Over the next five years, they are working on increasing this amount to as close to: 100% as possible. With the company estimating that such a move would cut logistics costs between $4 billion to $12 billion, over the course of 5 to 15 years. (Cassidy, 2010) This is significant because it shows that the ability of Wal-Mart to seek out ways to reduce logistics costs, are helping to improve the overall cost structure of the company. At which point, this allows their profit margins to increase and they can begin expanding into other areas.
Clearly, one of the biggest elements that contribute to the overall success of Wal-Mart is their ability to control costs associated with their supply chain. This is important because it underscores how Wal-Mart was able to maintain it low cost structure, despite expanding rapidly in size. Where, the elements of: the company owning / operating…...

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Bibliography

Sam's Club Facts. (2010). Retrieved May 21, 2010 from Sam's Club website:

http://www3.samsclub.com/NewsRoom/AboutUs/Facts

Cassidy, W. (2010). Wal-Mart Squeezes Costs from the Supply Chain. Retrieved May 21, 2010 from Journal of Commerce website:  http://www.joc.com/logistics-economy/wal-mart-squeezes-costs-supply-chain 

Chandran, P. (2002). Wal-Mart's Supply Chain Practices. Retrieved May 21, 2010 from Mohan Chandran website:

The ole and Impact of Information Systems in Supply Chain and Logistics Management: A Global PerspectiveAbstractThe rapid pace of technological advancements has brought about a paradigm shift in the supply chain and logistics sector. Information systems are becoming indispensable tools that facilitate global transportation, logistical operations, and supply chain management. This paper aims to explore the role of information systems in streamlining supply chain and logistics management, with a particular focus on global operations. It delves into the distinguishing factors of international versus domestic logistics and how information systems bridge the gap between the two. The paper also highlights the ways in which these systems aid in global transportation decision-making and managing inventory costs, underlining their significance in achieving operational efficiencies.IntroductionIn an increasingly interconnected and digital world, the role of information systems in supply chain and logistics management is becoming more pivotal. As global supply chains continue to grow in…...

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ReferencesDavenport, T.H. (1998). Putting the enterprise into the enterprise system. Harvard Business Review, 76(4), 121-131.Keller, G., & Teufel, T. (1998). SAP R/3 process-oriented implementation: iterative process prototyping. Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc.Rodrigue, J. P. (2020). The geography of transport systems. Routledge.Rushton, A., Croucher, P., & Baker, P. (2022). The handbook of logistics and distribution management: Understanding the supply chain. Kogan Page Publishers.Sheffi, Y., Saenz, M. J., Rivera, L., & Gligor, D. (2019). New forms of partnership: the role of logistics clusters in facilitating horizontal collaboration mechanisms. European Planning Studies, 27(5), 905-931.Stefansson, G. (2002). Business-to-business data sharing: A source for integration of supply chains. International journal of production economics, 75(1-2), 135-146.Tseng, Y.Y., Yue, W.L., & Taylor, M.A.P. (2005). The role of transportation in logistics chain. Proceedings of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, 5, 1657-1672.

4)

he value inherent to freight forwarding in the modern global supply chain can be stated both in terms of finances and efficiency, which ultimately has its own effect on finances and revenues, as well. hese two value elements are largely intertwined in the supply chain itself as well -- freight forwarders are better equipped to locate available shipping space at the best possible price than are individual manufacturers or even distributors (Baluch 2005). Freight forwarders essentially offer a service to both shippers and manufacturers/those in need of shipping, creating greater value for both asset-based entities in the arrangement by creating greater efficiency in the system as a whole (Baluch 2005).

5)

he seven economic drivers of transportation costs can be easily illustrated with the example of a standard laptop computer. Distance for many of these units is considerable, often requiring transport from parts of Asia to Europe and North America, with prices…...

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The freight bill, or bill of lading, is given by a shipping provider to the manufacturer or shipping originator to acknowledge the receipt of specified goods for transport, usually with certain key details of the shipping agreement including payment terms, pickup and delivery locations and often dates, and a detail of the goods to be transported (MarketTrans 2010). Though not itself a full contract, it is evidence of a contract (whether verbal or written) between the shipper and the carrier, and as it lists certain terms of the carrier's part in the venture and requires the shipper's signature it is legally binding in several regards (MarketTrans 2010).

