A Study about the use of Resources to Strengthen the Network Position : A Comparative Case analysis within the Defense industry

Abstract: This qualitative research has been performed at Saab Dynamics with the purpose to analyze how resources are used in Saab to improve their processes and increase their market share. The theory used is founded in IMP theory with the implication that companies must move their focus from only considering internal resources into using their network. To analyze the different types resources in the network the 4R model has been used and adopted to two different cases at Saab Dynamics. The first case is about Saabs procurement of one of its suppliers, ACAB, and the second case is about a Country Xs procurement of the man-portable air-defense system RBS 70 NG. To gather data about the cases interviews has been performed with employees at Saab as well as other stakeholders. The result from these interviews were then analyzed based on the 4Rs, answering the questions: What Products are involved in the product development?  Which Production Facilities are involved in the product development? Which Business Units are involved in the product development? What Business relationships are involved in the product development? Once the resources were analyzed and compared to separately, the following question was answered: How have resources been combined to expand and strengthen the network? The result from the research showed that Saab has a great focus on its suppliers and how they should structure the network for the best potential end-result. In the first case, the procurement resulted in factors such as shorter lead-times, smoother processes and better quality products. The second case showed that Business Relationship resources such as trust played a great part in the procurement. To grow a stronger Business Relationship, Saab used a supplier in Country X which in turn also ended up being a part of the creation of a new innovative component.  The end discussion is about the benefits that the procurement of ACAB and weather this could be used as a way for Saab to expand their network while also gaining more control over the Supply Chain. This is something that goes against modern-day literature which often argue that the opposite often is to prefer. In the end there is also a short ethical section with the aim to examine why people chose to work in an industry like Saab Dynamics. To gather the data a few interviews were made with the end result that the respondents believe that the industry is necessary for the protection of Sweden and that it “is a human right to feel safe”.