Business network agility for global demand-supply synchronization: A comparative case study in the apparel industry

Firms are looking to leverage information technology (IT) to develop higher order capabilities that span the extended enterprise, such as demand-supply synchronization for agile response in volatile markets. In this study, we examine two global firms that are both driven to become orchestrators of their respective global business networks, where product design, distribution, and manufacturing are managed as one coordinated whole. However, each firm has pursued a different business strategy to develop demand-supply synchronization capabilities. The design of their business networks, digital enablement of business processes, and product characteristics are key attributes that differentiate these firms. By conducting a comparative case analysis of both firms, we assess differences and similarities, in an effort to understand how IT capabilities and business network structure can be aligned to leverage global resources, synchronize demand and supply, and develop business network agility on a global scale.