Supply Chain Responsiveness, Food Logistics Management - Coursework Example

LOGISTIC SYSTEM Student’s name Code & Course Professor’s name University City Clarity Supply chain responsiveness (RSC) is justified as structured chain ability within a company to respond on various aspects. It includes the capabilities of responding on diverse quantities demand, ability to meet minimal lead duration, management of the diversified variety of products, designing quality innovated commodities, offering exceptional services & handling supply uncertainty (Chopra, 2014). As such, supply chain responsiveness focus on capabilities to perform efficiently & effectively on the recent fluctuating essentials of the refined products in market. The determinants of SCR include the collaboration network of partners, knowledge management and the availability information technology. Supply chain responsiveness is affiliated towards two critical factors. It includes lean six sigma & agile supply chain that aver the appropriate operation of SCR. The two elements perform efficiently through the expected level of company product variety during production and the current variability of market demand (Towill, 2013). As such, the agile supply chain designs are adapted to a not well-defined environment & still the demand is volatile hence uncertainty with a higher demand on product variety (Christopher, 2013). In predictable environment, with the expectations of high volume and low product variety best suit lean six sigma. Critically, the two elements greatly underscore the idea of multidimensional regarding responsiveness with a contributing anticipation that sources of responsiveness might vary as well. Critical Analysis/Discussion Companies adopting RSC offers a wider variety of products of high quality & performance due to structural improvement & innovation from structural system of RSC. Majority of companies embracing this system specializes on fashion apparel, computers & pop music industries (Ozment, 2013). Such companies need to accommodate the constantly changing demands from the customers hence postponing the final form of the product until customers demand is justifiable. Responsive supply chain advocates on how companies would meet challenges regarding the SCM in information exchange, transportation of products between the suppliers, consumers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Strategy Level of Responsive Supply Chain System The ideologies examine how companies structure its product strategy regarding the targeted environment. The strategy as the core values of the firm is used to make decisions regarding the content of infrastructure and structure of manufacturing into supply chain practices with suppliers and consumers. As such, the responsive supply chain practices easily correlate with a company manufacturing strategy. The strategic level of responsive supply chain involves the competitive market environment and the order winning strategies. Under competitive market, the company operates in a diverse, newer and innovative product. The order winning strategies advocate for improved manufacturing such as the ability to customize products, ease flexibility, innovativeness & availability of time to market the products. As such, the company is implementing responsive supply chain with the inclusive of suppliers and consumers. In comparison to the existing company, AT & T Electronic Consumer Products, indicates a customer-focused lifecycle approach, supply chain flexibility, increased number of distribution, low cost production and customer demand focus (Esper, 2013) Coordination Level of Responsive supply chain Information sharing is the basic element at this phase of the system. The companies are expected to use information technology to smoothen the communication between the suppliers and clients in special areas like collaboration, order tracing and knowledge management. Successfulness integration of IT in company boosts the company not only in area of common manufacturing but also towards the responsive supply chain, that ultimately leads the company to a competitive advantage (Cheng, 2014). According to researcher, displayed an information highlighting the benefits of information systems is imperative in attaining competitive advantage of reduced product cost, risk of innovation and the process development cost. As per example, embracing RFID show how efficiently and effectively the system works towards responsive supply chain. As such, the system increases the supply chain visibility hence reduction of situational challenges in bottlenecks or low inventory levels. Additionally, the system assists in responsive supply chain through coordination production, distribution, functions, services and collaborating with suppliers. Additionally, CAD/CAM, MRPH, EDI, CRM, AGVS and ECR are some of the systems used in coordinating supply chain management to achieve responsive supply chain (Al-Mashari, 2014) Recommendation The recommendations discussed below focus on strategies and tactics on the development of responsive supply chain in working companies. Strategic Planning Development of the current RSC requires strategic alliances and the integration of competence in the virtual enterprise. With the demand on supply chain, it is necessary to select partners regarding the participation in the supply chains that add value to the company. As such, the important elements required are frameworks that contributes towards formulating corporate and business plans with a focal point at the international competitions for the company products manufactured and services offered, structuring decision sustainability systems essential for recruiting promising participants through competence and a tool system for performance measurement on the development of RSC. As such, mergers and acquisitions through suitable alliance contribute towards effective RSC with major objective of meeting the required services. The external factors like environmental factual regulations, current government policies, products and locations are important aspects to consider for the suitability of RSC. Rio Tinto & BHP Billiton, leading mineral mining company in Australia is currently embracing such an approach of forming a partnership towards supply chain responsive. As such, the operation needs to be agile & responsive hence the capabilities of meeting the higher demand of minerals from customers, distribution and storage facilities of exceptional performance. To maximize the company efficiency and effectiveness, it is the responsibility of the collaborated companies to work closely with customers especially on inventory management, planning & scheduling (Rio Tinto, 2014) Virtual Enterprise VE plays an imperative role in