties on the activities of a...

After-sales services are a key strategic tool in the durable consumer product market. They allow a manufacturer and a retailer to capture more sales and profit. Less obvious, however, is how the uncertainty of the customer's needs for after-sales services influences after-sales service...

For durable consumer products, after-sales services play an important role in customers' purchase decisions. A manufacturer offers basic warranty available to all customers who buy the product, while a retailer offers optional after-sales service that is available only to customers who pay for...