Saudi Arabia and Iran

What advances in telecommunications technology do you view as being most beneficial to logistics management? Why?
A smartphone is most beneficial because of the features that it has and its functionality. A smartphone makes communication easier and readily accessible in that one can receive, read, and send emails. Logistics management applications can be installed in a smartphone allowing for easy data transmission.
Discuss the importance of timely and accurate information to a logistics information system.
Timely information would ensure that the logistics information system is up-to-date with the current status regarding the items being transported. With timely information, the manager is able to see what is happening and they can be able to make an informed decision based on the information that they have received (Lusch, Vargo, & Fisher, 2014). In as much as the system delivers timely information, it is vital that the information be also accurate. Accurate information would ensure that the system is always displaying or disseminating correct information. Accurate information is vital in that one can fully rely on the information being retrieved from the system to indicate to the correct status or information regarding a particular consignment (Murphy, Knemeyer, Wood, & Education, 2014).
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing
Some of the advantages of cloud computing are usability, accessibility, disaster recovery, and cost savings. Usability allows for the ease of usage of the services in that an individual only needs to access the link and they would have access to the information they require. Accessibility ensures that the information can be accessed from anywhere provided the individual has an internet connection. In case of a disaster, it is easier to recover the files used by the business and this would ensure business continuity. Cost saving in that cloud computing is cheaper to implement and run when compared to the traditional storage of having individual servers maintained by the company.
The disadvantages of cloud computing include bandwidth allocated, data security, and accessibility. Cloud computing allocates a specified amount of bandwidth each month and if an organization exceeds this amount it is charged extra, which might be costly. Data security might be compromised in case the company servers are hacked and the organization might lose some sensitive information. Accessibility is normally limited to only when one has an active internet connection, which might limit some employees especially those who are always on the move.
Do you think corporate cultures are relevant for designing a logistics measurement system? Why or why not?
Corporate culture refers to the behaviors and beliefs that assist in determining how an organization's management and employees interact with outside business transactions. There is a recurring theme within the logistics research that indicates that an organization's logistic capabilities should be directly connected with the objectives of the organization's performance measures. Logistic managers need to continuously communicate how the logistics capabilities add value and support the organization's corporate strategy and success (Globerson & Wolbrum, 2014). In this regard, the logistics manager should develop and implement strategies that are aligned with the organization's overall corporate strategy in order to effectively influence the organization's financial success.
Discuss some of the key considerations for a logistics manager who is designing and implementing a logistics measurement system in his or her organization
When the logistics manager is implementing and designing a logistics measurement system his/her key consideration should be asset management, cost, productivity, customer service, and quality. These are vital elements that would ensure the measurement system is able to gauge different aspects and establish how well the organization is performing in terms of its logistics. Customer service and quality are the most vital considerations. Quality will ensure that the organization's logistics deliver as expected and that goods are delivered or supplied in a timely manner. Without quality, in logistics, there will be constraints in other key departments. Customer service is vital because it measures how effective and satisfied the organization's customers are with the delivery of products. The organization relies on its customers and it is vital to ensure that it meets and satisfies its customer needs when it comes to logistics.


References
Globerson, S., & Wolbrum, G. (2014). Logistics management and supply chain management: A critical evaluation. International Journal of Business and Economics Research, 3(2), 82.
Lusch, R. F., Vargo, S. L., & Fisher, R. (2014). Drawing on service-dominant logic to expand the frontier of physical distribution and logistics management. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 44(1/2).
Murphy, P. R., Knemeyer, A. M., Wood, D., & Education, P. (2014). Contemporary Logistics. London, United Kingdom: Pearson Education, Limited.