Analyzing Logistics Management and Operations

Logistics Management and Operations

Systems Engineering Process

The term systems engineering was coined in the early fifties within military circles. It denoted mega defense systems that were used by the United States military at that time. However, the field has grown into a major discipline that covers almost every form of project development. Whether one is constructing a house, developing an electronic device or initiating a complex transport logistics system, system engineering is one of the key things that be utilized. Though there is no single definition that captures everything that system engineering is, there is one thing that scholars agree with: that it is a multidisciplinary means and model to realizing effective systems (yen, 2008; INCOSE, 2016). One of the things that have made systems engineering a successful systems development model is the fact that it defines the required functionality / customer needs in the very first stages of…… [Read More]

Strategic Logistics Management at Walmart

Critically assess any additional logistics strategy approaches that could have been used to develop existing logistics capabilities.

The company initially failed to adopt flexible strategic approaches to its logistical needs in its international operations based on longstanding corporate practices and an ingrained organizational culture. According to Canals, "Marks & Spencer's growth was based upon the values and policies that had served it so well for so many years. Its achievements were a springboard for new challenges. However, in 1999 Marks & Spencer was facing challenges that seemed to require approaches that were different from the ones the firm had executed so well in the past" (p. 74). In fact, the company had a lot at stake during these early years as it sought to apply the same approach to logistical management that had proven effective in the past. In thi regard, Canals reports that, "As the British retailer faced the…… [Read More]

Logistics Management

Eleven Supply Chain

Technology and educational advancement has brought many new ideas and models into the international business realm Logistics is a key piece of these models that aim to increase a competitive advantage within any given industry. The purpose of this essay is to highlight and describe significant supply chain management issues by using the evolution of the company 7-Eleven.

This essay will first explain the changes that this company has experienced in recent years and how their transformation of their supply chain has resulted in significant events that can foretell other events relating to the subject. The essay will also provide a flow diagram that explores a new maneuver within the 7-Eleven supply chain model. Next, this essay will present arguments for using either a push-based or pull-based strategy for ordering fresh foods for this organization.

This essay in its attempts to understand this topic more thoroughly will…… [Read More]

Incorporating Technology into Logistics Management

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…… [Read More]

Analyzing Transportation and Logistics Management

Transportation and logistics management encompasses the administration and governance of supply chain functions. Imperatively, logistics management activities commonly consist of inbound and outbound transportation management, taskforce management, warehousing, materials supervision, and order implementation. It also takes into account logistics network strategy, inventory administration, supply and demand scheduling and supervision of third party logistics service providers (Bowersox et al., 2002). The logistics function also encompasses customer service, tracking and procurement, production preparation and arranging, packaging and assembly. Logistics management is part of all stages of planning and implementation, strategic operational and tactical (Bowersox et al., 2002). It is an assimilating function, which directs all logistics activities, in addition to incorporated logistics activities with other functions including marketing, sales, manufacturing, finance, and information technology (Bowersox et al., 2002).

The economy, in terms of different activities, does have an impact on the transportation and logistics management. In particular, it does have an impact…… [Read More]

Green and Reverse Logistics Management

For that reason, logistics expertise unquestionably is a vital approach to lower the expense. Green logistics is not just substantial to decrease the basic logistics expense, however likewise more vital to environment, energy-saving and high effectiveness. Enterprises need to quicken the development of green logistics, so as to acquire brand-new competitors' benefits and additionally they need to take care of future difficulties (Guochuan Yang, 2010).

Establishing green logistics can enhance individuals' living criteria

Establishing green logistics can effectively minimize the traffic pollution and enhance individuals' living expenses and environment. On the other hand, green logistics establishes rapidly and complies with precisely the requirement of life enhancement -- specifically the expanding of green usage. To recognize the green usage, green items have to be produced with environment friendly means and be provided to customers by green logistics. It is observed that green logistics has an extremely important condition in individuals' day-to-day…… [Read More]

Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Toyota Supply Chain and Logistics Management

The focus of this study will be on isolation in the U.S. And Japan that are at the forefront of combining JIT practices with enterprise integration along with innovative logistics systems to get done mass customization. Among those influential in this area are Dell Computer and Miller SQA. Also looked at will be several Japanese companies including Hitachi, and other computer companies to compare these systems to Toyota's classification in Japan and the U.S. (Morash & Clinton, 1997, pp.5-17)

During the earlier part of the 1970s a news era of computing capabilities came into existence with the improvement of supply chain performance and efficiency through the application of scientific and data driven practices. "Other practice innovations of the era include improved sourcing practices and supplier rationalizations, vendor-managed inventory and quick response systems" [which focused on] improving the efficiency of processes and coordination between firms.…… [Read More]

Teacher tcm ncku edu tw Course_file Cases 3a_build-to-order_supply_chain_management pdf Business and Logistics Management Journals Relating

teacher.tcm.ncku.edu.tw/course_file/cases/3a_Build-to-order_Supply_Chain_Management.pdf

Business and logistics management journals relating to supply chain management, value chain processes, operations management, and related technology.

Davis, E.D. & Spekman, .E. 2004. The extended enterprise: gaining competitive advantage through collaborative supply chains. Discussion of how competitive advantage is gained through use of supplier partnerships. NJ: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

Gunasekaran and Ngai 2005. Journal of Operations Management. Vol. 23.

Describes the move away from a push marketing strategy to a pull strategy that reduces inventory costs. The global move from traditional logistics where Production was running the business to a build to order supply strategy where the customer drives production (See Figure A). The decline of systems where the logistics were static and inflexible based on mass production of the same product to a differentiated system that is very responsive and dynamic to the customized requests of consumers (Aritejo, Sukoco, and Myagmarsuren 2005).

