A systems thinking approach to manage distribution channels in the control and Instrumentation product market with multi-faceted product lines

H. G. Dirker, L. Pretorius, J. H.C. Pretorius

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore from a systems thinking approach ways in which to model and manage distribution channels in the Control and Instrumentation product market where multi-faceted product lines, technological know-how and the position of the product in its life-cycle play important roles in the manner in which these products are diffused into the market. The focus in this paper is more the South African market although the global context for control and instrumentation products is also considered. The research is exploratory in nature addressing the complexity from a value chain point of view intertwined with product technology. Aims of the paper include the following: to asses if driving factors identified by way of preliminary research case studies and inductive reasoning are realistic and how the identified factors could be used within a soft systems methodology approach to understand the value additions per distribution channel for the various types of product lines.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 4th IEEE International Conference on Management of Innovation and Technology, ICMIT
Pages1389-1394
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Event4th IEEE International Conference on Management of Innovation and Technology, ICMIT - Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 21 Sept 200824 Sept 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 4th IEEE International Conference on Management of Innovation and Technology, ICMIT

Conference

Conference4th IEEE International Conference on Management of Innovation and Technology, ICMIT
Country/TerritoryThailand
CityBangkok
Period21/09/0824/09/08

Keywords

  • Channel management
  • Distribution models
  • Rich picture
  • Soft system methodology
  • Systems thinking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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