Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/T09064/01
Title:	Business Relationship Optimisation in UK Food Supply Chains
Principal Investigator:	Cox, Professor A
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Chemicals Northwest CL & AM Mason & Son Cumbrian Fellbred FB Dunning & Son Harrison & Hetherington Ltd Hartle Estates Low Foulshaw Farm Messrs JC Dunning Penrith Farmers & Kidds Plc Red Meat Industry Forum RF Brookes Ltd RSK ADAS Ltd Whiteholme Farm
Department:	Business Strategy and Procurement
Organisation:	University of Birmingham
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 January 2005	Ends:	31 July 2007	Value (£):	353,097
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Manufact. Business Strategy Manufact. Enterprise Ops& Mgmt
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Food and Drink
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The research proposed builds on previous work that has led to the development of a business relationship optimisation model for buyers and suppliers operating in supply chains. The research will test the utility of the business relationship optimisation model by providing a rigorous test of the robustness of the model for analysing to what extent current business relationships are aligned (and therefore sustained), misaligned but sub-otpimal (but capable of being sustained); and, misaligned and dysfunctional (not sustainable). The research focus will be on 4 UK food supply chains where there is clear evidence of problems of sustainability and business relationship tension and conflict for many participants in the chain. By analysing the power regimes in these 4 supply chains the research project will seek to demonstrate how business relationships can be optimised within existing supply chains structures, and also when they cannot be, how new and innovative/alternative supply chains structures and power regimes can be constructed that are sustainable in the future.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.bham.ac.uk