House, . & House, .G.…… [Read More]

Analyzing Transportation and Logistics Management

Transportation System Management and Operations

Data and analyses point to the fact that the U.S. transportation system has reached saturation levels. It has been noted that traffic is becoming ever more congested. Data available suggests that the growth of traffic is outpacing the speed and capacity of the authorities to expand the transportation system. There is need for a balanced approach to this matter. The fact is that the situation can be rescued. It is still possible to expand highways and transit capacity. There is need to inculcate a new attitude to road usage. People need to embrace an attitude of quick use and focus. The new situation calls for a renewed approach that incorporates great engineering practices with new technology. These also need a strong customer focused approach that ensures greater performance under prevalent and emergent circumstances (Paniati, 2004).

Introduction

Traffic congestion is costing the U.S. lives and resources.…… [Read More]

Business Applied Decision Making

Linear programming is beneficial in production scheduling, production planning, and logistics management. The use of linear programming will help Klein industries in solving complex problems and in improving quality decision. The linear optimization model is outlined as follows: Total Profit ($) = 20.50 small + 34.00 medium + 42.00 large Production constraints are: 14,000 <= small <= 21,000 6,200 <= medium <= 12,500 2,600 <= large <= 4,200 Time constraints are: 0.40 small + 0.70 medium + 0.80 large <= 23,400 0.60 small + 1.00 medium + 1.20 large <= 23,400 1.40 small + 2.60 medium + 3.10 large <= 46,800 Based on the calculation, the amount of every type of air compressor that the company should products in order to maximize profit is 16,158 for large, 6,200 for medium and 2,600 for small. In addition, the profit units are outlined as follows:   Small Medium Large Unit profit $20.50…… [Read More]

Management Global Logistics Management How

Logistics refers to all the move and store actions from the point of raw materials attainment to the point of final use. Effective and efficient logistics management is a key to the success of business firms as well as to Just in time (Lai and Cheng, n.d.).

Logistics management is so crucial for JIT because the entire premise is that a company orders just the product that it needs and it is supposed to arrive just as they need it. If the product does not arrive on time them the company has no product to sell and if they product arrives too early then they more than likely will have storage issues in regards to the product.

eferences

Azaria, Erez. (2009). Supplier Consolidation in Weakening Economy. etreived May 20, 2010,

from Supply Excellence Web site:

http://www.supplyexcellence.com/blog/2009/03/09/supplier-consolidation-in-weakening-economy/

Fernie, John and Sparks, Leigh. (n.d.). etail logistics: changes and challenges. etreived May

20,…… [Read More]

Significance of Effective Logistics Management at McDonalds

One of the most important factors in the success and profitability of a business in relation to its supply chain management is logistics management. Logistics incorporates the flow of raw materials and information throughout supply chain processes of an organization. In the past few decades, logistics management has gained significant attention because of the emergence of new technologies and strategic alliances that are geared towards enhancing an organization's competitive advantage. For global companies like Mcdonalds Corporation, logistics management is vital for gaining access to new markets, taking advantage of technological competencies for overseas operations, and enhancing production efficiencies. This paper examines the importance of effective logistics management with regards to smoothing material flow, lessening inventory costs, and enhancing responsiveness across the supply chain. This analysis is done using Mcdonalds Corporation and challenges in its modern supply chain.

McDonalds' Modern Supply Chain Problems

McDonalds' Corporation, which is the largest fast food…… [Read More]

Logistics Its Importance

logistics planning more important than any other type of business planning? Explain and be sure to make a good argument for your position.

Stressing the importance of logistics planning is not intended to discount the importance of other types of planning for an organization. However, without logistics planning, the company's other types of planning -- strategic planning and creative planning -- cannot be leveraged to their maximum potential. Logistics planning allows for cost savings, first and foremost, and other types of planning for the organization must take into consideration logistics given that if something is not logistically feasible in terms of transport or the supply chain, even attractive and effective plans cannot be brought to fruition.

Still, logistics planning is a relatively new concept. "Logistics as a business concept evolved in the 1950s with the increasing complexity of supplying businesses with materials and shipping out products in an increasingly globalized…… [Read More]

Managing the automation industry

Introduction
The automotive industry segment within the economy of the United States is a fundamental employer as well as a key donor of the American Gross National Product. The automotive industry segment is one that faces intense and comprehensive competition not only locally but also internationally. In recent times, the automotive industry has experienced deterioration in the revenues and profits generated and a decline in the market share as well as a lack of major employment opportunities. Within this similar timespan, the automotive industry has experienced major problems owing to the increases in the level of importation of vehicles and their corresponding parts from Europe and Asia as they have attained a greater market share as well as sales volumes. The purpose of this report to is to examine the different strategies and tactics employed by General Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation. These two companies are some of the biggest…… [Read More]

Logistics Reversed

Reverse Logistics

There were no case studies presented in Chapter 3. The author cites a few, and provides one- or two-sentence descriptions, but nowhere in Chapter 3 does the author illustrate a complete case study from which conclusions about reverse logistics methodology can be drawn. Instead, Chapter 3 was a review of case studies, wherein the author utilized studies found in academic journals, rejecting what is actually being done by people with money in the game in reverse logistics. This methodology has its merits -- the author is correct that academic case studies will follow a fairly similar format that is reliable and theoretically free from bias. The author also found that academic case studies are sufficient in number to draw conclusions. For example, the author cited under IT for reverse logistics four case studies for "customer," two for "manufacturing" and three for "distribution." While I disagree that it makes…… [Read More]

Logistics Case Study of Westminer Company

Westminster Company case study to analyze the firm's logistics. Aspects like supply chain, cost factors, and design of the company's logistics system will be discussed. isk definitions are also included among other aspects evaluated in the paper.

Instituted in the year 1923, Westminster Company is among the largest 'consumer healthcare product' producers. The company, its logo, and the merchandise it produces, are renowned locally, and worldwide. The firm's active living groups comprise a healthcare center, residential living, and support services. Westminster has offices in Latin America, Pacific im, and Europe, as well.