RSC. As such, the needed elements as per VE include the identifying of corporate objectives, competitive performance objectives, use of short time scale and identifying services and products requirements from customers. Using VE helps companies to become more responsive to the fluctuating market conditions. The responsiveness is achieved by, through VE, supply chain partners have the capabilities of moving speedly through the management of the available resources. The BHP Billiton & Rio Tinto current plans indicate strategic partnership, vast distribution approach, the minimal cost production & transport systems considerations in respect to Virtual Enterprise. Knowledge Capabilities and IT management Selection of plans and IT to meet the demand of RSC depends on the changing market requirements. The responsiveness in such an approach greatly specializes on VE or the identified physical distributed manufacturing environment (Bharadwaj, 2013). The prototyping is essential in engineering the changes in the development of an up to date RSC (Naylor, 2014). Various companies have been advised on how to implement knowledge and IT management to fully achieve the RSC. The Viva Energy Australia Company embraced the RFDI, ERP, 5Ss and EDI purposefully to efficiently and effectively achieve the standards of RSC (Business Insider Australia, 2014). It is recommended for the company to embrace the aspect of learning company to fully design suitability RSC. As such, the IT plays a crucial role in innovation, training & development of RSC. Newly challenges posed by human beings due to responsive supply chain can be managed through a structured program of team in jointly attendance and sharing of ideologies to curb the situation. Part B Introduction The authors seek to answer three main research questions concerning food from a logistics research perspective. The questions are concerned with the food focus in logistics research, definition of food logistics and the touchy factors of food logistics.The authors are keen to define logistics systems and other aspects such as temperature regime and supply chains. From their perspective, food logistics have been understudied in the wider topic of logistics research (Fredrikson & Liljestrand, 2015). The scholarly work and publications used in the analysis indicated limited research on food specifics. Most of them included food as a mix of other products, reflecting that much needs to be done with research on food logistics.The papers also give more attention to actors of the supply chain such as retailers, producers and consumers, leaving behind food products. The definition of food logistics is therefore caught between supply chain actors and food products; due to the dependency of the two. This creates the problem of focusing more on the actors, due to the complexity of studying food products. The definition of food logistics by the authors is: food logistics analyses logistics activities within a food supply chain context by problematizing food product characteristics and by examining the constellation of food supply chain actors(Fredrikson & Liljestrand, 2015). The authors of the article fail to consider contemporary issues facing the supply chain, which is essential in the modern world. This paper presents a critical analysis with respect to the underlying concepts of food logistics; majoring on the issues that have not been adequately covered in the article, notably sustainability. This is especially with a closer attention to food logistics management issues facing many food industries globally. The argument of this paper is that; since food logistics research is a contemporary issue, reliance on content analysis alone is not enough to shed a light on definition, scope and needs of the topic. This is especially because the methodology used thereincould lack current data based on the discussion topic. It is important to have a general view of how activities are coordinated in the actual field with respect to the value-chain especially in transportation and distribution of food products. The paper therefore provides useful information concerning food supply chains in terms of actors and food products with respect to sustainability, which is a contemporary issue in food logistics and general research. FoodLogistics Management Organizations are obliged to meet market needs by providing the required food product, right destination and timing, desired quality and quantity as well as paying attention to sustainability and efficiency (Mckinnon et.al, 2015). A combination of food quality management and the logistics theory are most relevant under this topic. The combination includes quality monitoring and control, product quality prediction standards, inventory management, buffering and risk pooling. Theoretical Framework ofThe Supply Chain and Food System A product undergoes various stages from production to consumption. On an international perspective, various political, economic and administrative issues influence the supply chain (Cooper & Ellram, 2013 p.19). There are also value-adding activities such as primary production, product design, processing, input procurement, marketing and distribution. Furthermore, the network in this theoretical framework includes manufacturers and processors, suppliers, distribution centers, computer experts and advertising. The supply chain is further configured to include leadership, system controls, incentives, reporting and information; enabling a problem-solving approach which reduces underlying uncertainties in logistics. The supply chain is comprises actors working jointly in an upward manner for value-addition to customers (Storoy et.al, 2013). This dimension presents a definition for food logistics as being a series of symbiotic activities working harmoniously towards management of how goods andservices flow longitudinally to the value-additional chain of food products, with the main aim reducing costs while achieving customer satisfaction. The issues encountered in this theoretical perspective include perishability, bulkiness, product season ability, low market links and inadequate infrastructure. Subsequently, food quality and safety cannot be ignored in the food industry (Bosona & Gebresenbet, 2013). Food Supply Chains Most households around the globe have been mostly reliant on a combination of locally produced foods and certain conserved imports. The recent developments have made manufactured foods a significant part of these households’ diets, which has resulted to trading of most staple foods in the global markets (Garnet, 2013). This trend is significantly influenced by knowledge, money and goods. The result is a local food supply chain, with relative sustainability. This chain has limited externalities