Our Elgar Concise Introductions are inspiring and considered. They explain the key principles in business and are expertly written by some of the world's leading scholars. The aims of the series are two-fold: to pinpoint essential concepts of business and management, and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking. This Concise Introduction provides clear insights into the various issues involved in the global supply chain. Covering materials procurement, sourcing, and physical distribution, Masaaki Kotabe examines the global supply chain from a strategic perspective, while also addressing the sustainability concerns which arise in this arena. Key Features: Considers the long-term implications of current global supply chain methods Provides a detailed overview of the historical evolution of global supply chain management Assesses global supply chain management from both a strategic and sustainability perspective Contains detailed case studies to illustrate various global supply chain matters such as variations in physical distribution costs, the ethics of offshore sourcing and international retailers entering foreign markets The Concise Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management will be crucial for professionals and practitioners working in supply chains, company management and global marketing. It will also be of use for students and researchers working in operations management, international business and international economics.