With globalization and market expansion, the firm is now faced with fresh challenges with regards to customer satisfaction (Case Study Images Provided by Customer). Consequently, three alternative strategies may be applied to deal with this issue, namely, Point of Sale (POS) information system, individual customer specifications, and reduction of order cycle duration. The following question will have to…… [Read More]

Understanding various Aspects of Logistics Management

Week 3 Chapter Questions

Question 7-1
Demand management refers to the strategy a firm employs to determine the exact wants of customers. On the contrary, order management describes the various related processes such as organizing and tracking in the instances where clients place orders to when the final goods or services are delivered to them. Customer service points to the attempts by companies in ensuring that the clients are satisfied through the provision of additional facilities. Customer service and order management describes the firms’ determination of whether or not the clients receive what they wanted. Overall, the three terms point to the approaches firms used to ensure that customers access their intended goods or services.

Question 7-2
First, the cause and effect forecasting model assume the interrelation between one or more factors to aspects of demand. Further, it presumes that the cause and effect relationship can be employed for approximating…… [Read More]

Aviation Logistics and Competitive Advantage

Logistics in Aviation

Aviation logistics: Competitive advantage and technological innovation

Prelude

In the modern era, the worldwide logistics and supply chain is very cut throat and keeping an edge over others is important for all the firms in operation. Worldwide competition in aviation logistics business is cut throat with numerous firms. Firms in this business survive only when they maintain an edge over their rivals in the business in order to keep the clients in check. Most of the firms are very lenient to their clients as they listen to their client's needs and requirements, complaints along the way, implementing long-term marketing programs as well as short-term. Companies also make use of their resources in order to acquire competitive edge over their rivals in the marketplace which leads to satisfactory profits (Sakchutchawan, 2011). The resource advantage theory stipulates that having edge in resources paves way for competitive edge in the…… [Read More]

Managing Projects Operations and Information

The performance of each team member depends on the performance of all others, this being a team project. Constraints include time and financial resources; as such improvement requires permanent improvement effort.

isk Management. No risk has been identified related to the project's completion.

Monitoring and Controlling Mechanisms. The data analysts will develop a metric system to measure each member's performance on a weekly basis. This weekly performance will be submitted to the project manager for potential adjustments.

V. Operations management plan

Operations Strategy. An easy way to understand the meaning of operations strategy is to break the word into the two separate words: operations and strategy - these words being the opposite of each other (Slack & Lewis, 2002). 'Operations' is about the functions and procedures regarding the day-to-day processes, while 'strategy' is about the direction and scope of an organisation over a long period of time. The operations strategy…… [Read More]

Management Undercover Boss Is a Great Show

Management

Undercover Boss is a great show for illustrating core management concepts. A season five episode features the CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company, owner of the Utah Jazz along with eighty other concerns. This episode features issues related to occupational health and safety, customer service and marketing. In the episode about Modell's Sporting Goods, a family-owned business that has been around since 1889, issues related to logistics, wages, and social justice come to the fore. In the first season episode featuring the CEO and president of 7-11, issues related to management and corporate structure, customer service, and quality assurance are brought to light. These three episodes can all be used to better understand textbook concepts, from the particular skills managers need to succeed to ethics and social responsibility. Of these three episodes, the most engaging was the one about Modell's because of the way the owner came to…… [Read More]

Management and Leadership

Management and Leadership DIscussion

For decades, school management processes have been popular among schools around the nation. School management processes put more responsibility on the local teacher and administrator basis in order to influence more positive results. The success of student learning depends heavily on "community participation, decentralization or teacher empowerment" (Wohlstetter & Mohrmon, 1994). This allows principals to step up and take a managerial approach to implementing individual and strategies unique to the needs of their schools. Ultimately, there are then variations within leadership processes. Thus, "some school districts dictate that structure, as in San Diego; others leave it up to the schools themselves, but hold the principal accountable for ensuring that all parties are given the opportunity to contribute, such as in Prince William County" (Wohlstetter & Mohrmon, 1994). The principal is thus a facilitator of change and an innovator that works to motivate individual teachers and administrators…… [Read More]

Management Yes Managers Are Important to Organizational

Management

Yes, managers are important to organizational success. But this is a logical fallacy question. All organizations, both the successful ones and the utter failures, have managers. So the question isn't about whether managers are important to success -- mathematically there is 100% correlation between having managers and being successful, but also 100% correlation between having managers and being unsuccessful.

Then there is the issue of where organizational success comes from. First, one must define success -- is it profitability? Or exceptional profitability? Short-term, long-term? And there are a lot of variables that contribute to organizational success, not just the actions of management. Further, to determine whether managers are integral to success, and to what degree, would require a control. It is almost impossible to define a control. You could say the managers at Google are really good, but unless there is a parallel universe Google with different managers, how…… [Read More]

Logistic and Supply Chain Management

Salee Company Limited suffers this setback. Therefore, it should align itself in a position to maximize profits by looking in to the ways of reducing the loss. Mr. Somsak Pruksawan of the Salee Industry Public Company Limited admits that every organization, large or small businesses suffers various types of obstacle when performing businesses. Their problem is the management of the waste and the plastic defects. The management of the company notes that the company faces various difficulties. These problems range from the upstream of supply chain processes to the end customers or the consumers of their products. The material cost varies with the mass of material that that facilitates the process and the price unit of that material. The heaviness of material is vividly a result of the proportion volume and material density. However, the fraction's maximum wall widths play a role (Lindsay, 2010, p.57).