and emissions caused by long-distance transportation of commodities. Regeneration of local communities and rural enterprising are well catered for in the supply chain. Food conservation is a vital consideration in food logistics. It curtails losses and degradations resulting from rural-urban transportation. The processes of drying, salting, fermentation and smoking applied in stable food products have been traditional methods of food conservation which are sustainable (Manzini & Accorsi, 2013). Previous technological advancements made it possible to can, pasteurize and freeze food products while. Most recently, dairy products, fresh vegetables and fruits can be chilled and packaged under controlled conditions. Manufactured foods have not been left out in the topic of food logistics and sustainability; despite their varied origins and production methods. A single product undergoes numerous transactions along the supply chain from the producer to the manufacturer. A manufactured finished product has probably gone through more transactions than the obvious ones, due to varieties and mixtures required to manufacture a given product. The effect of this complexity to food logistics is that information can be lost therein while having negative implications on the traceability of a product (Pulina, 2012, p. 241). Such traceability, awareness and impact are not significant determinants for many products of a supply chain. This is especially in relation to foods that are stored in bulky forms to ease transportation and reduce production costs. For traditional food products, there is always a market surplus, which results to lower prices in the international markets. Such products include wheat, beverages, rice and cereals. Sustainability in The Supply Chain It is undeniable that for the definition of food logistics to remain relevant, products must be safe, healthy and in line with consumer demands of nutrition and product information. To contribute to sustainability, a supply chain must support environmental friendliness, social responsibility, economic viability, safety and hygiene. Supply chain actors have a call to change routine procedures to be congruent to the subject of sustainability (Soysal et al, 2012). Besides maintaining high employee standards and production of high quality products, these actors need to influence consumers and suppliers in working towards sustainability. Those in the food business can influence their customers through availing certain food products, packaging, advertising, promotion, pricing and placement. Manufacturers and retailers can add value to this by ensuring that all commodities they buy are sustainable. Food dealers are engaging in means to maintain their reputation and diligence in the market, outsourcing, interreliance and harmony with respected to attested suppliers has resulted to better performances built on trust and sharing various benefits and risks (Soysal et.al, 2012). Individual businesses also have significant input to food supply chain although not single-handedly. Other Significant Factors in Food Logistics Logistic Systems In any economy, supply chains are interplay of actors. Traditions, business values and attitudes have a major input in the supply chains. Production of food and subsequent prices is highly dependent on the relationships existing among the supply chain actors such as the farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers (Bosona, 2013). Logistic mapping and planning, social and geographical positions should be considered by all organizations. Space, time and routine schedules enhance the traceability of a supply chain hence quality food delivery with minimal losses (Bowersox, 2013). This enhances preservation of resources while increasing logistic efficiency. Infrastructure is a major factor to consider in food logistics. Producers, being actors of the supply chain, should be accessed, regardless of the remoteness of their locality. To do this, infrastructure and vehicles used must be up to date paying no attention to the producer’s fragmentation (Matson & Thayer, 2013). Additionally, use of technology is important in food logistics. Incorporating the latest available and affordable technology in business ensures that food is preserved, conserved and transported in the best ways possible. This technology should however fulfill the call of sustainability with respect to emission of carbon and other environmental hazards. Conclusion In conclusion, this paper evidently shows that the topic of food logistics has not been understudied. Numerous scholarly works touch on various aspects of food logistics. For instance, the topic of sustainability in the food supply chain is a contemporary issue. There is also many publications that have majored on the specifics of foods with respect to logistics. This paper contributes to modern food logistics with regard to sustainability and globalization (Pulina, 2012). This is because it majors on ways through which food logistics can be enhanced in line with the call to fulfil the needs of the current generation while not compromising those of the future. Food logistics is also clear, from this perspective that it is a global topic. Technology has not been left unattended. Sustainable technology should be used in the supply chain to cater for environmental conservation and preservation (Bosona, 2013). The definition of food logistics has also been carefully reviewed with respect to the flow of commodities along the food chain and customer satisfaction. The paper does not however dismiss the arguments of the articles authors but gives insight concerning how food logistics research should be done on a contemporary basis and the methodologies to be used. Reliance on content analysis is not adequate to bring out the clear picture in the field. Inasmuch has been conducted in previous times, such research may fail capture the real image of the contemporary food logistics environment. Concerning the food products specifics pointed out in the article, it is not possible to capture the supply chain of every product in the market. As such, food products can only be grouped depending on their commonalities. Food products such as fruits and vegetables can be grouped together and their supply chain analyzed instead of researching on each product at a time. In concurrence with the articles authors, this paper calls for more research to this young field to provide insight to various inadequately studied areas. Reference List Al-Mashari, M. (2014) Supply-chain reengineering systems analysis like SAP R/3, CAD/CAM, MRPH, EDI, CRM, AGVS and ECR implementation. International Journal of Distribution & Logistics Management Bharadwaj, S. 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