This paper looks at increasing distributed order management and enterprise resource planning systems performance in the sports nutrition industry, including recommendations for Europa Sports Products.
Abstract In this paper, the writer first defines how distributed order management systems are progressing from being ERP centric and more customer-focused and demand-driven, and second, how these systems are making it possible for sports nutrition distributors to attain their selling, service and long-term growth objectives. The writer points out that for sports nutrition distributors in general and Europa Sports Products specifically, the need for synchronizing their 177 suppliers that provide just over 5,400 products, inventoried in 215,000 square feet of warehouse space spread across four geographic locations underscores the urgent need the company has for a reliable distributed order management system. The writer maintains that integrating with suppliers' Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, supply chain, order management, and forecasting systems is also critical to the success of Europa Sports Products. The business model of distribution is predicated on price, availability, accuracy of fulfillment and support programs for dealers and resellers. The growing importance of analytics as they relate to managing supply chains, order management, fulfillment and integration is also discussed. The paper includes charts and tables.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Summary of Research Findings
Recommendations to Europa Sports Products
Analysis of Distributed Order Management & ERP Systems Use Conclusions and Recommendations
References
Appendices
From the Paper "Through the research completed it is clear that order management, ERP and supply chain systems are becoming increasingly reliant on each other and increasingly critical as the foundation of distribution-centric business models. This is especially true for sports nutrition distributors, where the need for achieving high inventory turns on their most popular and profitable products are critical. Optimizing inventory mix, increasing inventory turns and having the most popular products in stock require intensively higher levels of supply chain integration, in addition to distributed order management systems performance. What became clear from the research completed was that manually attempting to coordinate and optimize inventory across multiple locations was difficult if not impossible, and that distributed order management systems, when integrated to suppliers' supply chain management systems, made the processes much more cost- and time-efficient, and accurate as well."
This paper is a comparative and quantitative masters thesis proposal studying radio frequency identification distribution (RFID) strategies based on supply chain performance.
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
A discussion on the migration of distribution system from traditional channels of distribution (special agents) to internet-based service for Windowsill Protectors.
Abstract This paper is a case study of a migration project involving the introduction of a new channel of business to Home Accessories International, a provider of accessories to the home. The paper specifically focuses on a windowsill protector product line. The new channel is online distribution of this product (e-tailing).
Table of Contents:
Project Overview
Management Summary
Introduction
Migration Issues
Impact of E-tailing on Relationship with Existing Network of Specialised Distributors
Maintaining Existing Customer Loyalty to the HAI Brand Despite the Changing Channel of Distribution Researching Legal Issues of Internet Based Distribution in an International Setting
Costs and Delivery Time-frame
Periodic Updates for Senior Management and Other Stakeholders
Conclusion
Appendix A
From the Paper "Home Accessories International (HAI) is a provider of various accessories to the home. Traditionally distribution of goods has been performed via a network of specialised distributors across Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Senior management has recently decided to migrate an existing product line, windowsill protectors, to an online distribution system (e-tailing) in order to reduce the costs involved in relying on agents to market the goods to retail customers. This will be a test case which will be closely observed by other divisions of HAI. If successful, implementation will be extended throughout the company. E-tailing is unlikely to attract new customers in the first instance and this is not the aim of the project. Management will be satisfied to maintain the existing customer base during the first year of online operation."
Tags: accessories, commerce, distribution, e, implementation, legislation, product, quality, tailing
Abstract This paper describes Scottish Newcastle (SN), an Edinburgh Scotland-based brewer, with international distribution. The author points out the company's desire to expand its distribution to travel venues. The paper suggest channels of distribution to support this strategy.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine an account of channels of distribution for the products of Scottish Newcastle (SN), an Edinburgh Scotland-based brewer, that has international scope. The company, which is traded publicly and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, reportedly is in the top ... by sales volume in the world. That information is in the background of a trade-publication article describing SN's deliberate expansion of marketing efforts to widen its channels of distribution in major travel venues in particular with ..."
Abstract This paper is a case study involving the introduction of a new channel of business to Gripping Stuff Entertainment. The case study introduces online distribution of the product while maintaining the loyalty of the existing customer base and then increasing its size through implementation of a loyalty scheme.
Table of Contents:
Project Overview
Management Summary
Introduction
Migration Issues
Encouraging Customers to Utilise Internet Rentals Over Traditional Rentals From a Physical Store
Increase Existing Customer Loyalty to the GSE Brand Despite the Changing Channel of Distribution Grow the Core of the Business by Increasing Market Penetration/Customer Base
Costs and Delivery Time-Frame
Periodic Updates for Senior Management and Other Stakeholders
Conclusion
Appendix A
From the Paper "Gripping Stuff Entertainment (GSE) is an entertainment service provider specialising in movie rentals. Traditionally distribution of videos and DVDs was accomplished via the GSE stores from which they were rented. Senior management has recently decided to migrate from the traditional distribution system to an online version in order to reduce costs resulting from physical storefront rentals and maintenance and also in order expand the customer base. A very real risk is that existing customers will be drawn over to competing home entertainment providers while GSE implements this migration. In order to mitigate this risk and also to increase general customer loyalty to the GSE brand, a loyalty programme will be launched and integrated with the new internet distribution channel. Offering loyalty incentives to those customers who choose to utilise the internet mode of distribution will increase internet sales penetration of the market while increasing overall loyalty to GSE."
Abstract This paper considers heterogenity, openness, scalability, security, concurrency, failure handling and transparency in distributed databases. It defines "distributed databases." The paper provides an analysis of its benefits and looks at productivity gains and security issues.