The weight of raw material…… [Read More]

Management of Change Campaign Internal

The content language adopted for white collar workers will be a simple, plain one as the goal is for the message to be understood best and used by the employees in their interaction with the customers. In global communication campaigns, the language will be the same for white and blue collar workers and therefore a simple and plain one for everyone. In specific communications, the language can increase in complexity if the auditorium that needs to receive the message had a higher education level.

The content will take under consideration the cultural differences between the corporate headquarters country (e.g. UK) and the local offices (e.g. Korea) and adapt global campaigns to the local requirements. Additionally, the content will be designed to match company objectives and how these objectives can be understood by personnel. Therefore, a specialized team will be dedicated to understanding the personnel, the company values the personnel needs…… [Read More]

Management Style Fred Smith Started

There are some disadvantages to the transactional leadership style, however. This style is often considered to be inferior in times of crisis when strong transformation of the business is required. Should FedEx's core business move beyond the "cash cow" stage of maturity, the company may lack the vision to radically transform itself (for example, if jet fuel costs become too high to offer overnight courier service profitably). The company has succeeded thus far with its leadership style in part because it has had the same leader for its entire history -- the ability of FedEx to develop transformational leaders has not yet been tested. In addition, the company has been able to utilize their current business model profitably since the years following its inception, and there has been no crisis that threatened this cash flow significantly.

That said, FedEx does have within its leadership style the ability to make changes…… [Read More]

Management Annotated Bibliography Anyim F C 2012 The

Management: Annotated Bibliography

Anyim, F.C. (2012). The Imperative of Integrating Corporate Business Plan with Manpower Planning. International Journal of Business and Management, 7(8).

This article talks about how traditionally, manpower planning as human resource activity is something that is utilized by institutions to make sure that they have the proper number and the accurate types of individuals that are performing jobs at the right places and during the right time all in a proposal to achieve business purposes. The article also explains how Business plan looks to recognize the many issues critical to the achievement of the association. The article likewise emphases on how the organization can be better positioned and equipped to contend effectually in the marketplace, while manpower planning, and contribute to the industry by providing the means (individuals) to complete the results from the planning procedure. This essay is beneficial gives theoretical explanations and inspects the authoritative…… [Read More]

Management Patents Are a Source of Protection

Management

Patents are a source of protection for intellectual property in any industry. The value in a patent is that it allows a company that has developed a product or proprietary technique to enjoy monopoly power over that, thus enabling the company to recoup its investment in the development of the proprietary product or technique. Patents are published as a matter of public record, and this is not deemed harmful because of the strength of law protecting patents. The typical response of competitors to patents is that they either build on the patent in a meaningful way, so as to receive their own patent for a new product that may be built on the original product. Alternatively, a competitor may develop a similar product that performs the same function as the one covered by patent, and receive its own patent on the new product. Patents typically can only be held…… [Read More]

Management Wal-Mart's Challenges in the Global Market

Management

Wal-Mart's challenges in the Global market

Wal-Mart as the world's leading retailer has been spreading very fast extending its power across the world market. This began with the nine countries in South America, Asia, and Europe. This expansion is likely to extend even in the near future. As the company attempts at penetrating the hypermarket culture in different countries, it has encountered a battery of severe problems in the process of its global operations. Joint ventures and acquisitions of local businesses have become a major challenge in nationalism economies. Therefore, strict rules and regulations imposed by governments have blocked Wal-Mart's business operations. Late entry and miscalculating competitors have destroyed location opportunities and tampered with Wal-Mart's relationship with local suppliers. The company experienced big challenges in the global market due to its inability to adapt to new local cultures. In addition, sex discrimination, unions, and low wages prompted employees to…… [Read More]

Management Economies of Scale Reflects a Situation

Management

Economies of scale reflects a situation where the cost of something declines when more is produced. With larger quantities, bargaining power increase, and there are opportunities for greater systems efficiency. Economies of scope reflects a cost saving when a company produces two or more goods (The Economist, 2008). For example, if McDonalds only produced Big Macs, it would be inefficient because there is not enough demand for those to keep the restaurant busy. By adding other products, the restaurant can become more efficient because it is working closer to capacity and there are always customers.

Transaction costs are the costs associated with a transaction. In some cases, there are fees and commissions that have to be paid in order to do something. Those costs do not add any value in themselves, but they are costs that are necessary to doing the transaction.

Economic Value Added (EVA) is basically the…… [Read More]

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

As is shown in the case, CCBCC begins with an intensive commitment to the initial collaborative planning phases of ensuring front end alignment with their distribution channel partners. Joint business plans ensure the company has the ability to effectively plan for spikes in demand more effectively than traditional, and less flexible means allow for. The collaborative planning phase of the CPF Model is essential for ensuring a high degree of logistics coordination and collaboration has been achieved (Bonet, 2005). The collaborative forecasting process including sales forecasting, exception management and resolving expectations, all essential for making a strategic commitment to CPF function correctly, are also evidence in the CCBCC implementation (Ireland, 2005). Finally the steps of creating and fine-tuning order forecasts, defining identifying exceptions and resolving exceptions to drive orders are also evidence in how CCBCC creates demand management workflows with the applications installed. It is very important to realize that…… [Read More]

Assessing an Integrated Management Framework

Integrated Management Framework

The notion of Operations Management (OM) resembles that of a tree with various branches attached to it; although each of the branches represents a separate icon, their roots are linked. Here, the various branches stand for Logistics, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Management Information Systems (MIS), Accounting, Engineering and Marketing. All have a different persona but play a significant role in the implementation of Operations Management and therefore the executor is required to have adequate knowledge of these functions.