7)

The essential goal of multi-vendor consolidation is to increase the efficiency of shipping for both

Research indicates that supply chains help organizations attain competitive advantage. In turn, the successes or letdowns of such supply chains are determined in the open market by the end consumers. Rendering the fitting product, at the fitting price, at the fitting time to the consumer is not only the fundamental aspect to competitive success but also the vital element to survival (Christopher and Towill, 2001). Owing to the fact that the intricacy of supply chains in the present day, partly as a result of globalization and out-sourcing, the manner in which supply chains are structured can make a difference between an organization generating profit or loss. Different types of structures avail the management the choice to select the one that best suits consumer expectations. However, it is imperative for such chosen pipelines to go hand in hand with the business strategy of the supply chain (Christopher and Towill, 2002). In…...

supply chain challenges facing the company which the chosen application addresses.
4(b) Explain how the chosen application addresses these supply chain challenges

8Q2"IT should be considered as an integral part of the supply chain re-engineering process." Discuss this statement using appropriate references from the course module. Case studies or other source material.

(a) The major supply chain challenges facing the company which the chosen application addresses.

The Levi Strauss e-business and supply chain integration

Levi Strauss is a firm that was very successful and competitive in the manufacture of denim jeans. Like several other companies, it faced a lot of competition and changes in the market conditions. This subsequently led to a decline in its sales and profitability. The company's sales were at a peak value of $1.7 billion in 1996 (Leon-Pena 85). This later declined to about $4.1 in 2002 as pointed out by Girard (Girard). The corporation realized that the trend was…...

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Works Cited

Barrat, Mark.Understanding the meaning of collaboration in the supply chain, Supply Chain Management, An International Journal, 9(1), (2004), pp.30-42

Croom, Simon R. "The impact of e-business on supply chain management: An empirical study of key developments," International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 25 Iss: 1, (2005) pp.55 -- 73

Frohlich, Markham T. And Westbrook, Roy, "Arcs of integration: an international study of supply chain strategies," Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 19 No. 2, (2001) pp. 185-200.

Golicic, Susan L., Davis, Donna F., McCarthy, M. And Mentzer, John T. "The impact of e-commerce on supply chain relationships." International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 32 No. 10, (2002), pp. 851-871.

supply chains continue to gain in importance as a core attribute of current and future business models across nearly every industry, the need for using IT resources more effectively in orchestrating each transportation mode becomes essential. Orchestrating supply chain processes from transaction to fulfillment provides third party logistics providers (3PLs) with the opportunity to manage and modify manual processes to gain greater performance on a consistent basis (Gilmore, 2002). In the article Global logistics solutions: A Guide to the problems Shippers face (MacDonald, 2007) the author provides an overview of how supply chains need to be managed as a strategic series of process and system assets, with specific attention paid to the orchestration of transportation modes. Four critical problems supply chains face are also discussed including a lack of supply chain visibility and forecasting, the need for continual quality improvement at the process level, more optimization of transportation network…...

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References:

Gilmore, D. (2002). Achieving transportation excellence. World Trade, 15(11), 36-38.

MacDonald, A. (2007). Global logistics solutions: A guide to the problems shippers face. World Trade, 20(5), 36-38, 40, 42.

Milmo, S. (2002). Logistics and distribution services begin to separate. Chemical Market Reporter, 262(13), 6-6, 28.

Trunick, P.A. (2002, 10). 4 logistics trends driving and driven by 3 PLs. Transportation & Distribution, 7.

Logistics Design Alternatives
Intermodal transportation essentially refers to the process of transporting passengers and cargo by means of multiple, inter-linked transportation modes. It capitalizes on the comparative advantage of the individual modes to bring about high productivity at considerably low freight costs. Intermodalism has gained prominence over recent years, and is currently an integral component of international trade and global supply chain management. The U.S. Penal Code (49 USC, Chapter 55, Sec 5501, 1998) presents the government's commitment towards delivering a National International Transportation System that is not only environmentally fit, but also economically efficient and in congruence with ongoing attempts geared at making the U.S. economy more competitive on the global front. According to David Collenette, the former Transport Minister of Canada, intermodal transportation is about efficiency and safety in transportation. Canada and Mexico are among America's leading trade partners; in fact, trade volumes between the three have risen significantly…...

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References

Dewitt, W. & Clinger, J. (n.d.). Intermodal Freight Transportation. Committee on Intermodal Freight Transport. Retrieved 15th October 2014 from  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/millennium/00061.pdf 

MIT. (2014). The Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Retrieved 15th October 2014 from  http://osp.mit.edu/compliance/export-controls/the-export-administration-regulations-ear 

Weigel, K.J. & Schwartz, J.M. (2009). International Government Contractor: News and Analysis on International Public Procurement and Export Controls. Thomas Reuters, 6(4), 1-9.

