1 A Multi-dimensional Approach to Supply Management Carlos Brito Catarina Roseira Faculty of Economics University of Porto Rua Dr. Roberto Frias 4200-464 Porto - PORTUGAL Phone: + 351 22 557 11 00 E-mail: cbrito@fep.up.pt croseira@fep.up.pt Abstract This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of why and how supply management influences the network position of the buying firm. The paper encompasses a multi- dimensional model built on the basis of the conceptual background of the IMP group. The model is used to analyse two cases: Adira, a family-owned manufacturer of machinery to cut steel, and Vulcano, a manufacturer of house gas water-heaters and boilers. Following totally different approaches in terms of supply management, these cases are likely to open new avenues in terms of the understanding of supply network strategies. INTRODUCTION Supply chain management has received a special attention over the past decade. Since the seminal work of Håkansson and Johanson (1993), a number of researchers have focused their efforts in the understanding of supply chain networks (cf., Anderson et al., 1994; Håkansson and Snehota, 1995; Ford and McDowell, 1999; Möller and Törrönen, 2003; Hölmen and Pederson, 2003). In general, these works aim to understand supply relationships in the context of the network in which firms are embedded. However, important issues regarding supply management and its effects on the performance and strategy of the buying firm seem not to be fully investigated. Based on a doctoral research project, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the interdependence between supply management and the network position of the buying firm. On the basis of the conceptual framework of the IMP group, the paper