OM is not only about the different operations of a business, it affects every facet of the organization starting from the core business activities to the tiniest detail applicable. For that reason, the traditional approach to encourage the operational point-of-view regarding the OM enterprise is not appropriate. Also, other factors such as reporting lines, performance measures, budgets and reward structures accompanied by the cultural aspects continue to sway…… [Read More]

Learning About Logistics

Business Studies

eflection on Logistics Module

Logistics is a critical consideration in strategy development; creating and marketing the greatest products, and stimulating a high demand with an effective strategy will provide a firm with little value unless there is the ability to satisfy the demand created. The satisfaction of that demand requires a suitable logistics strategy, with the firms' ability to manage the inflow of inputs required to create products and then manage the outward flow so that the customers will be able to access the finished goods. The study of logistics has highlighted the degree to which this is often overlooked as a key competition of strategy formulation, with the logistics processes taken for granted.

Logistics is an interdependent competent of general strategy creation, a little research on the topic shows that it has the potential to play an important supporting role in major strategies; the Toyota method of…… [Read More]

Role of Federal Emergency Management and Critical Response Agencies

Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA is primarily charged with ensuring that the Americans are all safe in case of any emergency. This is the basis of all their engagements and departments that exist therein. The range of emergencies that are included in the FEMA field of operation are natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, wild fires, earthquakes and man made (both internal and external aggression) disasters that can adversely affect the lives of the Americans.

The roles of FEMA in a situation of emergency are conventionally grouped into the following categories as indicated by FEMA (2010a);

Life safety: this is usually the first and most important priority of FEMA since it is the sole reason for the existence of the agency and the agenda for their response to any emergency situation.

ecovery and restoration; this involves ensuring that the businesses run normally and that the population is employed once again after…… [Read More]

International Channel Management

International Channel Management

The Japanese Distribution System has been under a lot of scrutiny and assessment and analyses by foreigners, and these analyses have attempted to find out the reason behind the absolute 'no go' principle that they find when they attempt to export any product to Japan. In a basic comparison between Japan and the United States of America, for example, while there is one single retail store for every 68 persons in Japan, in America, there is one retail store for every 120 persons. (Japanese Business Environment) The Japanese Distribution is virtually in the midst of a big controversy today, wherein the distributive structure and the various trade practices followed by the Japanese are under question. (A new perspective on the Japanese distribution system: structure and trade practices) The fact is that the Japanese Distribution System came into being during the early years of the seventeenth century, when…… [Read More]

Industrial Organization vs Resource-Based View of Management

Industrial Organization vs. esource-Based View of Management

Analyzing the Differences Between esource-Based and Industrial Organization-Based Views of Strategy

In identifying the common and differing aspects or themes of the industrial organization (I/O)-based strategy which is also often referred to as the Competitive Forces Approach (CFA) (Porter, Stern, 2001) versus the esource-Based View (BV) (Barney, Ketchen Jr., Wright, 2011) this analysis identifies the differences and similarities between the two views. A major factor that previous analysis of these two views of strategies have either not covered at all or have only partially mentioned is how knowledge creation and its speed of transformation into a competitive asset, predicated on external conditions, is actually an asset (Dyer, Nobeoka, 2000).

Most relevant to managing a 21st century enterprise is the ability to respond intelligently and quickly to unforeseen events, capitalizing on opportunities and mitigating risks. Organizations are having to find a middle ground or…… [Read More]

Organization Management Review of Deming

The authors contend in this phase that once the constraint has been identified, it needs to also be isolated so that controllable and uncontrollable areas can be defined. The control mechanism, often called a buffer, shields the constraint from extraneous effects and other variables so that strategies can be defined for minimize constraint variation first, and eventually externalizing the constraint (Lepore, & Cohen, 1999). Buffers often are managed to a series of metrics or key performance indicators to assure that any external factors or forces are not significantly influencing it over time. The greater the variability in a constraint the greater the need for a buffer to be agile and capable of shielding the constraint from the effects of extraneous factors so approaches can be found to minimize it (Lepore, & Cohen, 1999). This is an essential step for eventually minimizing constraint variation and externalizing it.

The authors clearly are…… [Read More]

Operations and Quality Management Research

The 3M model is also one that thrives on internal competition between ideas for further funding, the progression to the next stage of the innovation process, and the development of prototypes and finished products. What unifies all of these elements together is the strong focus on innovation that is predicated on team-based assignment and requirements (Allio, 1993). There is also a strong focus on minimizing variation in new products once defined and in production using Six Sigma, a technique for minimize product variations over time (Hindo, 2007).

eferences

Constraints eferences

Bernardi, d. S. (2010). Theory of constraints contributions to outbound logistics. Management esearch eview, 33(7), 683-700. Link:

http://ebiz.uoregon.edu/poms2008/FullPapers/008-0518.pdf

Goodrich, D.F. (2008). The relationship of the theory of constraints implementation to change management integration in professional service organizations. Nova Southeastern University). Link: http://gradworks.umi.com/33/12/3312014.html

Gupta, M.C., & Boyd, L.H. (2008). Theory of constraints: A theory for operations management. International Journal of Operations…… [Read More]

Supply Chain Management and Concentrated Clusters Distribution

Supply Chain Management and Concentrated Clusters

Distribution Systems

Author's Notes

Concentrated Clusters and Improvement in Supply Chain Management and firm's overall performance

Clusters are geographic concentrations which comprise of interconnected organizations or associations that manufacture products or deliver a service to a particular industry or field. Clusters are mainly a mix of companies belonging to the same industry or located in the same technological facility sharing resources like infrastructure, suppliers and distribution networks. It mainly consists of three or more companies with downstream extension to channels and customers and lateral extension complementary goods' manufacturers including companies with industries related skills, technologies and inputs (Cognizant 20-20, 2011).

