Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the rationale for choice of suppliers and the influence these decisions have on the firm’s capabilities. Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine the choice of in-house operations vs buying maintenance in the Swedish mining...

As product markets mature, firms are increasingly offering industrial services, in order to differentiate themselves and remain competitive. The general strategic view emerging from the services literature is that service infusion in manufacturing industries takes a somewhat unidirectional path...

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the rationale for choice of suppliers and the influence these decisions have on the firm's capabilities.Design/methodology/approach– The authors examine the choice of in-house operations vs buying maintenance in the Swedish mining industry...