In environments characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA), firms operating within Global Manufacturing Networks (GMN) face significant vulnerabilities due to intricate interdependencies between their entities. The dynamic and disruptive global planning landscape necessitates continuous adaptation of Manufacturing Planning and Control (MPC) systems to enhance resilience. This research investigates how firms can effectively adapt their Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to maintain strategic alignment and operational robustness in uncertain and complex manufacturing environments.

Motivated by both practical and academic gaps, this dissertation addresses the challenges supply chain leaders face in aligning planning processes with evolving business contexts while contributing to the limited empirical research on adaptive supply chain planning solutions. Conducted in close collaboration with a large Danish manufacturer, the study explores the role of S&OP as a critical coordination mechanism within the broader supply chain planning framework.

This research examines global S&OP from two perspectives: first, as a supply chain coordination mechanism that enables synchronization across geographically dispersed manufacturing entities, and second, as a resilience-building tool that enhances contextual fit in rapidly changing planning environments. By analyzing contextual factors, design constructs, and dynamic adjustments, the study demonstrates the transformative potential of S&OP as an integrative planning solution capable of addressing globalization-induced complexity and uncertainty.