Logistics and Supply Chain Management
International Logistics
Written Assignment
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary 3
2.0 Introduction and Background 4
3.0 Literature Review 5
4.0 Recommendations 8 Reference List 10
1.0 Executive Summary
The globalisation of markets has increased customer demand and product differentiation. Higher quality products and shorter delivery times are essential for maintaining customer satisfaction in highly competitive markets like the consumer electronics industry. Consequently, supply chain management is an important process in all businesses, and if managed effectively, can give companies a competitive edge. However, it often requires a lot of time and resources. Businesses that manage the entire supply chain in-house will usually find this process almost impossible, especially when supply chain management is not a core competency of the firm. Therefore, a third party logistics provider (3PL) can take the pressure off these companies and allow them to focus on what they are good at. They can offer greater flexibility and access to more advanced supply chain technology. However, this does not mean companies can simply take the back seat. Businesses that are successful work together with their supply chain partners in a close relationship. Only then do they realise the full potential of a 3PL.
2.0 Introduction and Background
Supply chain management is a considerable source of competitive advantage in the global marketplace and is recognised as a key business driver by top managers (Mentzer, 2004). In competitive markets like the consumer electronics industry, there is a growing need to reduce costs and retain customer satisfaction (Silver, 2005). Consequently, it is vital that the electronics firm effectively manages its supply chain (Altay & Ramirez, 2010). Failure to do so can have a significant negative impact on the business (Altay & Ramirez,
Written Assignment
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary 3
2.0 Introduction and Background 4
3.0 Literature Review 5
4.0 Recommendations 8 Reference List 10
1.0 Executive Summary
The globalisation of markets has increased customer demand and product differentiation. Higher quality products and shorter delivery times are essential for maintaining customer satisfaction in highly competitive markets like the consumer electronics industry. Consequently, supply chain management is an important process in all businesses, and if managed effectively, can give companies a competitive edge. However, it often requires a lot of time and resources. Businesses that manage the entire supply chain in-house will usually find this process almost impossible, especially when supply chain management is not a core competency of the firm. Therefore, a third party logistics provider (3PL) can take the pressure off these companies and allow them to focus on what they are good at. They can offer greater flexibility and access to more advanced supply chain technology. However, this does not mean companies can simply take the back seat. Businesses that are successful work together with their supply chain partners in a close relationship. Only then do they realise the full potential of a 3PL.
2.0 Introduction and Background
Supply chain management is a considerable source of competitive advantage in the global marketplace and is recognised as a key business driver by top managers (Mentzer, 2004). In competitive markets like the consumer electronics industry, there is a growing need to reduce costs and retain customer satisfaction (Silver, 2005). Consequently, it is vital that the electronics firm effectively manages its supply chain (Altay & Ramirez, 2010). Failure to do so can have a significant negative impact on the business (Altay & Ramirez,