Supply Chain Management (SCM) is an essential element to operational efficiency. SCM can be applied to customer satisfaction and company success, as well as within societal settings, including medical missions; disaster relief operations and other kinds of emergencies; cultural evolution; and it can help improve quality of life. Because of the vital role SCM plays within organizations, employers seek employees with an abundance of SCM skills and knowledge. Supply chain management is critical to business operations and success for the following reasons:
SCM is Globally Necessary
Basically, the world is one big supply chain. Supply chain management touches major issues, including the rapid growth of multinational corporations and strategic partnerships; global expansion and sourcing; fluctuating gas prices and environmental concerns, each of these issues dramatically affects corporate strategy and bottom line. Because of these emerging trends, supply chain management is the most critical business discipline in the world today.
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Reasons for SCM in Society
Supply chain management is necessary to the foundation and infrastructure within societies. SCM within a well-functioning society creates jobs, decreases pollution, decreases energy use and increases the standard of living. Two examples of the effect of SCM within societies include:
Hurricane Katrina - 2005
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans, LA, leaving residents without access to food or clean water. As a result, a massive rescue of the inhabitants had to be made. During the first weekend of the rescue effort, 1.9 million meals and 6.7 million liters of water were delivered.
Foundation for Economic Growth
A society with a highly developed supply chain infrastructure that includes interstate highways, a large railroad network, ports and airports is able to trade many