Results of a Survey on Web-Based Approaches to Global Outsourcing in the Manufacturing Industry

Today, manufacturing industry is characterized by globalization, unpredictability and rapid change. To be competitive, companies are globally outsourcing activities that are outside their core competencies. In this context, online marketplaces for manufacturing services have become attractive venues for developing supply chain relationships. Despite their significant growth within last few years, online markets are still in their infancy phase. One of the underdeveloped areas in such markets is supply and demand representation. This paper reflects the result of a survey on the existing online markets in the manufacturing industry. Particular focus of this survey is on identifying the major criteria used by market administrators and users for describing supply and demand. Findings of this survey can provide preliminary data for future efforts in development of standard models for conceptualization and representation of supply and demand in online markets.