From the Paper "As its name suggests a distributed database is a collection of data that is located in several different physical locations-that is distributed over several resources-while operating as a single logical database. This provides system managers the ability to distribute the database over multiple systems depending on system resources and to use either local or wide area networks to access the data. When this type of database configuration is used there are obviously many different factors that need to be taken into account ..."
Abstract This article contains a distribution plan for the marketing of portable generators in the United States. This concerns generators that are manufactured in China. The paper focuses on the consumer leisure business segment of the small generator business. The paper includes two charts in order to demonstrate the distribution strategy.
From the Paper "China Qianjiang Group is situated in Southeast China, kilometers from Shanghai City. China Qianjiang Group manufactures and markets a wide variety of products including small electrical power generators for home use and light business use. While enhancing its domestic market share, Qianjiang Group actively seeks opportunities to extend the company's reach to overseas markets. Today the company's products are exported to many countries and regions in Europe, North America, South America, the ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the increasing inequality in the distribution of income in the United States. According to the writer, this subject has been a subject of considerable public concern, political attention, and academic research. Income inequality is a measure of how equally the income pie is divided among all members of society. The paper details ways to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor in the U.S.A through radical changes with minimum wages, taxation methods and welfare programs.
Outline:
Summary Introduction
Unequal Income Distribution in USA
Conclusion
From the Paper "In recent years, increasing inequality in the distribution of income has been a subject of considerable public concern, political attention, and academic research. Income inequality is a measure of how equally the income pie is divided among all members of society. The relative income, or gauge, can be defined how well the poor are doing economically compared to the rich. In other words inequality is a measure of how equally the income pie is divided among all members of society. "
Abstract This paper explores the ongoing debate about distribution of powers in the federal system. Quebec has a decisive role in the debate, affecting all of Canada. Neo-liberalism is aligned with Quebec's interests.
Abstract This paper considers various aspects of distributed file systems, including implementation and scalability.
From the Paper "Today's computer systems are highly dependent on distributed file systems. Although today's computer systems have storage capacity far greater than at any time in the past and although that storage is less expensive than at any time previous there is so much data to be stored, referenced and accessed that without distributed file systems it would be nearly impossible for today's systems to be as widespread as they are. Distributed file systems offer greater flexibility to companies and organizations by making it possible ..."
Tags:distributed file systems, shared file systems
Abstract This paper examines the issue of distributed denial of service attacks and how to use predictive analysis to detect such attacks on computer networks.
From the Paper "Denial of service attacks receive considerable media attention because they have the ability to shut down the Net or at least portions of it. Businesses and individuals alike have come to depend on the World Wide Web for commerce, entertainment and information and the realization that the Web is vulnerable to attack causes concern. Defending against denial of service attacks is an important part of an organization's security plan but can be difficult to accomplish because of ..."
Tags: DDOS, DOS, Distributed denial of service attacks, denial of service
Abstract This paper discusses how although traditional training has encompassed human interaction and group project teams to complete goals, distributed support systems allow for individualized training of those with disabilities. It looks at how this approach allows for individual tasks to be learned more effectively and how the researchers contend that it will lead the person to eventually not need supportive training in the future.
This paper focuses on the importance of employee evaluations and performance appraisals in the workplace while also discussing the differences between the two.
Abstract This paper defines an employee's performance appraisal as a formal, structured system that compares employee performance to established standards set up by the managing staff in the workplace. This paper discusses the manner in which both appraisal and evaluation of job performance are shared with the employees. The writer of this paper contends and explains why employee appraisals are beneficial not only to the organization but to the employee as well. This paper, presented from the writer's personal point of view, details the various elements in a performance appraisal which are specifically tailored to the organization's employees, jobs and structure. This paper examines the various research studies done on this particular subject while also detailing the results and findings of these studies. This paper also includes an annual performance review form with detailed instructions on how to effectively appraise one's employment performance.
From the Paper "Some experts in human resources or management say that performance reviews are a waste of time, since they only create confusion and ill will. They believe that nstead of annually, evaluations should be part of the everyday routine--reviewing what is being done, has been accomplished and still needs to be acted on. That would be great if everyone had the opportunity to meet for a few minutes each day. However, with the amount of work and everyone's busy schedules, this is impossible. As I noted above, it would be nice to meet formally more often, but every day or even once a week is unrealistic. Overall, I believe that the performance reviews help both the company and the employee if used correctly. The company has the opportunity to lead the personnel in the direction that will provide the best support."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of designing valuable feedback into a performance administration program, noting that when a supervisor meets with an employee on an ongoing basis it allows the supervisor to provide feedback through the performance cycle. The paper specifically discusses the performance advancement strategy (PAS) and explains that the PAS can be of immense assistance to those who want to enhance skills and strengths and learn more about matters of interest that are relevant to the performance of the organization. The paper then describes the steps and most common goals of a PAS and looks at how a PAS is relevant to the InterClean company. The paper includes an InterClean Performance Appraisal Report.
From the Paper "A PAS is a partnership between the employee and the rating official in personal development. Preparing a PAS involves open feedback, clarification and discussion about developmental needs, goals and plans. Intermittent communication with the manager and employee is essential to the PAS. In recent years, the magnitude of flexible and compressed work schedules has been improved by the emergence of work and family issues. As the workforce ages, becomes more culturally diverse, and women make up a greater percentage (, 1992, 92-38), human resources are tackling with ways to resolve conflicts that occur when employee's work and family obligations collide."