Yevdokimov, Y.V. (n.d.). Measuring Economic / benefits of Intermodal Transportation. Mississippi State University. Retrieved 17th October 2014 from http://ncit.msstate.edu/PDF/7-Measuring-Economic-Benefits-of-IntermodalTransportation.pdf

Supply Chain
The Current State, Objective and Future Trends of isk and disruption management in supply chains

States and Trends of isk and Disruption Management in Supply Chains

After suffering for years, managers' gain ground in supporting supply and demand market of today, yet the effective assessment of managing risk as well as disruption is still an active conversation amongst project managers. Management takes a new position and arranges new strategies to support potential critical paths in product development and distribution. The supply chain is now global, thanks to the help of the internet, and thus needs active plans to support the future growth of distribution of products to a diverse and otherwise complex sociological environment. By evaluating the current state, revealing potential trends and discussing the support of potential disruptions, a better understanding for problem solving and preventative measures will ensue.

Current State

The current state of affairs for the supply chain of today…...

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References

Bartholomew, D. (2006). Supply Chains at Risk. Industry Week/IW, 255(10), 54.

Blanchard, D. (2009). Portrait of Best-In-Class Risk Management. Industry Week/IW, 258(2), 54.

Chopra, S., & Sodhi, M. (2004). Managing Risk To Avoid Supply-Chain Breakdown. MIT Sloan Management Review, 46(1), 53-62.

Craighead, C., Blackhurst, J., Rungtusanatham, M., & Handfield, R. (2007). The Severity of Supply Chain Disruptions: Design Characteristics and Mitigation Capabilities. Decision Sciences, 38(1), 131-156. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5915.2007.00151.x.

Supply Chain Integration
Defining Integrated Supply Chains in the 21st Century

Collaboration and the ability to orchestrate complex purchasing, procurement, quality management and fulfillment strategies typify integrated supply chains today. These lessons learned and more are found in the article, Integrated Supply Chains to be Explored (Johnson, 2007). Also alluded to in the article is the concept of having a 360 degree view of global supply chains, with the added benefit of being agile enough to adapt to business models that are changing rapidly in the marketplace (Johnson, 2007). These concepts are only a partial definition of what an integrated supply chain is in the 21st century. This paper defines in greater detail what an integrated supply chain is today, where it is going in the future, and what the key elements and challenges are to creating and successfully managing one over the long-term. Presented in the following sections is an overview…...

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References

Dyer, J.H., & Nobeoka, K. (2000). Creating and managing a high-performance knowledge-sharing network: The Toyota case. Strategic Management Journal, 21(3), 345-367.

Hofman, D. (2004). The Hierarchy Of Supply Chain Metrics. Supply Chain Management Review, 8(6), 28-37.

Johnson, A. (2007). Integrated supply chains to be explored. Manufacturers' Monthly,, 24.

Porter, M.E. (1986). Changing patterns of international competition. California Management Review, 28(2), 9.

Supply Chain Management at Toyota
Toyota essentially follows a very simple supply chain management policy. While ensuring a reasonable level of quality, delivery time and satisfaction of customers, Toyota attempts to reduce costs in its supply chain.

Producing the right product for the market at the right price that can be affordable for the customers are the primary objectives of the supply chain management policy at Toyota at the right time. In order to maximize profits, the company follows a policy of targeting the right customer group at the right time (Liu & Brookfield, 2006).

A pictorial representation of the supply chain management policy of Toyota is listed in the appendix. The company segregates its supply chain and the suppliers. It considers the suppliers as a very integral part of the supply chain. Apart from supplying raw materials for automobile production, the suppliers are also suppliers of technology for the various systems that…...

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References

Deloitte.wsj.com,. (2016). Toyota Pioneers New Global Supply Chains - Deloitte CIO - WSJ. Retrieved 6 February 2016, from  http://deloitte.wsj.com/cio/2014/08/12/toyota-pioneers-new-global-supply-chains/ 

Iyer, A., Seshadri, S., & Vasher, R. (2009). Toyota supply chain management. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Kubota, Y. (2015). Toyota Unveils Revamped Manufacturing Process. The Wall Street Journal, p. 1. Retrieved from  http://www.wsj.com/articles/toyota-unveils-revamped-manufacturing-process-1427371432 

Liu, R., & Brookfield, J. (2006). Japanese subcontracting in mainland China: a study of Toyota and Shanghai Koito. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 11(2), 99-103.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/13598540610652465

Supply chain integration has become the focus of a growing body of research in recent years, a trend that can help fill the gaps in the body of knowledge about what critical success factors characterize fully integrated supply chains and how organizations can leverage this process to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage. It is important to note, though, that there is no universally accepted definition of supply chain integration nor is there a consensus concerning the types of outcomes that can be achieved using this supply chain management approach. This paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly research concerning supply chain integration, including a definition and overview of the process, a discussion of some real-world examples of supply chain integration in action and a summary of the research and important findings concerning supply chain integration in the conclusion.
Developing and Maintaining Effective Supply Chain Integration Practices

Today, there…...

