Integration and Reflection Managing Logistics Operations
Managing Logistics Operations

As your study of this course content draws to a close, it is important to integrate the course content to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the concepts presented in each module. It is also important to "step back" and reflect on new levels of understanding, skills, and knowledge that you developed as a result of your efforts put forward in completing this course. It is particularly important to reflect on the course objectives (what you were intended to learn in this course).

Explain how effective inventory management benefits an organization (Module 1).

The primary benefit to an organization from effective inventory management is knowledge about how much of a product or supplies to purchase. In our studies, our learned that inventory management has far-reaching implications for many functions in a company. An inventory management system that prevents a company from over-buying or under-buying supplies or…...

Quality ought to be a fundamental concern for any organization that wishes to, at the very least, survive in the marketplace today. In a logistics system, quality entails ensuring that customer needs and expectations are met by delivering the right products, for the right cost, in the right condition and quantities, and at the right time and place (Korinek & Sourdin, 2011). The concept of total quality management is born when the quality imperative is integrated into a logistics system. It can, therefore, be defined as a concept "supported by a managerial system focused on meeting customer expectations with respect to all needs, from all departments or functions of an organization" (Bowersox, Closs, Cooper & Bowersox, year).
Total quality management is crucial because it enables an organization to meet the requirements and expectations of its customers and to subsequently ensure that they stay loyal to it. No organization can afford to…...

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References

Bowersox, D.J., Closs, D.J., Cooper, M.B. & Bowersox, J.C. (2012). Supply Chain Logistics Management (4th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.

Korinek, J. & Sourdin, P. (2011). To What Extent are High-Quality Logistic Services Trade-Facilitating? OECD Trade Policy Papers, No. 108. Retrieved 27 May 2014 from http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/download/5kggdthrj1zn.pdf?expires=1401193404&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=15B5A0503B794CCDAAAC85B1D677DAA6

Instead, companies must take steps to make sure that all points of their documentary trail are easy to audit and make random, surprise audits. One of the most important things that a company can do is to "make sure that one individual doesn't control receiving, inventory, disbursements, and adjustments" (Bolger, 2005). By making more than one individual responsible for various aspects of cargo transit, a business may not decrease the likelihood of theft, but they will at least increase the likelihood of a leak if a crime ring develops in the business. When theft is detected, companies should investigate it immediately, due to the fact that many incidents of internal theft are part of larger long-range schemes; investigating a single theft incident may uncover greater losses and point to security breaches that need to be remedied. In addition, companies need to make sure that their cargo contracts clearly specify…...

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Referenced

Bolger, D. "Big employee theft problem." (2005). Retrieved October 27, 2005 from The Bolger

Group

Web site: http://www.bolgergroup.com/articles/0405.html

Bolger, D. "Managing inventory theft." (2002). Retrieved October 26, 2005 from The Bolger

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to provide the results of a review of the literature concerning the respective logistical systems that are used by the U.S. Army and FedEx, including their approaches to demand forecasting and warehousing methods. The review of these two distinct logistical systems provides valuable insights into their similarities, differences, and potential areas for improvement. This comparative analysis also provides a comprehensive understanding concerning how these organizations manage their supply chains, highlighting key findings and implications for logistical operations.Comparative Case Study: U.S. Army and FedEx Logistical SystemsDespite numerous innovations in supply chain management including most especially transportation and information technologies, the adage that an army moves on its stomach still holds true today. Indeed, it requires dozens of support troops to keep one soldier in the field, and a units combat readiness depends on its ability to provide soldiers with the resources they need to fulfill…...

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ReferencesCarroll, K., & Coker, D. W. (2007). Logistics Modernization Program: A Cornerstone of Army Transformation. Army Logistician, 39(1), 11–15.Company structure and facts. (2023). FedEx. Retrieved from   S. (2020, May 17). Inside FedEx Logistics. Supply Chain Digital. Retrieved from  https://supplychaindigital.com/logistics/inside-fedex-logistics .Hoffmann, J., & Holoye, P. (2017). Logistical Operations in Highly Lethal Environments. Military Review, 97(6), 86–93.Lobo, B. J., Brown, D. E., & Grazaitis, P. J. (2019). Long-term forecasting of fuel demand at theater entry points. International Journal of Forecasting, 35(2), 502–520.Proctor, H. L. & Cook, A. J. (2012, September-October). DLA’s New Inventory Management Strategy. Army Logistician, 34(5), 2-5.Song, J. M., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Supply Chain Coordination for E-Commerce: Risk Penalty vs. Flat Rate. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 24(2), 1110–1127.https://www.fedex.com/en-us/about/company-structure.html .Galea-Pace,

Logistic Planning and Collaboration in Complex Relief Operations by teven J. Romano
It seems to me that Romano is addressing his article to the Department of Defense (DOD) pointing out various issues in their humanitarian missions that he thinks need addressing. I found the article heavy and intense, although it is lightened up, to some extent, by photographs. Nonetheless, I wondered how the photographs were related to the issue at hand.

