Breaking the frame of reference: new models for wire businesses

$15.00

Independent wire producers have many of the characteristics of small businesses in that they are caught between the industry dynamics of large corporations which serve as suppliers and a fragmented customer base. The economics of raw material supplies cannot be controlled yet customers demand more stringent service, delivery and quality levels without price increases. What is the optimal business model for independent wire producers? Is the integrated steel production, financial and organizational model ideal, or are there examples of best practices in the ‘small business’ arena that can help?

Description

Independent wire producers have many of the characteristics of small businesses in that they are caught between the industry dynamics of large corporations which serve as suppliers and a fragmented customer base. The economics of raw material supplies cannot be controlled yet customers demand more stringent service, delivery and quality levels without price increases. What is the optimal business model for independent wire producers? Is the integrated steel production, financial and organizational model ideal, or are there examples of best practices in the ‘small business’ arena that can help?

Additional information

Author(s)

Howard Booth, Beddows & Company, USA.

Publication/Event/Pages

Paper presented at WAI 66th Annual Convention, Charlotte, NC USA

Year

1996