Information Systems and Management Across the Chains - Coursework Example

Supply Chain Management Many social issues are coming up each and every day, and this is, in addition to the life of companies, their stakeholders and consumers. This comes in a period when companies are on the move to focus more on their brands as well as products. Supply Chain Management (SCH) is the amalgamation of all the activities associated with the flow as well as transformation of raw materials into goods, and finally to the end user. This is not forgetting the associated flow of information within a company, and all these work towards achievement of a competitive advantage that is at par from the rest of the competitor companies. Extensive research shows that a considerable percentage of the overall budget of any given company emanates from the costs of flow of materials, and it is upon which companies are rated (Maloni & Brown, 2006, 68). This paper delves into SCM by centering on some of the underpinnings associated with it to ascertain its prominent features that are involved in the improvement of flow of materials from producers as raw materials to end user as finished products, and its involvement in the reduction of costs associated with supply chain. Integrated supply chain In such a situation of Lauritzen Bulkers, a suitable supply chain will be that which identifies vividly the important information systems as well as material flows, and should be aimed at meeting the needs of the customers. This is because a customer play a significant role in the supply chain, and it is upon the management team to ensure they are satisfied with the products and services. This is why any disruptions that may occur in one mode of transportation may have an effect on the supply and demand for goods world over. This is, in addition to, the globalization that is deep rooted in today’s world, where technology has managed to bring products, services, and people so close that businesses are happening far and wide with transactions made online (Arnseth, 2010, 27 ). This means that an incorporated supply chain should be in force to cater for the big fleet of ship as well as the people involved, for this will ensure the working together of everyone involved towards an appealing proposition of mutual benefit to all the parties concerned. Therefore, it is the relatedness of supply chain progression that offers an enhanced potential that can be seized to achieve a competitive advantage. This is, in addition to, its importance in holding onto that promise of ensuing success. Lauritzen Bulkers Company has achieved this through employment of youthful employees who are at prime performance of their life. This translates to increased productivity in an industry whose success depends on the energy and the flexibility of employees. Moreover, purchases of new vessels that are aiding in the effective transportation with no delay are significant. Therefore, what the company needs on top of these energetic employees as well as new vessels is s good management team that should strive to make the best use of the accessible resources, for the betterment of the company. This should, thus be evident at all the supply chains to ensure that there is no break in the communication flow, which however small it may seem, is capable of disastrous end results. Information systems and management across the chains It is factual that management of logistics and technology come out as a success when costs related to logistic operations are controlled as well as an alarm for information technology whose success relies on selection, exploitation and incorporation (Arnseth, 2010, 25). Therefore, the information systems available are capable of granting a company to decide on what the right supply chain strategy and the mode of transportation of goods. If faced with the same responsibility, I would opt for an efficient delivery system that is home delivery to ensure that the right products land into the rightful owners with certification. Road transport is fine for it is cheap, fast and reliable for it can be found even in the most far-flung areas. Relationship with supply chain This is so important, for it is one of the basic requirements of supply chain management that is closely related to relationship management. However it is also the most delicate, thus prone to breakdown if not handled with utmost care. This implies that the company should foster relations with each and every chain in the system to ensure that all things run smoothly and are on the right track towards achievement of the company’s goals. For example a company like Lauritzen Bulkers is Multinational Corporation, and that means that it is composed of branches and sub branches. Therefore, to effectively achieve the success it desires, it is important that it embraces mutual relationships across the continuum. This is because a poor relationship with any of the links in the supply chain is bound to bring forth dire consequences for all the members. However, in the interest of the company to maintain its reputation, in addition to, having a competitive advantage over the rest of the organizations, it is important that the company protects the interests of the customers (Arnseth, 2010, 24). The company should, thus understand its internal procedures, in addition to those of the suppliers, and this will enable it to build quality as well as improve on performance delivery. Another solution to this any communication breakdown should be establishment of communication links with both the suppliers’ and customers. This should be in addition to dialogues that should take place regularly. An example of this is the holding of meetings among suppliers and customers in focus groups that should be created by the company, and this should be geared towards acknowledgement of end-users contributions. This is a sure way of maintaining contacts and ensuring up to date information on each channel. “As time goes by and public awareness of issues ranging from deforestation to unfair labor practices increases, it’s clear that issues of ‘sustainability’ are flat-out ‘business issues.’  