The Uniqueness of Supply Chain Systems - Essay Example

SUPPLY CHAIN SYSTEMS Name Institution Professor Course Date Supply Chain Systems Part I According to the existing literature, there are four types of logistics/supply chain performance indicators: supply chain efficiency, supply chain responsive, supply chain flexibility, and supply chain quality management. Moreover, there are several logistics/supply chain practices aiming at improving the logistics and supply chain performance: continuous improvement, strategic supplier partnerships, lean six-sigma, agile supply chain, and innovation. In this context, the research will focus on the generation of a critical analysis in relation to the recent literature review in the logistics/stream chain performance indicators and logistics/supply chain performance. The review will focus on the utilisation of illustrations from the Australian Agribusiness Firms with reference to the Red Meat Industry, Fresh Produce, and Dairy industries. Supply Chain Flexibility Supply chain flexibility is one of the critical types of supply-chain performance indicators. In the previous contexts, various researchers and authors have focused on the assessment of the implications of this indicator in relation to the existing business entities and industry, especially in the case of Australia. Chan et al., (2009) focused on the examination of the tractability and compliance in relation to the supply chain from the practitioner’s perspective. The determination of the study was to achieve an understanding in relation to the issue relating to the flexibility, as well as adaptability of the supply chain management in accordance with the perceptions and conceptualisation of the industrial practitioner. It is essential to note that consumers and suppliers have the tendency of making their supply chain more flexible, as well as adaptable to the environment because of the essence of various uncertainties in relation to supply and demand. In the course of assessing these objectives, the study focused on the usage of a semi-structure discussion and follow-up interviews with the logistics manager of the celebrated international entity. According to the findings of the study, flexibility and adaptability are critical concepts or aspects in the practical supply chain applications. In addition, Jeeva & Guo (2012) focused on the assessment of the significance or importance of the supply chain flexibility within various industries. The objective of the study was to explore how industries rate each of the five supply-chain flexibility aspects within the context of supply chain management, as well as operations. The study focused on utilisation of a clear research methodology with reference to collection of data or feedback from more than 200 manufacturing companies in the case of Australia. In addition, the study focuses on utilisation of statistical classifications in the course of identifying patterns of consensus in relation to the factors affecting the business operations within the management of supply chain or distribution channels of the entities participating in the collection of data. From this research article, it is critical to enhance the understanding of the dimensions of flexibility with reference to supplier integration, product and delivery, supply logistics, information exchange, and organisational strategy. According to the findings of the study, the industries tend to rate product and delivery as the most essential dimension about understanding the concept of flexibility with reference to distribution channel of the company. Similarly, Kara & Kayis (2007) focused on the assessment of the supply chain flexibility within the Australian manufacturing industry. According to this research article, Australia provides the perfect platform for understanding the growing or increasing need for the improvement in the competitiveness of the companies or business entities in the course of competing effectively and efficiently against the global manufacturing. The focus or purpose of the study was on the investigation of the extent of supply chain management, as well as practices within the Australian manufacturing industry while examining the transactions of 88 manufacturers within the industry. The paper adopts and implements an effective methodology under the influence of forming a possible relationship between various parameters, which might relate to flexibility elements in nine cases. According to the findings of the study, manufacturing entities in the case of Australia focus on the usage of their flexibility capabilities within the supply chain management in the course of gaining competitive advantage in the national and international transactions. Fayezi, Zutshi, & O’Loughlin, (2013) concentrated on the assessment of flexibility and relationship integration as antecedents of the supply chain agility of an organisation in pursuit of competitive advantage. From this perspective, the researchers focused on evaluation of the inter-relationships between relationship integration, agility, and flexibility within the supply chain of an organisation. According to the findings of this study, business entities focus on the utilisation of this relationship with the intention of enhancing supply chain effectiveness and efficiency within the industry of transaction. Furthermore, Fayezi, Zutshi, & O’Loughlin, (2015) focused on the assessment of how manufacturing business entities perceive, as well as understand the concepts of quickness and tractability in relation to their distribution channel. In the course of achieving this objective, the researchers focused on the usage of a case study approach to facilitate gathering of information from semi-structured interviews while utilising ten organisations within the manufacturing industry in Australia. In addition, the organisation focused on the usage of analytic techniques in the examination of data based on pattern matching, as well as cross-case synthesis. According to the findings of the study, there exists some ambiguity in relation to understanding of the terms agile, as well as flexible within and between organisations. Moreover, there is little consistency within the operationalization and application of the terms, thus the need for the future in the course of utilising grounded definitions of supply chain agility and supply chain flexibility. Lean Six-Sigma This comes out as one of the essential practices with reference to supply chain practices. Various researchers have focused on the assessment of the implementation, as well as effectiveness of the practice in relation to improving efficiency of the management of supply chain to