Concentrated clusters have immensely wide benefits to each firm's performance, particularly performance pertaining to supply chain management efficiency. There are certain common characteristics which clusters hold and thus benefit the firms in improving their overall performance and supply chain management are; physical proximity, complementary…… [Read More]

Improving the Logistics Function for Warfighters

Army has been modernizing its logistics function for the past half century, and a wide range of legacy systems remain in place. For example, logistics automation systems, collectively termed the Standard Army Management Information Systems (STAMIS) have been deployed by the combat service support community to provide improved logistics support to warfighters. Although these systems have proven valuable to warfighters in the field, supporting these legacy systems has become a challenge for Army logisticians due in large part to their lack of interconnectability. These legacy systems also have a number of limitations that require updating and efforts have been underway to replace these systems with more efficient approaches to provide warfighters with the materiel and information they need to prosecute military actions on the 21st century battlefield. The purpose of this study was to provide empirical observations and views from Army subject matter experts to determine what constraints may be…… [Read More]

Supply Chain Management and Logistics

A comparative study of logistic operation in the military vs. commercial organization

The past two decades have witnessed drastic transformations in civilian as well as military logistical settings. The commercial sector has been transformed by mass retailing, technological advancements, deregulation impacts, supply chains, etc. which have posed challenges to the commercial logistical setting. Simultaneously, military logisticians saw the Cold War era and associated strategies, a whole new kind of enemy, evolving military employees and sustained combat maneuvers within Third-World settings (Rutner, Aviles & Cox, 2012). Both groups have encountered tough choices, in addition to being pressured to review and perfect their corresponding logistical processes. But the question of whether both have been growing at the same rate remains to be answered.

Contemporary corporations are required to simultaneously achieve reduced costs, superior quality and superior logistics performance. They are facing increasing pressures to modify their offering to address changing requirements, promote…… [Read More]

Technology and Logistics Development-A Technology

Development of technology has also improved the management of global logistics by encouraging firms to implement the EP systems. The global logistics planning as well as execution processes are still behind mostly when it comes to logistic management and supply chain. Therefore, creating a web-based system (EP) will create interactions with people around the world when purchasing goods and services online. The system created will also help the firms in managing the global transportation carriers, rates and execution in an environment.

Technology has improved the management of global logistics by impacting on the supply chain processes. The customers are now digitally connected by allowing the firms to have their personal portals updated again and again with the tracking numbers put in place.

Technology has also contributed to transparency in a supply chain, improving the links in the firms' chain, a trend that should be replicated among al big logistics companies…… [Read More]

Improvements to Target's Logistics Processes as One

Improvements to Target's Logistics Processes

As one of the leading retailers in North America, Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) has one of the most advanced logistics, supply chain management and planning systems and series of processes in the retail industry. Target has specifically designed their entire value chain to deliver higher-end electronic products that can compete with WalMart, specifically in the areas of flat screen televisions, laptop computers and increasingly, Apple-branded iPads and iPod products. Target is also using their advanced supply chain processes including Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and eplenishment (CPF) to compete in the high-end women's clothing lines that WalMart is not choosing to compete in (Target Investor elations, 2012). At the close of their latest fiscal year, Target was operating approximately 1,760 stores in 49 states. Target finances its operations through its retail and credit card business units, using the profits from those two operations to finance the operations of…… [Read More]

Project Management the Project Selected for This

Project Management

The project selected for this study is the opening of a new restaurant in New York City. This restaurant will be named: "Home Grown." It will be fashioned after the restaurant-creation in the television program "Fifteen" in the U.K. Food Network, a cable television channel has decided to open the restaurant by hiring fifteen trainees. The trainees will be taught all the requisite skills to chefs. Along with that they will also be able to assess the related needs of the restaurant industry. Jamie Oliver, the mastermind behind "Fifteen" in the U.K. has been selected to head this project along with his sous-chef who would be monitor the daily operations in NY City. The restaurant is to open on Christmas Eve, 2004 and it is hoped that it will be a success. Food Network has a budget of ten million dollars earmarked for this project. Any profits from…… [Read More]

Supply Chain Management

I. Major Factors
The management of Dream Beauty Company, a manufacturer of consumer beauty supplies and cosmetics, is concerned with the increased costs of its supply chain management. The firm’s supply chain costs recently reached an all time high of $130,000, which could be attributable to various factors including additional sales and increased costs for order fulfillment. Currently, the Dream Beauty’s total order fulfillment is averagely three days despite the order size. Dream Beauty Company has received 3600 orders, provides excellent customer service, and has a discount policy for the channels it services.

II. Major Problem
Despite its highest standards of customer service and industry benchmark in order fulfillment, Dream Beauty Company is experiencing problems in increased supply chain costs and needs to examine the effectiveness of its three-day order fulfillment cycle.

III. Possible Solutions
Dream Beauty’s major problem can be addressed through several potential solutions because of the various…… [Read More]

Operations Management Supply Chain Management at Dell

Operations Management

Supply Chain Management at Dell Computer Corporation

Supply chain management systems have historically been designed to bring increasingly higher levels of automation and standardization of processes throughout supplier relationships, fulfillment, quality management and services. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century the concentration on lean supply chain performance sought to drill out every errand and unnecessary step and costs from supply chain collaboration, planning and execution (Foreman, Gallien, Alspaugh, Lopez, Bhatnagar, Teo, Dubois, 2010). This was especially the case in high technology industries including personal computers where the greater the level of standardization, the higher the level profits and lower the costs. Lean supply chain management and manufacturing was the approach Compaq took to establishing an early market share lead, yet was quickly challenged by Dell with its innovative uses of build-to-order supply chain management and rapid mass customization selling techniques (Gunasekaran, Ngai, 2005). The intent of…… [Read More]

Link Between Secondary Markets and Reverse Logistics

everse Logistics Trends and Practices

everse logistics is a concept that has attracted considerable attention in the recent past because of the new interest in its processes. The increased interests in reverse logistics occur regardless of the little information regarding the size and extent of reverse logistics processes and activities. As the interests on reverse logistics have grown, the concept and its processes have been characterized by the emergence of new trends and practices. The focus of this project is to describe the current state of reverse logistics and attempt to determine and evaluate trends and practices. The determination of the recent trends and practices in reverse logistics incorporates examining the degree of its activities and processes in supply chain management. The author will focus on determining existing practices and trends, assessing them, and generating information regarding the trends in today's reverse logistics practices.

