Configuring international production networks under uncertainty

Christian Neuner - 2009

When decentralized production networks are configured in an international context, the uncertainty that is always inherent in such long-term issues increases with the number of business environments. Political conflicts, local supply bottlenecks and exchange-rate fluctuations are examples of uncertainties that can confront companies in completely different ways in different locations. Although companies cannot influence such uncertainties, they can neutralize or limit their impact on their economic success.

In his dissertation, Christian Neuner shows how this can work when configuring international production networks. He derives a basic understanding of such a configuration from four key areas of research. Using an empirical case-study analysis of four companies operating in different industries, Neuner gains new insights into how uncertainty can be taken into account in the configuration process. Building on this, he eventually develops a frame of reference that gives companies a clearly structured orientation framework for decisions on the configuration of international production networks under uncertainty.