attain sustainable competitive advantage within the market and industry of influence. In the first instance, Pepper & Spedding (2010) focused on the examination of the evolution of the lean six-sigma. According to the study, researchers have focused on the application of lean management approaches within diverse industries, as well as tools and techniques, which form the toolbox and its implementation or integration. Nevertheless, there seems to be little information towards incorporation of two approaches. The paper focused on examination of the integration or incorporation of the thin management principles with reference to the Six Sigma methodology under the influence of coherent tactic to the incessant upgrading. In addition, the research article was essential in the provision of the conceptual model, which is ideal in the realisation of successful integration of the Six Sigma. The research article notes the need for a systematic approach, which will optimise the arrangements as a complete entity while focusing on the right approaches at the right or correct phases. Stanton et al., (2014) focused on the assessment of the procedure-upgrading project under the influence of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) techniques within the reserve department with reference to the case of a large Australian hospital. The study focused on the examination of the perspectives or conceptualisations by clinical and managerial staff working on the implementation of the project, its implications for the empowerment, and essence of work intensification. According to the findings of the research project, there was substantive improvement in relation to the patient flow from the emergency department to the wards, as well as the existence of positive influences on various members of the institution. Guarraia, Carey, Corbett, & Neuhaus, (2008) focused on the examination of how organisations can optimise the outcome of the Six Sigma model with reference to improvement of efficacy and competence of the supply chain within the services industry. According to this research article, the increase in the popularity of the Six Sigma model associates with the increase in the disappointing results within the services industry, thus the need to adopt and incorporate appropriate approaches by the organisations to achievement competitive advantage. From this research, it is essential to note that organisations might focus on the usage of benchmarking and prioritisation with the objective of improving effectiveness and proficiency of the model while reducing the costs of operations by the business entities. In this literature, it is also possible to understand potential reasons in relation to failure of the Six Sigma model. For instance, there is lack of accountability with reference to the aggregate results since teams have the tendency of working independently. It is essential to tackle this failure through integration of a central program office with the intention of tracking the efforts for the model for efficiency towards realisation of the targets. The model might also fail because of the failure of the organisation to align the efforts of the Six Sigma to the corporate goals, mission, and vision. From this perspective, it is essential for the organisation to incorporate the model in the organisational culture for proficiency in the achievement of desired results or outcome. In addition, the organisation might also decide to waste the efforts of the model on areas or departments, which do not make ideal different. This calls for execution of extensive market and organisational research with the intention of assessing areas of need for maximisation of the outcomes or outputs of the model prior to implementation. Amar & Davis (2008) focus on reviewing the Six Sigma application structures, as well as correlated literature. In this research article, the authors focus on the examination of four implementation frameworks within the existing literature under the influence of two perspectives. This relates to the utilisation of the thoughtful success factors viewpoint and the outlook of the Roger’s dispersion of the inventions within the organisation. The study notes the need for the customised implementation framework with the intention of handling the needs and preferences of organisations operating in different industries. Klefsjo & Bergquist, (2006) focus on the evaluation of the differences and similarities between Six Sigma and TQM. According to this study, TQM has been a central thought for the improvement of financial results, as well as attainment of competitive advantage from a management perspective. However, in the recent years, TQM tends to have lost some of the nimbus with various concepts, as well as approaches such as Six Sigma and lean enterprises. The purpose of the paper was to examine the backgrounds, definitions, and ingredients of TQM and Six Sigma with the intention of identifying the differences and similarities between the two models. In the same essence, Sabry (2014) focused on the examination of the critical factors in relation to the achievement of success in implementing Six-Sigma program, as well as their influences within the health context or sector. According to the existing medical literature, there is minimal information or appropriate studies focusing on the investigation of the broader status of the Six-Sigma with reference to the healthcare systems. This calls for increased research on the large-scale application or implementation of the model with the objective of improving effectiveness and efficiency of the transactions or operations of the business entity in accordance with the demands and expectations of the target audiences. Agile Supply Chain Another critical practice of supply chain management is the agile supply chain. Various scholars have concentrated on the assessment of the practice of agile supply chain in diverse industries and business entities. Jie, Parton, & Cox (2012) focused on the examination of an agile distribution channel analysis in relation to the wholesalers and retailers within the Australian beef industry. The objective of this study was to develop a method, which was essential in judging the extent of agility in the supply chain management among the retailers and wholesalers in the Australian beef industry. According to the answers to the survey of managers, there was critical need to utilise regression analysis in the development of a model to link administration actions to the supply chain practices, as well as competitive advantage. The study highlights the existence of strong and consistent relationships in relation to commitment and