Overview of everse Logistics Processes

In…… [Read More]

Analyzing Logistics in the Business Organization

Logistics in the Business Organization

Why have supply chain management issues often been ignored by senior management?

As an organization becomes more and more profitable, the managers perceive a lesser need for addressing issues in the supply chain (Dutton, 2009). One of the key causes encompasses the profitability of the company and the focus is on profit margin generated. With regard to companies that generate greater profit margins, while transport and logistics form a meager part of expenses, managers barely dedicate their time in supply chain management. Instead, they have a tendency of laying emphasis on what generates greater proceeds. Nonetheless, when the organization is in turmoil and having poor returns, managers will acknowledge the need for having an effective and efficacious supply chain. This is owing to the fact that every minimal expense will have an impact. As a result, every probable solution is sought after, when the margin…… [Read More]

Analyzing Logistics in the Business Organization

Logistics

Case

Benchmarking methodology

A benchmark is defined as an agreed upon or standard reference point that is utilized to measure quality or value. In the business environment, the benchmarking process is a process through which a company agrees upon standards to measure its progress. The benchmarking process can be used both externally and internally. There are two fundamental parts of a benchmarking process, namely: performance assessment and continuous improvement. There are also three basic types of a benchmarking: the first is where comparison is done using internal data, the second is where the company assesses relative service performance and the last is where one evaluates supply chain performance of various organizations, even though the organizations may not necessarily be competing ones. The benchmarking process entails the use of other processes such as data analysis and reporting. When done properly, benchmarking can help bring about product innovation. Product innovation can…… [Read More]

Supply Chain Management at Wal-Mart

Improvement at Wal-Mart Stores

How can the logistics processes be improved in your organization?

The logistic process of Wal-Mart provides results that have propelled the retail giant to the top income earning company in 2007. They are the first store to assume the first place in sales in the Fortune 500 magazine, exceeding giants in the energy sector: Chevron and Exxon Mobil; and manufacturer: General Motors. Wal-Mart's growth is based on the organizational structure established on logistic excellence, and logistics are vital. Logistics is about supply chain; having the right supply chain is no longer just an interesting opportunity. It is a survival skill. The fallacy is that Wal-Mart is in the retail business, but in reality, it is in the distribution business. Wal-Mart is obliged to bring products from the docking station to the client's doorstep in less than 72 hours and calls for the highest efficiency level in…… [Read More]

Supply Chain Management and Reverse Logistics

Revese Logistics Tends and Pactices

Dake Nash

RLMT 401 Revese Logistics Data and Secuity Resilience -- Summe 2015

Revese Logistics Tends and Pactices

Revese Logistics (RL) entails the management of mateials fom thei points of use to the disposal o ecovey stages. In this case, focus elates the cuent pactices and tends in RL as employed in vaious oganizations. The pape addesses diffeent aspects elating to RL that include pefomance metics, etuns pocessing, and collaboation. Pesent pattens in RL emanate fom esults of typical etun pocesses. Futhe, the pape endeavos to discuss economic challenges expeienced in evese logistics and othe supply chain issues.

Intoduction

In most cases, supply chain management (SCM) eseach entails the fowad flow pocess. The pocess engages the tansfomation of aw mateials into final poducts (Dekke & Fleischmann, 2012). Futhe, the flow pocess incopoates the movement of goods fom the supplies to the end consumes. Howeve, little…… [Read More]

Analyzing Challenges Issues and Trends in the Logistics and Transportation Field

TANSPOTATION & LOGISTICS FIELD --

Challenges Issues, and Trends in the Logistics and Transportation Field

The complexity of logistics in terms of the split channels, a higher variance in products and demand for customer focused solutions has been on the rise. There have been several trends that indicate that there are many challenges down the line as global trade becomes even more interactive and complex (Editorial Staff, 2013).

Trends

Studies point to the following trends.

Emergence of New Technology: Most companies have realized that there is need to make use of new technology. esearch shows that 60% of major companies plan to invest heavily in data analysis tools in the coming five-year period. The tools are meant to enhance a holistic handling and precise and proactive connection of data so as to boost control and planning outcomes (Editorial Staff, 2013).

A Structural Change Freight by Air to Freight by Sea:…… [Read More]

Leading Channel Management Practices in Supply Chain

channel management practices that have been developed via thorough research and analysis of the world's leading companies?

Channel management is a process that entails managing the relationship between a vendor and the third parties used by them to get goods and products into client's hands, while making sure that the post-sales services and support are still of high quality. A channel can be either a one- or two-tier relationship. In the one-tier relationship, a vendor is selling products directly to a reseller; in the two-tier relationship, a vendor is selling to the third parties indirectly through a distributor. Effective channel management can help to greatly increase revenue and profit margins for vendors through creating incentives for channel partners to promote or market their own branded services and support; it is also useful to be able to achieve the right overall pricing for the end users[footnoteef:2]. [2:

KPMG. (2011). Leading practices…… [Read More]

Innovations in Transportation Logistics

Transportation logistics field has experienced a number of significant changes in recent years due to innovations in technology, and there are a number of emerging concepts that have surfaced over the past 1 to 2 years as a result. To determine the facts, this paper provides a review of the relevant literature to identify several of these emerging concepts, including a detailed discussion concerning their respective importance in the transportation logistics management (TLM) field. An analysis concerning the direction these emerging trends will take in the future and their potential future impact within the TLM field is followed by a summary of the research and important findings concerning these issues in the conclusion.

eview and Analysis

The concepts that are emerging in the TLM field today may have appeared as so much science fiction just a few years ago, but concepts such as 3D printing, drone deliveries and driverless vehicles…… [Read More]

Highway Funding Structure Wal-Mart's Innovations in Logistics

Highway Funding Structure: Wal-Mart's Innovations in Logistics

The United States has one of the most complicated road systems in the entire world. These complexities have a number of head aches, but also some serious luxuries that allow American motorists to enjoy traveling in a more streamlined manner than anywhere else on the globe. As more and more cars get on the road, there is ultimately more pollution. As such, companies like Wal-Mart are taking innovative initiatives to help generate greater levels of sustainability in transportation services.

