Running head: SUPPLY CHAIN 2
SUPPLY CHAIN 2
Reply to this post must be a minimum of 300 words and include at least 2 scholarly resources in APA format.
Supply Chain Strategy
Key Concept Explanation
An organization’s supply chain commonly refers to all the actions involved in supplying a consumer with merchandise or a service (Meredith & Shafer, 2016). This includes any and all actions involved with supplying the product or service to the market and or into the hands of the purchaser. Such actions as procurement of natural resources, transportation, manufacturing, storage, the wholesaler, or any other thing that contributes. Supply chain management would then be the managing of all the procedures and or actions involved in the manufacture of the product or service to guarantee a consistent and dependable flow. Supply chain management can affect the entire organization, especially when it comes to the product and service availability, inventory, manufacturing cost, and ultimately the value for the customer (Perez, 2013). Thus, the supply chain strategy selected by the business can be critical to their success. Supply chain strategy should place major emphasis on maximizing the end value to customers.
Comparison
The selection of journal articles in this discussion forum allowed a diverse view into the aspects that make up supply chain strategy. Although all articles placed a major emphasis on the importance on supply chain strategies each one provided a different view. Three of the articles discussed how working with different countries allowed for the best strategy overall. An example is that of Apple incorporated partnering with Chinese firms and producing the accommodations that now offer supply chain operations to several different US and foreign organizations. Some articles discuss how to guarantee sustainability within the chain and the advantages of using a balanced scorecard strategy to ensure continued performance. Nonetheless the supply chain strategy that is selected, measuring performance is essential to its success. The BSC affords a strong management tool that focuses on sustainability, internal operations, learning and growth as well as stakeholder consummation which also comprises customer value (Tseng et. al., 2015).
Article Summary
The journal article selected for this assignment traces the history of the supply chain management discipline. It provides several definitions of the terminology related to supply chain management. A brief literature review of research papers available on the topic of supply chain management is also debated. The more traditional definition of what a supply chain is discussed. Janvier-James (2012) defines supply management as the synchronized flow of goods from source to its final end point. An intricate and more extended description is offered as well; “A set of entities directly involved in the supply and distribution flows of goods, service, finances, and information from a source to a destination” (Janvier-James, 2012, p195). This prolonged description is more suitable as it specifies that supply chains comprise more than the manufacture and delivery of merchandise.
The journal article also looks at several theories related to the subject of supply chain management. The General System Theory recognizes four key ideologies related to the supply chain systems that are significant to consider in an evolving new supply chain method or optimizing more strategic processes. The more intricate an arrangement is the less well-matched it is to a fluctuating environment; the bigger the organization, the more resources are essential to its success (Janvier-James, 2012). The fourth principle is that systems develop. This idea highlights the importancee of the second idea. The conclusion is that ease, effectiveness, and quickness must be considered in the development of supply chain systems and strategies.
Biblical Integration
As with every aspect of life the Bible advises that Christians should plan and direct when suitable and provides direction as related to supply chain strategy. “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl” (Deuteronomy 28:1-68, ESV). One must do right by the Lord in every aspect of life this includes that of business relations and thus supply chain strategies. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23, ESV).
Application
A few of the journal articles discussed above supply good examples of application of supply chain strategies. Apple has been very effective implementing supply chain management and associated strategies for nearly 20 years. Many professionals and analysts have accredited Apple’s success not only their product origination, but also to operational superiority that comprises product manufacturing, supply chain management and adopting the right strategies. However, regardless of which has contributed more to their accomplishment there can be no doubt of the reputation of adopting the right supply management strategy. Regardless of the size of the business or industry, companies that produce products and services must implement or establish supply chain strategies that are supportive of corporate objectives and goals. There is no question that companies that do not work to expand this operational aspect by looking for the most efficient and operative means of getting their merchandise and or service to the market will not be successful on a global economy scale. Establishments such as Apple and Amazon as well as others devote an incredible amount of time and effort changing their supply chains to withstand their productions in this extremely competitive world.
References
Burrows, P. & Satariano, A. (2011). Apple’s supply-chain secret? Hoard lasers. Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/magazine/apples-supplychain-secret-hoard-lasers-11032011.html
Kuei, C., Madu, C. N., & Lin, C. (2011). Developing global supply chain quality management systems. International Journal of Production Research, 49(15), 4457-4481. doi:10.1080/00207543.2010.501038 http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=61215710&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Sukati, I., Hamid, A., & Baharun, R. (2013). Testing the effect of the supply chain management implementation on business performance: An empirical study. International Business Research, 6(1), 76-89. doi:10.5539/ibr.v6n1p76. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/256376277_Testing_the_Effect_of_the_Supply_Chain_Management_Implementation_on_Business_Performance_An_Empirical_Study
Tseng, M., Lim, Ming. & Wong, WP. (2015). Sustainable supply chain management: A closed-loop network hierarchical approach. Industrial Management & Data Systems 115(3) p. 436-461. Retrieved from Sustainable supply chain management : A closed-loop network hierarchical approach
Janvier-James, A. (2012). A new introduction to supply chains and supply chain management: Definitions and theories perspective. International Business Research, 5(1), 194-207. doi:10.5539/ibr.v5n1p194 http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/71157763/new-introduction-supply-chains-supply-chain-management-definitions-theories-perspective