The strategic use of information in productive chains: a case study of the female leather-footwear sector

The use of information in a productive chain is analyzed in this paper in a strategical and competitive approach. The leather shoe productive chain is the study object chosen because it is considered an important economic activity in worldwide terms besides being of great relevance in Brazil. The last years were marked by intense transformation in the national economy. The new competitive environment forced the national companies to review their models of competition and markets. This research analyses the strategical use of information. It has the aim of identifying the most important information considered by some companies and entities of the sector and the most used sources of collection. It is also observed the contributions of information use in marketing, finance, project and production regards to leather shoe companies.