Journal article
Servitization for consumer products: an empirical exploration of challenges and benefits for supply chain partners
Operations Management, Management Science, Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark1
Management Science, Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark2
Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark3
University of Groningen4
Purpose: To increase sustainability of their products and enable new business opportunities, manufacturers explore servitization in consumer markets. Yet, the literature has not addressed this development. This study is one of the first to investigate the challenges and benefits for manufacturers and their supply chains when engaging in business-to-consumer (B2C) servitization.
Design/methodology/approach: The study explores two unique cases of manufacturers of complex consumer products that aim to extend their service offerings to the end-users. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, observations and secondary data. Findings: First, the authors identify two factors as prerequisites for a servitized set-up: internal collaboration within the manufacturer and product characteristics (e.g. product complexity).
Second, the authors identify the network as an important factor for B2C servitization, which includes the triadic set-up between manufacturer, installer and consumer. Third, the authors identify moderating institutional settings, such as regulations and consumer needs. Originality/value: This research elaborates existing B2B servitization theory into an empirically informed theoretical framework for B2C contexts.
It expands the view on servitization by introducing the network perspective to service a large number of geographically dispersed customers.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | Emerald Publishing Limited |
Year: | 2021 |
Pages: | 494-516 |
ISSN: | 17586593 and 01443577 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1108/IJOPM-07-2020-0439 |
ORCIDs: | Kreye, Melanie E. and 0000-0001-8861-1188 |
Business-to-consumer Case study Circular economy Consumer products SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth Servitization Sustainability Triads
Management science & operations Operations/process management