The majority of funding for highway structures throughout the country comes directly from the tax payers. In fact, the research suggests that "federal highway spending is funded mainly through taxes on gasoline and other motor fuels that accrue to the Highway Trust Fund" (Berman, 2010, p 3). This is an enormous cost, and one which carries with it a number of both positives and…… [Read More]

Zongshen Case Study Management Report

Zongshen +d

Innovations in strategic planning

Organizational analysis of Chinese industrial firm, Zhongqing Zongshen Automobile Industry Manufacturing Co., Ltd., offers much in terms of understanding the global powerhouse as an industrial economy of scale. If China's macro-economic position is one of increased export growth, then micro-analyses enable us to uncover the ingenuity and strategies behind the giant. Zongshen Motorcycle brand is one of the core subsidiaries of Zongshen Industrial Group, with consumer recognition in the capital market. The mission of the company is to improve the quality of life of human beings through innovation of clean, convenient and safe transportation tools (Zongshen, 2010).

In 2008, expansion of the two-wheeled motorcycle concern in its multi-scale strategic plan encouraged growth through: domestic sales, import and export agreements, and key & important component distribution. The integrated strategy resulted in substantial returns, with export sales at $100 million alone. The Company reports cumulative assets…… [Read More]

Strategic Management Concept of Outsourcing

Strategic Management Concept: Outsourcing

Strategic Management: Ourtousrcing

Definition of outsourcing

Outsourcing is defined as the contracting another person or company to perform a specialized function (Lacity and Hirschheim, 1993). Outsourcing can also be defined as contracting out a business process to a third party. In the current business environment, all business will outsource in some way. The term outsourcing not only refers to the large contracting of firms to perform specific functions, but also refers to any non-core activity that a business contracts out to another company. For example, an insurance company could outsource its janitorial operations to another company, which would ensure that the insurance company can focus on its core business. Outsourcing ensures that a business can concentrate on its core business and its overall strategy (Grossman and Helpman, 2005). The firms contracted to perform or offer the service have the necessary expertise and have specialized in the…… [Read More]

Terminologies in Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management

Intangible Qualities of a Public Transportation System

Among the intangible qualities of a public transportation system include; safety, riding comfort, ease of using the service, convenience in use and reducing stress to individual commuters and the road systems. If a public transportation system is safe from accidents and crime commuters will find them ideal for use in their day-to-day activities. Commuters' daily preference for public transportation system would make the service provision more viable and easy to maintain. Subsequently the public transport system would flourish and remain for a longer period. iding comfort comprises of availability of a sitting area while waiting, comfortable seats in the buses or commuter train and cleanliness. This attribute factors in the perception of satisfaction with the atmosphere during travel allowing commuters to embrace public transport system in their daily errands. Subsequently the public transport would have a reliable demand sufficient to…… [Read More]

Analyzing the Operation Management

Operation Management

What should your competitive priorities be and what capabilities do you want to develop in your own core and support processes?

To begin with, so as to establish an online grocery delivery business, there are a number of factors (both internal and external) that need to be taken into account so as to ensure success of the business. Prominent among them is partnership with the grocery stores. In this instance, there will be the partnership between two brick and mortar grocery stores that presently are not engaged in any kind of grocery delivery business. In addition, we must be assured that we will have consumers who are ready and prepared to pay the additional dollars for the service. Taking this into consideration, the ideal consumer for this service is an individual who leads a considerably busy and chaotic life, barely has the time to visit the grocery store,…… [Read More]

Strategic Management and Business Policy

Wal-Mart is also the company's most significant competitor when it comes to supply chain performance and the ability to manage tens of thousands of suppliers to predetermined performance objectives as well (Norek, Pohlen, 2001). Target, another significant competitor, is using an up-scale marketing message to position itself away from Wal-Mart and Sears/K-Mart. Target is also challenging Wal-Mart for leadership in consumer electronics including plasma and flat-screen televisions as well (Frazier, 2006). There is also competition from May Company primarily in apparel nationally, and with several smaller regional retailers who concentrate on clothing and furniture to a limited extent. Of these competitors, Wal-Mart has been the most effective as the company's unique value proposition focuses on enhancing and adding buying power to their customer's budgets. In fact it is known that Wal-Mart, for the Value Shopper, is a major means of making ends meet (Frazier, 2006). This translates into a significant…… [Read More]

Best Practices in Supply Chain Management

Transitioning of the Defense Transportation System Toward Complementing Best Practices in Supply Chain Management Efficiently and Securely

Distribution managers need to appreciate that management of defense supply chains is a rapidly-growing global phenomenon, with an overlap existing in management levels; right from the strategic national-level stakeholders to lower sustainment units at the activity levels. Strategic distribution changes have the potential of immensely impacting tactical implications. This paper aims to help absorb a few important precepts required for globally receptive logistics decisions. Distribution and material managers ought to review and internalize defense supply chains early on in the course of their career. The process of distribution is complex. Thus, material distribution management must include electronically sustainable supply-chain information systems for realizing true synchronization. After all, defense transport systems are CASs (complex adaptive systems) integrating comprehensive, dynamic components, and aim at discussing complex supply-network systems together with their co-evolutionary, dynamic processes. The…… [Read More]