Abstract
This paper studies the principles that guide the creation of a build-to-order supply chain. Through researching various industries and firms to grasp some of the accepted principles of the supply chain process, this report attempts to answer why, what and how a reliable, collaborative supply chain can be structured. The paper details a variety of aspects in constructing and operating a successful supply chain. For example, the paper studies how some supply chains reach a breaking point when sufficient and supportive management policies are not implemented. The paper demonstrates how the support of management systematizes the process for addressing a company's needs as well as offers the management team a viable way to forecast supply chain system degradation.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose
Globalization
Definition
Methodology/Approach
Findings
Brief History
The Big Picture
Research Limitations
Implications
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"The build to order supply chain process has been and will continue to be affected by the phenomenon of globalization. The fact that the utilization rates of global resources are being consumed at unbelievable rates is good indicator that the current need for efficiency will only increase. For example, resources such as oil, coal and other fossil fuels are being consumed at very high levels. "The global appetite for crude in 2003 will grow by a robust 1.9 percent, or 1.44 million barrels a day, and in 2004 by 1.5 percent, or 1.16 million barrels a day. The IEA raised its estimates for daily demand growth in the two years by 160,000 barrels and 90,000 barrels, respectively." (Stanley)"

Tags:supply, chain, managment, build, to, order, collaborative, planning, strategic, planning, operations, strategy, logistics, distribution

Abstract
This paper describes the strategic activities of Wal-Mart. The Wal-Mart supply chain organization is defined. The author also highlights the importance of Wal-Mart's warehouses and their commitment to collaborative advanced planning and scheduling. Also presented are logistical operations. A comparison is provided showing Wal-Mart's performance relative to other global leaders in this area. A cost/benefit analysis of the Wal-Mart supply chain is included as a basis for suggesting further improvements. Finally, Wal-Mart's' ethical considerations in streamlining their supply chain are explored.

Introducing Wal-Mart
How Wal-Mart Is Defining Supply Chain Best Practice
Ethics and Wal-Mart
Supply Chain Recommendations for Wal-Mart
References

From the Paper
"At the heart of Wal-Mart's supply chain today is the need for translate the many approaches manufacturers have of producing, selling and delivering products versus the significantly different processes that mass merchandisers need to be successful. Bridging this gap of communication and making transactions as efficient as possible, in effect creating what many industry experts call a lean supply chain, is Wal-Marts' ultimate goal. Underscoring this point during a recent AMR Research conference Gary Maxwell, Senior Vice President of Merchandise Replenishment, stated that "the top priority of the Wal-Mart supply chain operations is to bridge the gap between suppliers and retailers' approaches to doing business,"(Weston, Garf, 2005). Mr. Maxwell continued during the conference to outline the key goals and objectives for Wal-Mart's supply chain strategy in the near term. Wal-Marts' supply chain objectives are grouped into a focus into the three areas of efficiency, education and electronic enablement of transactions."

Tags:Wal-Mart, logistics, warehouse, strategic, planning, supply, chain, operations

Abstract
This paper presents a general review of the supply-chain management concept. It places supply-chain management in perspective with a company's value-chain. The paper considers the contributions of cycle-time reduction, JIT, and Six-Sigma to effective supply-chain management.

From the Paper
Supply-chain management plays a central role in the management of a company's value-chain. Essential to the effectiveness of a company's supply-chain management are the concepts and procedures associated ..."

Tags:Supply-chain, Value-chain, Cycle-time, JIT, Six-Sigma

Abstract
This paper looks at value chains and the relative merits of constructing a value chain as a strategic device for management are illustrated and the value chain of a specific company is diagrammed to further illustrate a value chain's strategic utility. Further, activity based costing is examined as a beneficial tool in assigning value to individual links in the chain while core competencies are shown to be the primary goal of assigning links.

From the Paper
"The value chain can be described as, "...the sequence of major business activities that add utility (usefulness) to the products or services provided by an organization to its customers" (Hwang, 1999, p.95). With that in mind any organization can be subdivided into the components that add value to each process comprising the production and delivery of its product or service. The reasons for examining an organization in this respect are many, but put succinctly, being aware of one's value chain and its components, "...will yield the greatest competitive advantage..."(Value, 1996, para.2). Establishing competitive advantage in today's marketplace has taken on proportions of mythic importance given that today's competitors may arise from any region and in many forms. Thus, for Chain Store Guide, dissecting its value chain is not an exercise in futility, but rather, an exercise of necessity."

Tags:value, chain, csg

Abstract
This paper examines the e-business supply chain in comparison with the bricks-and-mortar supply chain, noting the improvements in communication and the streamlining of the supply chain.

From the Paper
"The supply chain consists of three parallel streams. The one that we are most familiar with starts with the raw materials, proceeds through products, manufacturing, sales and delivery to the customer. Transitioning from the bricks-and-mortar business environment to the e-business environment involves more than just setting up a web site. As Stephen Hoare points out, the challenge that traditional bricks-and-mortar businesses face when trying to develop an..."

