Purchasing theory and practice: an agenda for change

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to describe the consequences for the purchasing and supply management field of its current focus on the behaviours and concerns of extremely large corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a short viewpoint article.

Findings

It is found that there is a lack of research in purchasing and supply management in SMEs. Small and medium sized companies are in need of a deeper understanding of dyadic relations. Sadly, as fashion in the field has embraced metaphors‐fit‐only‐for giants, it may be increasingly difficult to get studies published that adopt this ancient, diminutive metaphor.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the piece is to draw attention to the current lack of research in the field to the dominant form of company in every economy – the SME.

Citation

Ramsay, J. (2008), "Purchasing theory and practice: an agenda for change", European Business Review, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 567-569. https://doi.org/10.1108/09555340810913566