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Today’s global economic environment is in a state of transition. The principal changes include: 1) worldwide reduction of trade barriers and development of regional, multi-country economic zones, 2) converging consumer expectations for increased product value, variety and availability in all markets, 3) financial obligations to meet new standards for product safety, environmental protection and product recycling that are being adopted internationally, and 4) increased volatility in financial/currency markets. These developments coincide with the adoption of a new competitive strategy by leading multinational companies. This strategy is one of global supply chain management based on enhanced integration of suppliers and customers as well as increased coordination across multiple value-adding processes within the firm (MacCormack et al., 1994; Ohmae, 1995). Such strategies require firms to maintain …