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Supply Chain Coordination of Product and Service Bundling Based on Network Externalities

Author

Listed:
  • Zhenhua Gao

    (School of Management Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology (AHUT), Ma’anshan 243032, China)

  • Luyao Zhao

    (School of Management Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology (AHUT), Ma’anshan 243032, China)

  • Hongjun Wang

    (School of Management Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology (AHUT), Ma’anshan 243032, China)

Abstract

Since the commercialization of 5G, the government has actively encouraged 5G industry chain enterprises to accelerate the progress of 5G. Bundling is a popular means to expand 5G subscribers and improve 5G market coverage. Considering the characteristics of bundling, this study establishes a secondary supply chain composed of a terminal manufacturer and a telecom operator under the condition of network externality strength. In this supply chain, the product quality of the terminal manufacturer is complementary to the service quality of the telecom operator. Using Steinberg’s theory, we derive the optimal value of each decision variable in a centralized mode and a decentralized mode and take profit maximization as the goal. This paper also designs a contract of bidirectional cost sharing and revenue compensation for supply chain coordination. Finally, the influence of network externality strength and a mass-additive factor on the supply chain is discussed using numerical analysis. The results show that higher network externality strength has a significant impact on product pricing, the quality of each entity and the profit of the supply chain. At the same time, the degree of complementarity between the terminal product quality and the telecommunications service quality affects whether consumers choose to buy contract products. A higher degree of complementarity promotes the market inflow into high-end consumers.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhenhua Gao & Luyao Zhao & Hongjun Wang, 2022. "Supply Chain Coordination of Product and Service Bundling Based on Network Externalities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:13:p:7790-:d:848321
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    References listed on IDEAS

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