Critical Success Factors in International Location （关键成功因素在国际的位置）.pdfVIP

Critical Factors in International Location Decisions: A Delphi Study (Track: Global Operations Management) Bart MacCarthy and Walailak Atthirawong Management and Human Factors Group School of Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing Engineering and Management University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom (email address:bart.MacCarthy@nottingham.ac.uk,epxwa@nottingham.ac.uk) Abstract This paper explores critical factors that influence international location decisions in real world situations. We first discuss the motivations of firms seeking to manufacture across borders. A comprehensive set of international location decision factors is identified. The Delphi method is proposed as an approach to structure this set of factors for particular circumstances. The approach to a Delphi study is described. It is being conducted using a world-wide panel of experts that includes academics, government bodies and consultants. Issues in conducting the Delphi analysis are raised. Key words: Delphi Approach, International location decision 1. Introduction As companies seek to serve international markets, there has been a growing number of manufacturing plants located on a world-wide basis. International manufacturing is one of the major parts of a firm’s competitive strategy today and beyond. Global expansion will offer the potential to take advantage of economies of scale and entry to new markets (Badri, 1999). Companies that decide to produce and source globa