Romano is unhappy with the way that the DODF conducts its humanitarian missions saying that the DOD violates many logistical concerns in their operations:

Most humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) operations are characterized by rapidly changing circumstances and a lack of clear and accurate information; they are also distinguished by substantial pressure to quickly provide relief supplies and materiel to an affected area.

Romano maintains that DOD does have "the airlift capacity, disaster funding, critical supplies, and logistics systems to be an effective interagency…...

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Source

Romano, SJ. Logistics Planning and Collaboration in Complex Relief Operations

 http://www.ndu.edu/press/complex-relief-operations.html

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 be…...

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References

Bhattarai, H. (2011, August ). Logistics Management Information System Software Used in The Antiretroviral Therapy Program In Karnat Aka State, India: Recommendations For Improvement . Retrieved June 22, 2015, From  Http://Apps.Who.Int/Medicinedocs/Documents/S21037en/S21037en.Pdf 

Case Study Images Provided By Customer

(2015, March 18). Free Term Papers, Research Papers, Essays, Book Notes | ***.com. Case Study Of Westminster Company - College Essays - Sukhidhillon. Retrieved June 22, 2015, from http://www.***.com/essays/Case-Study-Of-Westminster-Company-69699355.html

(n.d.). ***** - term papers, essays, book reports, research papers. Westminster Company Case Study - Term Papers - Isaacpr. Retrieved June 22, 2015, from http://www.*****/essay/125696/Westminster-Company-Case-Study

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 market. The resources…...

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References

Abrahamsson, M., Aldin, N., & Stahre, F. (2003). Logistics platforms for improved strategic flexibility. International Journal of Logistics: Research & Applications, 6 (3), 85-106.

Bardi, E.J., Raghunathan, T.S., & Bagchi, P.K. (1994). Logistics information systems: The strategic role of top management. Journal of Business Logistics, 15(1), 71-85.

Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.

Bowersox, D.J., and Daugherty, P.J. (1995). Logistics paradigms: the impact of information technology. Journal of Business Logistics, 16 (1), 65-80.

Logistics Cost Benefits
Drake Nash

LMT 305 Cost and Benefits Analysis in everse Logistics-- Fall 2015

Ayers

When it comes to a company that moves any sort of raw material, products or shipments in general, the subject of logistics is a very important one. Whether one is speaking of forward logistics or reverse logistics, there should be a fairly constant amount of cost/benefit analysis used and harnessed so as to maximize profit and logistical capacity. Indeed, there is almost always more than one way to do something form a logistical standpoint but the benefits of each method as well as the costs should always be assessed to make sure the proper method is used. Both cost and benefits need to be taken into full account because both matter a great deal.

Logistics Cost/Benefit

Some people might be confused by forward logistics as compared to reverse logistics. However, the subjects are actually fairly easy to absorb and…...

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References

Andrade, R., Vieira Junior, M., Lucato, W., & Vanalle, R. (2013). Reverse logistics and competitiveness: a brief review of this relationship. InPOMS ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 24th.

Choudhary, A., Sarkar, S., Settur, S., & Tiwari, M. (2015). A carbon market sensitive optimization model for integrated forward -- reverse logistics. International Journal Of Production Economics, 164433-444. doi:10.1016/j.ijpe.2014.08.015

Fernie, J., Sparks, L. (2009). Logistics & Retail Management: Emerging issues and new challenges in the retail supply chain. London: Kogan Page Limited.

Fortes, J. (2009). Green supply chain management: A literature. Otago Management Graduate Review, 7(1), 51-62.

Systems Implementation
System Implementations

Describe the company, the business problem the company was addressing with the system implementation, the system chosen to implement, and the company's rationale for selecting the system to solve the problem.

Wal-Mart, a company that enjoys a significant market share in the U.S. food industry, rolled out its multi-phased project. This marked the beginning of implementing the company's long ditched in-house IT systems, which favored their operations with vendors. However, implementation of the SAP system is already raising red flags. This is because the system comes with costly financial works, which have strained the company (Scheck, 2010). While the project was aimed at leading the firm to growth, Wal-Mart recorded a significant sales decline. This was one of the company's worst performance over three decades now, been beaten by new corporations from Germany and South Korea. As local competitors maintained the pace set by Wal-Mart, most customers became culturally…...

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References

Hellens, L, Nielsen, S., Beekhuyzen, J., & Ebrary, Inc. (2008). Qualitative case studies on implementation of enterprise wide systems. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Pub.

Jacobs, A.J. (2012). Information system implementations: Using a leadership quality matrix for success. S.l.: Authorhouse.

Ramachandran, S. (2007). Digital VLSI systems design: A design manual for implementation of projects on FPGAs and ASICs using Verilog. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer.

Scheck, D.E. (2010). Implementation project for traffic signal monitor/recorder and analysis system. Athens, Ohio: Dept. Of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Ohio University.