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References

Afshan, N. (2013, December). The performance outcomes of dimensions of supply chain integration: A conceptual framework. Business: Theory and Practice, 14(4), 323.

Amue, G. J. & Ozuru, H. (2014, December). Supply chain integration in organizations: An empirical investigation of the Nigeria oil and gas industry. International Journal of Marketing Studies, 6, 129-133.

Kutner, J. A. (2009, August). Logisticians learn lessons from commercial suppliers. National Defense, 85(561), 53-59.

Leuscher, R. & Rogers, D. S. (2013, April). A meta-analysis of supply chain integration and firm performance. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 49(2), 34-37.

Global Marketing
According to Cleveland and Laroche (2007), the global consumer is characterized as someone who fits in with global consumer culture. This is a culture that has certain characteristics that are static internationally, such that the global consumer can be subject to global marketing. The global consumer is understood in contrast to the local consumer. The local consumer bears strong characteristics of the local market, in their tastes and buying patterns. The global consumer trends more towards international norms. The global consumer is aware of and has some preference for international products and bears similarity to international buying patterns. In essence, the global consumer in Shanghai will have tastes and characteristics that relate more to other global consumers in Vancouver, London or Mumbai than to the people of the local Shanghai market.

Global consumers have emerged as the result of two key trends, identified in Czinkota and onkainen (2013). These trends…...

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References:

Andersson, S. & Servais, P. (2010). Combining industrial buyer and seller strategies for international supply and marketing management. European Business Review. Vol. 22 (1) 64-81.

Balabanis, G. & Diamatopoulos, A. (2004). Domestic country bias, country-of-origin effects and consumer ethnocentrism: A multidimensional unfolding approach. Academy of Marketing Science Journal. Vol. 32 (1) 80-95.

Cleveland, M. & Laroche, M. (2007). Acculturation to the global consumer culture: Scale development and research paradigm. Journal of Business Research. Vol. 60 (3) 249-259.

Czinkota, M. & Ronkainen, I. (2013). International Marketing. South-Western College Publishing.

Global Business
When businesses go international, they have to operate in a more competitive, uncertain, and risky business environment. The forces present in the Global environment bring a number of challenges for the businesses; making it more difficult for them to maintain their market share, enhance profitability, and keep the customers satisfied (Cherunilam, 2007). To compete successfully and ensure a sustainable future in the international markets, business organizations have to analyze these forces carefully and strategize accordingly. Globalization has also impacted the way countries use to recognize themselves as internationally competitive and advanced than other countries (Tellis, Stremersch, & Yin, 2003).

This paper presents a comprehensive discussion on the positive and negative impacts of Globalization and the efforts which nations and business organizations make in order to become internationally competitive and keep up pace with the Globalization. The paper starts with a brief description of different environmental forces that are an integral…...

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References

Benetton, (2012). The Group. Retrieved on May 3rd, 2012, from

CIA, (2012). Italy: Economy Overview. Retrieved on May 3rd, 2012, from

Cherunilam, F. (2007). International business: text and cases. India: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.

Dconti, (2012). Effects of Globalization on Italy. Retrieved on May 3rd, 2012, from

Global Human Resources Management
The objective of this work is to describe International Human Resources Management and concerns about effective human resources management in the global environment. The factors that most strongly influence HRM in international markets will be discussed as well as will differences among countries that affect HR planning at organizations with international operations. As well, this work will describe how differences among countries affect HR planning at organizations with international operations. This work will further describe how companies select and train human resources in a global labor market. Discuss challenges related to compensating employees from other countries. Explain how employers prepare managers for international assignments and for their return home.

Effective HR Management in the Global Environment

Development of the global workforce is critically important and it is necessary to acknowledge that these employees work in an environment that is multi-cultural or global and general awareness programs are reported to…...

