Management of international manufacturing networks – a site portfolio approach

Management and design of International Manufacturing Networks (IMN) is becoming an
increasingly complex but at the same time important factor for business success. Our
research encounters the lack of tools and methods supporting managers in the process of
network adaption by providing a portfolio perspective on intra-manufacturing networks.
Through an extensive literature analysis and practical input, we derived an artefact with
financial performance and strategic performance as relevant dimensions. The case of an
automotive supplying company operating more than 40 plants proves the proposed
portfolio as applicable and validates that it is a valuable management support framework.