When selecting an appropriate supply chain strategy, the first step for manufacturers
is to consider the characteristics of end-products, including product life
cycle length, predictability of demand, product variety, and market standards for
lead times and service (Fisher, 1997). Similarly, Huang, Uppal, and Shi (2002)
also argue that the primary factor associated with supply chain strategy selection
is the product characteristics of a particular supply chain. The literature has
reached a general consensus that companies providing functional products need
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efficient/lean chains, while companies offering innovative products require a more
responsive/agile supply chain.