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Bibliography

Global Human Resources Management and Organizational Development (nd) ITAP International. Retrieved from:  http://www.itapintl.com/whatwedo/globalhrmod.html 

Haile, Semere (2002) Challenges in International Benefits and Compensation Systems of Multinational Corporation. The African Economic and Business Review. Vol. 3 No. 1 Spring 2002. Retrieved from http://www.theaebr.com/v3n1Haille.pdf

Palthe, Jennifer (2008) Managing Human Rights and Human Resources: The Dual Responsibility of Global Corporations. Forum on Public Policy. Retrieved from:  http://forumonpublicpolicy.com/summer08papers/archivesummer08/palthe.pdf 

Plessis, AJ and Beaver, B. (2008) The Changing Role of Human Resource Managers for International Assignments. International Review of Business Research Papers. Vol. 4 No. 5 Oct-Nov 2008. Retrieved from: http://www.*****/17[1].Plessis.pdf

Supply/Demand
The product being studied is the Prius, the hybrid car from Toyota. The automobile industry is one the largest industries in the world. The major players are Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Honda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, several European companies and regional players as well (Investopedia, 2011). These firms all contribute to intense competition among rivals, especially given the size of the industry. The result is an industry characterized by competition both along the lines of differentiation and cost leadership. Firms must sell high volumes of cars at low margins in order to earn revenues, but must also load those cars with features and demonstrate technological leadership in order to attract business.

The large number of firms has an impact on the supply conditions within the industry. Supply is determined by expected sales and by the capacity of manufacturing facilities. In general, the global automobile industry suffers overcapacity. There are high costs associated with…...

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Works Cited:

AAAT. (2011). Auto transport business in auto industry slow down. All America Auto Transport. Retrieved December 3, 2011 from http://www.aaat.com/auto-transport-business-industry-slow-down.cfm

AP. (2008). Hybrid sales, led by Prius, up 38% in '07. MSNBC. Retrieved December 3, 2011 from  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24230209/ns/business-going_green/t/hybrid-sales-led-prius-percent/#.Ttq9o1b5sa8 

Hirsch, J. (2011). Toyota Prius dealers see demand rise and inventories fall. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 3, 2011 from  http://articles.latimes.com/2011/mar/31/business/la-fi-autos-disruption-20110331 

Investopedia (2011). The industry handbook: Automobiles. Investopedia. Retrieved December 3, 2011 from  http://www.investopedia.com/features/industryhandbook/automobile.asp#axzz1fQWPK54R

Below is an example essay to help give you ideas when writing your own paper.

Title: Bridging the Skills Gap in the South African Supply Chain Industry

Introduction:
In today's rapidly evolving global economy, the supply chain industry plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient flow of goods and services. However, South Africa's supply chain sector faces a significant skills gap, hindering its growth and competitiveness. To address this challenge, it is essential to identify and cultivate generic, transferable, core, or key attributes that can bridge this gap effectively. This essay will discuss the different forms of such attributes....

Crafting a Debatable Adidas Thesis Statement: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Choose a Specific Aspect or Issue:

Identify a specific topic or aspect of Adidas that warrants debate, such as its branding strategies, sustainability practices, or corporate culture.

2. Articulate a Clear Position:

Formulate a thesis statement that clearly expresses your position on the chosen topic. Avoid vague or ambiguous language.

3. Provide Evidence and Support:

Ensure your thesis statement is supported by credible evidence and research. Gather data, studies, and examples to substantiate your claims.

4. Consider Counterarguments:

Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments that could challenge your thesis. This demonstrates a balanced perspective and....

1. The impact of blockchain technology on supply chain ethics and transparency
2. The role of artificial intelligence in ethical decision-making in supply chain management
3. Ethical considerations in sustainable supply chain management practices
4. The ethical implications of outsourcing and offshoring in supply chain management
5. The importance of cultural sensitivity in ethical supply chain management practices
6. The ethical challenges of managing supplier relationships in a global supply chain
7. The role of whistleblowers in promoting ethics and accountability in supply chain management
8. Ethical considerations in the use of data analytics and technology in supply chain decision-making
9. The ethical implications of environmentally sustainable supply....

Lesser-Known but Interesting Essay Topics on Code of Ethics for Supply Chain Management

1. The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Supply Chain Management

Explore the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in automating supply chain processes, such as decision-making, inventory management, and supplier selection.

2. Ethical Supply Chain Management in the Era of Globalization

Examine the challenges and opportunities in maintaining ethical practices in global supply chains, considering issues of cultural diversity, labor laws, and environmental standards.

3. The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Ethical Supply Chains

Investigate the potential of blockchain technology to ensure transparency, traceability, and accountability....