Critical and Analytical Evaluation of the Relationship between Supply Chain Characteristics and Manufacturing Strategies: Case of Unilever

Abstract

The research is based on carrying out a critical analysis for evaluating the relationship between Supply Chain (SC) characteristics and manufacturing strategies at Unilever. For this, the SC characteristics are identified as integrations, flexibility, visibility and geographical dispersion causing a considerable impact on the manufacturing strategies of a company. In order to analyze the relationship of these SC characteristics on Unilever manufacturing strategies overview of its non-financial indicators, its manufacturing approach and approach towards deployment of innovation techniques is carried out. For this the company’s annual reports and relevant data was selected, since the research conduction was impacted by COVID-19 epidemic, therefore only descriptive analysis by selecting secondary data was carried out. Findings of the research indicate the Unilever possess a strong stance of SC integration and geographical dispersion. As it has wide spread business, followed by vertical integration, it acquires more 60 mergers, acquisitions and partnership programs spanned for the duration of, 2010-19. Along with this, the findings indicated that attainment of innovation is a fundamental approach of SC integration and geographical dispersion at Unilever. Moreover, the company’s SC characteristics such as visibility and flexibility are also evidenced by its diverse products’ culture and approach for establishing stronger relations with its suppliers.