Tags:supply chain, online, Internet, e-business, bricks and mortar, communication, warehouse

Abstract
This paper discusses Ford Motor Company's supply chain. Referenced is the Harvard Business School case study that examines Ford's quest to implement a supply chain network reminiscent of Dell Computer's supply chain. The conclusion of this analysis is that Ford should not overlay Dell's supply chain model because Ford's business model and structure is completely different than Dell's business model and operating structure.

From the Paper
"Ford Motor Company (Ford) is faced with the dilemma of dramatically altering its supply chain to take advantage of technological advances that have made supply chains in other industries virtual, real-time and completely transparent. In particular, Ford is examining the possibility of restructuring its supply chain to resemble a technology manufacturing and distribution model; specifically that of Dell where inventories are kept to a bare minimum and build to order methodologies the norm."

Tags:ford, supply, chain

Abstract
This thesis proposal focuses on the implications of introducing radio frequency identification distribution (RFID) to supply chain processes and the resulting financial and logistical benefits. The proposal looks to quantify the contribution of RFID to increasing supply chain performance across several industries, specifically studying the best practices of leading companies in each industry studied. As a result, this proposal concentrates on the concepts of business process management (BPM) as they relate to streamlining and making supply chain processes more efficient as well as the intensive use of analytics to quantify supply chain performance gains based on the use of RFID.

Outline:
Introduction
List of Abbreviations
Literature Survey
Problem Definition
Research Design and Methodology
Anticipating Findings
Summary of Proposal
Bibliography

From the Paper
"In defining the Return on Investment (ROI) that RFID contributes to as part of streamlining supply chains, the benefits to each member of a supply chain first need to be defined, followed by the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics of performance that quantify them. RFID's contributions have been quantified to the pallet level and in the case of mixed-pallet level of shipments as they move through warehouses and distribution centers. Strategies for quantifying the Return on Investment (ROI) of RFID needs to begin with an assessment of the potential benefits of using this technology by specific members of the supply chain. Table 1, RFID Benefits for Supply Chain Partners, provides an overview of the key benefits by supply chain participant (Baird and Company 11). . The following table provides insights into which process areas manufacturers, logistics providers, and retailers are concentrating on relative to RFID implementations. The work completed by AMR Research (2004) serves as the foundation for many organizations that are creating dashboards to quantify the contribution of RFID to their process reengineering efforts organization-wide."

Tags:supply chain, industry management performance, business process management, analytics

Abstract
This paper discusses the business to business and the business to consumer website supply chain characteristics such as scalability. The paper makes distinctions after delineating both traditional supply chains and identifying how traditional and e-business supply chains are being combined. The conclusion of the paper is that while the business to business websites and enterprises might have a shorter and more transparent supply chain with greater consumer integration, both employ many of the same technology solutions to complete or enhance their supply chains.

From the Paper
"This paper discusses the business to business and the business to consumer website supply chain characteristics such as scalability. Distinctions are made after delineating both traditional supply chains and identifying how traditional and e-business supply chains are being combined. The conclusion is that while the business to business websites and enterprises might have a shorter and more transparent supply chain with greater consumer integration, both employ many of the same technology solutions to complete or enhance their supply chains."

Tags:e, business, supply, chain

Abstract
This paper discusses supply chain management, noting that one aspect of the supply chain is evident as cities buy supplies in bulk and deliver them to the different departments and units requiring them. According to this paper, supply chain management guides this process and sees to it that all necessary supplies are ordered and delivered on time.

From the Paper
"The supply chain is the process instituted to supply raw materials to the manufacturer in industry and to trace their movement through the process of manufacture to delivery. The concept has been adapted to service industries as well, showing how customers are moved through the system and how the service is achieved and delivered to the consumer. The process of procurement of supplies and the delivery of those supplies for use also involves supply chain management, including for government entities. Cities buy supplies in bulk and deliver them to the different departments and units requiring them, and supply chain management guides this process and sees to it that all necessary supplies are ordered and delivered on time. "

Tags:supply, chain, management

Abstract
This paper discusses supply chain management (SCM) and examines how companies apply it. The paper explains that SCM is a 'process improvement tool' that promises to have much more staying power than transient business fads. The paper contends that SCM aims to satisfy customer needs efficiently through the planning, implementing and controlling of operations from the point-of-origin to the point-of consumption. The paper explores the nature of SCM and its role in the retail sector. The paper discusses how SCM impacts profits during corporate expansions.
Outline
Introduction
Nature of Supply Chain Management
Profit Maximisation
The Mayo Clinic's Supply Chain
The Future of SCM
Conclusion

From the Paper
"SCM considers inventory management, information flow, distribution strategy, and distribution network configurations from raw material to the store shelf and ultimately into the customer's hand. Inventory management addresses the quantity and location of inventory including works-in-progress (WIPs), finished products, and raw materials. Information flow addresses integrated systems for sharing information. Distribution strategies consider centralisation versus decentralisation, direct shipping, and cross-docks. Finally, distribution network configurations deal with the number and location of customers, production facilities, warehouses, and distribution centres. "

Tags:chain, customers, express, federal, fedex, improvement, lean, management, preocess, scm, sigma, six, suppliers, supply