trust, information quality and strategic supplier partnerships towards the achievement of competitive advantage. In this context, commitment and trust were critical in supporting the agile supply chain. Gilaninia et al., (2011) focused on the evaluation of lean and agile supply-chain management along with the optimal presentation of the agile supply chain. According to this research article, manufacturing business entities have the tendency of feeling major, as well as strong changes in relation to their operations leading of issues such as minimal production cost, responding to diverse needs of customers, and reduction in the product life cycle. In addition, technological advancement, intense competition for consumers, and globalisation have been essential in the generation of chaos and instability within the globalised markets and industries. Companies have focused on the adoption and implementation of appropriate concepts and practices to provide substantial support to the supply chain management. Christopher (2000) also contributed to the development and understanding of the topic through evaluation of the ability and potentiality of the organisations to compete effectively and efficiently in the volatile markets under the influence of the responsive distribution channel. According to the research article, there is need to incorporate more mechanisms other than speed towards enabling an organisation to be more responsive in relation to the needs and wants of the target audiences. Organisations need the high level of manoeuvrability, which relates to the concept of agile supply chain. The research focuses on describing agility as a global competence, which clasps various organisational attributes such as structures, information systems, and logistics processes within a particular mindset. An agile business entity tends to demonstrate flexibility in addressing the demands and expectations of the consumers within the globalised industry. Monday & Wood-Harper (2010) focused on the exploration of the supply chain of small-sized South Australian wine producers. The research focused on the examination of the nature of significant stakeholder perceptions with reference to supply chain management. This is essential in understanding the complex relationships with the ability to enhance utilisation of the supply chain of case organisations in relation to conceptualised stakeholders. Christopher & Towil, (2002) concentrated on the development of a market specific strategy for the supply chain management while focusing on the agile practice in enhancing effectiveness and efficiency of the organisations in the market of operation. The objective of the research paper is to examine the underlying issues relating to the needs of demand volatility and price pressure while describing the scenario for the achievement of competitive advantage under the influence of agility and flexibility. From this perspective, agility is critical in the achievement of the goals and targets of the organisation while seeking to attain competitive advantage against major operators within the industry. Similarly, Yusuf, Adeleye, & Sivayoganathan (2004), had substantive implications in the examination of this research topic through examination of the agile supply chain capabilities as the determinations of competitive objectives. According to the authors of this research article, changes in the technological, as well as consumer requirements tend to force manufacturers and producers to develop appropriate, flexible, and agile supply chain. These capabilities are essential in enabling the organisation to compete effectively and efficiently within the industry of interest. From this perspective, several companies have focused on stressing on the influence of flexibility and agility in the course of addressing the unique wants of the consumers and diverse markets. Nevertheless, it is often difficult for the organisations to mobilise and retain the core and resource competencies vital in improving competitiveness within the market of engagement. Part II: Review of the Research Article Article Citation: Edward Sweeney David B. Grant D John Mangan, (2015),"The implementation of supply chain management theory in practice: an empirical investigation", Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Vol. 20 Iss 1 pp. 56 – 70. In this research article, Sweeney, Grant, & Mangan (2015) focused on the dissemination of the rhetoric from the reality with reference to supply chain management, as well as its adoption in practice. The research focused on addressing the significant evident concerning the gap between theory and practice within the supply chain management. In the first instance, it is essential to note that the researchers play a critical role in the identification and illustration of the problem statement effectively and efficiently. This is ideal in understanding the concepts and arguments, as well as intention or motive of the research paper by the researchers or the target audiences with reference to the readers. In the course of addressing the research problem, objective, and question, the study focused on the usage of a review of the extant theory. In this context, the authors focused on the usage of the review of the theory in the course of generating a new definitional construct in relation to the issue of supply management, thus the concept of the four fundamentals. Similarly, the clear research methodology focused on the investigation of the four research questions emerging from the theoretical assessment or review. It is critical to note that the empirical work integrated three main phases with reference to the focused interviews, questionnaire survey, and focus groups. The approaches are valuable in the collection of valuable data for effectiveness and efficiency in the assessment of the research questions through appropriate analysis and interpretation. From this perspective, the authors clearly identify the method for the collection and analysis of data. Similarly, the authors note that understanding supply chain management is quite high, thus the need for the improvement in the course of implementing the concept in practice. The research article is appropriate through identification of the limitations, as well as implications relating to expansion of the design to integrate case studies, grounded theory, and action research for the generation of new theory relating to supply chain management. The article scores highly through incorporation of the practical implications, as well as the originality value with reference to the contribution of the study to the existing body of knowledge relating to supply chain management (Sweeney, Grant, & Mangan, 2015). The research article is also appropriate in the presentation of quality research findings under the influence of the quality research methodology. According to the research findings, data collection during the various stages of the empirical research was essential in providing substantial support in relation to the definitional construct. In addition, the data was essential in facilitating further need for research and assessment of the issue of supply chain in the manufacturing approach. The research findings also note that the levels of the supply chain management are generally quite high. In spite of these findings, there is substantial room for the improvement with reference to the translation of the understanding of supply chain management into practice. From the critical assessment or review of the research article, there is need for the expansion of the research design with the intention of integrating substantial case studies, as well as grounded theory for the need of understanding supply chain management. The approach is also critical in the course of aiding deeper and richer understanding of the supply chain management, as well as other relevant phenomena (Sweeney, Grant, & Mangan, 2015). In future, researchers should focus on the usage of longitudinal studies, which would enable the barometer of progress to develop in appropriate time. According to the provided literature, the usage of the definitional construct has been essential in the provision of support in relation to the cohesion of the supply chain management and valuable practices with reference to the demands and expectations of the business entities. The eventual output is the potential promotion of the effectiveness and efficiency in the implementation of the supply chain strategies in accordance with the expectations of the business entities, as well as the target audiences in the globalised entities. The research article is appropriate towards understanding the presence of critical success factors, as well as barriers towards implementation of the SCM theory in practice (Stock et al., 2010). Moreover, there are numerous practical measures identified in the development of the research, which is vital in during implementation of the policy to facilitate improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency in relation to adoption and integration of the supply chain management. Similarly, it is critical to note that the potentiality of the researchers or authors of the article to use robust definitional construct continues to offer more cohesive platform for the generation or development of the unified perception of the supply chain management (Sweeney, Grant, & Mangan, 2015). The ability of the authors to focus on the integration of supportive evidence is critical in the elimination of the potential bias in the presentation and documentation of the ideas. From this perspective, the research article utilises appropriate abstract, effective introduction, precise methodology, and quality interpretation of the findings to achieve the targets in relation to the demands of the target audiences. The perceptions in the development of the article enjoy support from various literatures or existing research articles. For instance, Saldanha et al., (2015) focus on the illustration of the influence of supply chain technology in the course of facilitating transfer of information within, as well as across the firm boundaries. Nevertheless, the institutional environments in the emerging markets have the tendency of offering rise to challenges with the ability and potentiality to inhibit implementation of the SCT, as well as the consequent realisation of the benefits (Zhang et al., 2011). In addition, Halldorsson (2007) concentrates on the assessment of the complementary theories in the course of adopting and implementing aspects of supply chain management. In this context, the researcher focused on the discussion and development of the SCM from a scientific perspective under the influence of the various theories from non-logistics in the process of explaining or illustrating inter-organisational phenomena. The article contributes to the increase in understanding in relation to the influence of effective and efficient implementation of supply chain management towards improving the performance of business entities or companies. From this perspective, SCM practices and principles contribute to enhanced, as well as sustainable competitive advantage, thus the improved organisational performance. Similarly, Tan (2001) supports this argument by noting that greater extent of the integration of suppliers and consumers contributes to realisation of the largest rates concerning performance improvement in the case of the operating entities within the global contexts. The article also raises a critical discussion question, which is applicable in the illustration of other experiments or research exercises. For instance, as in the case of Zhang (2011), this research article notes lack of agreement in relation to the definition of supply chain management, thus the need to adopt a new and unified definition of the concept. From this perspective, it is critical for the researchers to focus on the elimination of the ‘confusion’ or ‘ambiguity’, and the eventual need towards examination of the phenomena of SCM closely to define the term and concept. Moreover, this article is appropriate in the establishment of the frame of reference, which is vital in bridging the gap between the existing SCM research and the practice, as well as hypothetical explanations and illustrations concerning structuring and management of the supply chains (Tan, 2001). From this research, it is essential to comprehend on what the article of interest is noting on the lack of a ‘unified theory of SCM’. It is essential for the organisations to focus on adopting and implementing appropriate theoretical framework of SCM in accordance with the concrete situation. This might operate as the dominant explanatory theory prior to completing it with one or various theoretical perspectives in the achievement of goals and targets at the end of the fiscal period (Chkanikova, 2012). List of References 1. Edward Sweeney David B. 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S. 2015. Implementing Supply Chain Technologies in Emerging Markets: An Institutional Theory Perspective. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 51(1), 5-26. 27. Halldorsson, A., Kotzab, H., Mikkola, J. H., & Skjøtt-Larsen, T. 2007. Complementary theories to supply chain management. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 12(4), 284-296. Read More