To the extent the totality of circumstances suggest that possibility, even acceptance of the most nominal gratuities (i.e. A cup of coffee) is ethically inappropriate.
Similarly, even where the gratuity involved is of nominal value and there is no potential misunderstanding on the part of the individual proffering an otherwise appropriate gratuity, there is the issue of creating the appearance or inference of an improper relationship from the perspective of others observing the exchange. For example, while the proffer and acceptance of a single cup of coffee is excusable within the framework of ordinary positive community relations, the conspicuous regular transfer of even nominal gratuities in the presence of third parties can create an apparent inference of inappropriate influence regardless of whether or not that inference is necessarily accurate.

Conclusion

The SOI is intended to ensure that police officers do not misuse their duly authorized latitude to take different degrees of enforcement…...

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References

Conlon E. (2004). Blue Blood. Riverhead, NY: Bantam.

Peak K. (2002). Policing America: Methods, Issues, Challenges. New Jersey: Prentice

Hall.

Schmalleger F. (2008). Criminal Justice Today: An Introductory Text for the 21st

System Operational Feasibility great deal of time and intellectual resources go into the conceptual design stage of a systems engineering process once a need is clearly defined by the end-user. However, this initial development step is a moot point if the product is not operationally feasible, which means, according to Benjamin Blanchard in his book Systems Engineering and Analysis, "that the system will perform as intended in an effective and efficient manner for as long as necessary."
In order for the systems engineer to determine operational feasibility, it is necessary to properly integrate the design-related specialties such as reliability, maintainability, human factors and supportability.

Reliability is one of the most important design elements, since it confirms or denies the long-term use of the product without major maintenance and repair. Unreliable systems do not meet the original project goals and lead to unnecessary expenditures of valuable resources. Simply stated, "reliability is the probability…...

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…...

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Bibliography

Packham, D. (2010). Mould sticking, fouling and cleaning. Shropshire: Rapra Technology.

Groover, M.P. (2010). Fundamentals of modern manufacturing: Materials, processes, and systems. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.

ASM International. (2009). Characterization and failure analysis of plastics. Materials Park,

OH: ASM International.

Wal-Mart maximize its logistics efficiency through facility location planning
Logistics today is much more than transfer or delivery of goods as the investigation of the systems of Wal-Mart would show. Logistics is intertwined with a lot of things like infrastructure, information and system planning based on the type of industry and the motives of the organization. In the case of Wal-Mart, the system has to be very cost effective and for this they take the supply side seriously. They have also put in one of the best information infrastructure and created the necessary physical infrastructure with independent management for the outlets. This with the company's planning for supplies even in extreme conditions including disasters has made its system robust.

Logistics and facility planning are intertwined. One cannot exist without the other. Facility planning is necessary for distribution and logistics is the method of taking the wares to the facility. The location…...

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References

Achtmeyer, W.F. (2002) "Wal-Mart Stores Inc."

Tuck School of Business Dartmouth College.

Bergdahl, M. (2006) "Wal-Mart is a Company Obsessed with Lowering Costs . . . Is

Yours?" Retrieved 17 September, 2012 from www.michaelbergdahl.net

Analyze the appropriateness of HM technologies and best practices to recommend applications and strategies for your selected organization, in order to improve organizational effectiveness, workforce productivity, and systems integration

HM technologies are essential towards reduction of the cost of operations as well as an increment in the level of consumer satisfaction hence effective management of the resources and available opportunities. Wal-Mart should focus on the quality and efficient automation of the processes and departments for the purposes of eliminating errors and overhead costs. This is essential through management of the HM technologies such as CM, FID, and EP with the aim of achieving maximum profit levels and revenues at the end of the fiscal year.

eferences

Ho, C. (2007). Measuring system performance of an EP-based supply chain. International Journal of Production esearch, 45(6), 1255-1277. doi:

10.1080/00207540600635235

Karimi, J., Somers, T.M., & Bhattacherjee, A. (2007). The ole of Information Systems

esources in EP Capability Building and Business…...

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References

Ho, C. (2007). Measuring system performance of an ERP-based supply chain. International Journal of Production Research, 45(6), 1255-1277. doi:

10.1080/00207540600635235

Karimi, J., Somers, T.M., & Bhattacherjee, A. (2007). The Role of Information Systems

Resources in ERP Capability Building and Business Process Outcomes. Journal Of

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…...

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References

Academy of Management. The Academy of Management Review. Briarcliff Manor: Oct 2008. Vol. 33, Iss. 4; pg. 825

Andersson, Ake E. (1981). Structural Change and Technological Development. Regional Science and Urban Economics, 11(3), 351. Retrieved November 13, 2008

Besaw, B. (2005, August). Army Logistician (Improving Logistics Automation Support). Army

Logistics University. Retrieved September 18, 2012, from http://www.almc.army.mil/alog/issues/sepoct05/logautosupprt.html