By Joseph Pomponi. Email jpp5251@vt.edu             Vertical integration is the degree to which a firm owns its upstream suppliers and its downstream buyers (Racher 2010). There are three varieties: backward (upstream) vertical integration, forward (downstream) vertical integration, and balanced (both upstream and downstream) vertical integration (Racher 2010). Vertical integration within a company can help improve its … Continue reading RESEARCH BRIEF: The Concept of Vertical Integration and the Challenges Involved with Wood Products Suppliers for the Construction Industry