Suddenly, the total makeup of a company is under a microscope, and supply management is often called upon to solve difficult challenges and address customer and stakeholder concerns” (Arnseth, 2010, 24). This is because, there is an increasing number of companies that have began seeing how an enhanced communal and environmental accountability can work wonders in improving the performance of any firm ( Taste et al, 2010, 69). For instance, the management of Lauritzen Bulkers Company has been diligent enough to notice the amount of pollution it might be bringing to the people and their surroundings through polluted waters. Its many vessels and the constancy of its use of water as a transportation medium is a sure threat to the environment, and especially the aquatic life that are the primary victims. The relationship with the supply chain that constitutes the suppliers, stakeholders and consumers has enabled the company to reconsider their daily routines, and opt for Lab –on-a-ship (LOAS). It is, thus, noteworthy that in as much as it is a form of transportation that is least damaging as compared to rail and road, it is a great polluter. Therefore, this LOAS serves to ensure that the vessels comply with the environmental standards by adopting friendlier operations that are less polluting. This comes a midst calls for green technology to mitigate the effects of climate change, for all the ecosystems in the environment are interdependent. Therefore, new environmental regulations do not have a significant impact on transportation of goods; in any case, they just function to the benefit of all as the world tries to embrace a greener environment. Corporate social responsibility This is a clear indication of how companies have stated to engineer new approaches that are aimed at improving responsibilities in the corporate world that is established within their worldwide operations. These should stand to benefit the company on economic, social as well as environmental performances. According to Maloni and Brown, (2006, 22) this focus comes as a result of demands from the stakeholders, government regulations and the ever increasing competitive pressure in the corporate world. Even though, this social responsibility might affect the business part of it in a significant way, it is worth noting that the supply chain is the emerging sector in which this should be of increased significance. Managers should, thus, work to embed social responsibility into the supply chain to make it more effective. This should be in combination with close involvement with the community, and ensuring customized strategies that are put in place to boost their confidence that everything is going on as expected. This means that corporate social responsibility (CSR) has indeed grown into a hot topic for any institutional manager, for they have realized that its implementation is a key determinant of the happiness, and satisfaction of all the stakeholders and consumers. For that matter, to ensure that the Lauritzen Bulkers Company has involved all the employees, it is essential that it embraces training of employee, diversity in the workplace, and ensure that community issues are upheld as well as health and safety. Conclusion It is, thus, imperative to note that there are a total number of four elements in supply chain management (Maloni & Brown, 2006, 70). These include the purchasing, operations, and distribution and integration elements. The purchasing elements are significant in accounting for requisitions such as strategic sourcing, and purchase of correct amount of products that have balanced out well with quality and flexibility of prices. However, a failure of any of this may result in low quality products or high priced products. Meanwhile operation elements account for assembly of materials, and the final composition of the finished products or services. This is aimed at creating a product or service within a specified period of time that will satisfy the customers and get value for his money (Tate et al, 2010, 68). Mistakes done in this sector are sure to result into low inventories, late deliveries as well as products of law quality just to name a few. Conversely, the distribution elements focus on timely delivery of quality products to customers, and of the right volume. This includes the packaging, transportation, and warehousing, in addition to, any service that is involved in the development as well as maintenance of distribution success. A mistake in any of the above components will result in end-items that are damaged and errors in delivery where some items may be delivered to wrong destinations. Finally there are the integration elements that function to plan and coordinate all the activities into a seamless supply chain. It, therefore, requires that the management emphasize on the importance of all the parties in the supply chain so that they can share information, articulate their needs, and foster healthy relationships. A failure on this part will lead to a segmented company hence unsuccessful for there will be late deliveries, over or under production, conflicts, and higher operational costs among many others that will result into a loss making company. It is therefore essential that all these be monitored to ensure a company with a higher competitive advantage in relation to its competitors. Works cited Arnseth, L. (2010). Agents of socially responsible change. Inside Supply Chain       Management, 21(10), 24-27. Maloni, M, & Brown, M. (2006). Corporate social responsibility in the supply chain: an application in the food industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 68. Retrieved on 16th April 2012 from Tate, W, Ellram, L, & Kirchoff, J. (2010). Corporate social responsibility reports: a thematic analysis related to supply chain management. Journal of Supply Chain Management, Retrieved on 16th April 2012 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb6503/is_1_46/ai_n48722606/pg_2/?tag=content;col1 Read More