Verified Document

Supply Chain Synthesis Essay

Supply Change Synthesis Resolving Conflict The complex systems that are present in the supply chain structure creates both solutions to old problems, however create new issues to deal with as well. The relationship between manufacturers and end-customers are unique and require a strategic plan that specifies what unique characteristics are inherent within that relationship.

This essay aims to explore the relationship issues within the supply chain itself and discuss why integrating the supply chain may create conflicts within that structure. Essentially this essay will argue that fundamental principles based on shared values expressed through strategic design, provides the best model of supply chain management that can be practically expressed in real world situations and contribute to the overall effectiveness, efficiency and economics of the effort.

Defining The Relationship

To understand any subject or problem, it is necessary to first gather the details and facts of the case at hand. Mentzer et al. (2001) suggested a comprehensive definition of the concept "supply chain management." They authors wrote " a supply chain is defined as a set of three or more entities (organizations or individuals) directly involved in the upstream and downstream flows of products, services, finances, and/or information from a source to a customer. Given the potential for countless alternative supply chain configurations, it is important to note that any one organization can be part of numerous supply chains. Wal-Mart, for example, can be part of the supply chain for candy, for clothing, for hardware, and for many...

This multiple supply chain phenomenon begins to explain the network nature that many supply chains possess."
It must be understood that relationship between any one entity within the supply chain is unique, and carries with it, a unique approach that must be taken to make the best of the relationship. In many cases supply manufacturers may become too scientific in their approach and rely too much on analytics and math to determine the best avenues of approach for a specific problem. This scientific approach, is necessary in the analysis process, but relying too much on empirical example and foggy statistical inference can lead to problems.

Communication As A Key Issue

The root of the word "corporation" means death, like in the word "corpse." Corporations are essentially lifeless organizations that have been awarded certain personhood rights in many aspects of society. This wording is unfortunate because it disregards the necessity of individuals grouped in organizations to fill relationships with life and vigor. Statistics can help provide emotional support, but remembering that management is both an art and science creates the need to view supply chain management relationships as living things. Communication is a key component of living things.

Relationships are merely outlets of communication. The way we communicate demonstrates just as much, and sometimes more, than the message itself. How and what we say to one another lies at the heart of any issue. Chen & Parulaj (2004) agreed with this concept when they wrote " extant research has demonstrated the necessity…

Sources used in this document:
References

Benton, W.C., & Maloni, M. (2005). The influence of power driven buyer/seller relationships on supply chain satisfaction. Journal of Operations Management,23(1), 1-22.

Chen, I.J., & Paulraj, A. (2004). Towards a theory of supply chain management: the constructs and measurements. Journal of operations management, 22(2), 119-150.

Mentzer, J.T., DeWitt, W., Keebler, J.S., Min, S., Nix, N.W., Smith, C.D., & Zacharia, Z.G. (2001). Defining supply chain management. Journal of Business logistics, 22(2), 1-25.

Stevens, G.C. (1989). Integrating the supply chain. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Materials Management, 19(8), 3-8.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Supply Chain Management Hypothesis Defined Concepts of
Words: 24788 Length: 80 Document Type: Thesis

Supply Chain Management Hypothesis defined Concepts of SCM and the evolution to its present day form Critical factors that affect SCM Trust Information sharing and Knowledge management Culture and Belief -- impact on SCM Global environment and Supply Chain management "Social" and "soft" parameter required for SCM Uncertainties This chapter aims to give an outline and scope of the study that will be undertaken in this work. The study lays out the issues faced by manufacturing organizations when it comes

Supply Chain, Diversification and Vertical Integration
Words: 2224 Length: 7 Document Type: Essay

Management I wouldn't use a formal process to reconcile global integration and national differentiation. Each situation is unique, and you actually have to think each situation through on its merits, and with its own evidence. Some companies have a very decentralized structure, and thus place more emphasis on decision-making at the national level. Other companies have built their strategy on having a high level of product consistency around the world. But

IBM Supply Chain Concerns
Words: 1810 Length: 6 Document Type: Essay

Executive Summary This document considers the various points of correlation between human resources, management information systems, and supply chain management in relation to critical IBM concepts of managing an organization. It identifies how these three areas intersect and their long term value for organizations as a whole. Ultimately, they are vital aspects of operations in the contemporary business world. Introduction There are a number of eminent facets involved in the management of contemporary

Improving the Efficiency of Supply Chains to Reduce Environmental...
Words: 1263 Length: 4 Document Type: Article Review

Article Reviews on Ethics in Supply Chain ManagementToday, supply chain management has assumed new importance and relevance as global supply networks are challenged on multiple fronts. Against this backdrop, there is a corresponding need to ensure ethical supply chain management practices. To gain some new insights into this growing need, the purpose of this paper is to provide a review of two selected peer-reviewed articles concerning ethics in supply chain

Tire Supply Chain Evaluation
Words: 3070 Length: 12 Document Type: Essay

Bridgestone Americas The ability for a company to align its overall business strategy with all other aspects and operations within the functions of a corporate organization is the underlying challenge for leaders to overcome. The cohesiveness of an organization is reflected in its ability to seamless intertwine complex and delicate parts and pieces together to form a competent force that is designed to compete in tough and competitive markets. All business

Performance Based Management Synthesis
Words: 1296 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Synthesis With the operational environment becoming ever more competitive, and against the backdrop of austerity in resource management, the importance of performance-based management (PBM) cannot be overemphasised. Indeed, PBM has increasingly become a common practice in organisations of different sizes -- small and large -- and in diverse sectors -- manufacturing and service, as well as public and private sectors (Ploom & Haldma, 2013; Lutwama, Roos & Dolamo, 2013; Rivenbank, Fasiello

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now