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
The paper relates that the most common leading economic indicators, gross domestic product (GDP), stock market performance, and inflation, are perhaps the best indicators to determine the status of wealth distribution among nations as well. The paper looks at how observers such as Frank and Cook state that such economic performance is a result of intense competitive pressures that have resulted in great advances in productivity (1995, p.6). However, the paper notes that it is clear that such competitive pressures have contributed to a growth some of the leading economies' current account balances. The paper discusses how the United States' (US') current account has taken greater precedence in the last twenty years with the spread of the global economy and the greater dependence that the Canadian economy now has on the US economy.

From the Paper
"The most common leading economic indicators, gross domestic product (GDP), stock market performance, and inflation, are perhaps the best indicators to determine the status of wealth distribution among nations as well. Observers such as Frank and Cook state that such economic performance is a result of intense competitive pressures that have resulted in great advances in productivity (1995, p.6). However, in spite of advances in competitive pressures, it is clear that such competitive pressures have contributed to a growth some of the leading economies' current account..."

Tags:gini, coefficient, leading

Abstract
In this study, the writer notes that performance measures have long been utilized in both the private and public sectors. The widespread use of performance measures exist because there are a plethora of benefits associated with such measures. In this study, the main foci are performance measurement, reward systems and job satisfaction. The research contained in this discussion is evidentiary of a definitive relationship between performance measurement and employee attitudes concerning job satisfaction. One can also conclude from this discussion that job satisfaction is directly associated with, motivation, expectancy, and reward systems. The writer points out that researchers have consistently found that people are motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic values as it relates both to job satisfaction and performance in the workplace. Further, the writer notes that intrinsic motivation pertains to personal goals and objectives while extrinsic motivation is associated with both monetary and non-monetary rewards.

Table of Contents:
Introduction to the Literature Review
An Overview and Purpose
Organization of the Review, Scope, and Library Research Plan
Organization of the Review
Library Research Plan
Interest, Significance, and Rationale for the Critical Analysis
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Frameworks for Performance Measurement
Overview
Financial Performance Measures (DuPont Pyramid)
Performance Measurement Matrix
Strategic Measurement and Reporting Technique (SMART)
Macro Process Model of the Organization
The Balanced Scorecard
Individual Job Performance and Performance Measurement
Contextual Performance
Task Performance
Adaptive Performance
Conducting Ratings/Appraisals and the Ratings Formats Utilized
Graphic Rating Scales (GRS)
Behaviorally Anchored Ratings Scales (BARS)
Mixed Standard Scales (MSS)
Performance Distribution Assessment Method
Computerized Adaptive Rating Scales (CARS)
Rewards Related to Performance: Impact on Employees
Rewards for performance
Risks associated with Rewards for Performance Systems
Examples of Rewards for Performance Systems
Function of Monetary Rewards
Function of Non-monetary Rewards
Implications for Rewards for Performance Systems
Implementation of balanced Incentives
Cultivating a culture of Commitment to Improve Performance
Job Satisfaction
Discussion of the Literature
Summary and Interpretations
Theoretical Literature
Empirical Literature
Conclusions
Recommendations
Theoretical Reformulations
Empirical Studies

From the Paper
"In addition, after studying performance measurements within service industries Fitzgerald et al. developed a framework placing measures into two basic types. These measures include those that are correlated to results such as competitiveness and financial performance and those measures that concentrate on the determinants of those results such as flexibility, quality and resource utilization. The author points out that this structure is representative of the idea of causality, demonstrating that results acquired are a utility of past business performance correlated to particular determinants. In addition, this type of performance measurement structure is representative of the need to recognize the drivers of performance so that desired performance outcomes can be realized."

Tags:appraisals, motivation, evaluate, rating

Abstract
This paper explains that a distributed system consists of a number of independent processors, storage devices, and databases, ensuring two-way flow of information among them in order to achieve a common goal, such as the massive distributed system, the World Wide Web. The author points out that the operational failure of the distributed systems is attributed to many reasons, including the architectural design, which is needlessly complicated because the theoretical models are not capable of providing accurate results. The paper recommends that research on the performance-oriented operating systems must concentrate on the performance as a whole rather than merely contributing to the marginal development at the bottom stage of the distributed system.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Findings
Evaluation and Analysis
Conclusion
Recommendations

From the Paper
"The large distributed systems are developed and experimented in a much-reduced environment. Normally trial run is done to ensure its proper functioning in a miniature environment before its actual expansion to the larger production environment. Even if the reliable functioning is ensured quickly through this process, yet it never solves the accomplishment issues of the distributed system for a long period. This also neither ensures economical procurement of the hardware. Various accomplishment issues of the distributed system are grouped under several heads. Firstly, the users in an interactive environment are required to have quick responsiveness ensuring rapid and steady reply to the interactions. Secondly, the throughput indicating is the processing speed of the system should be compatible to the workload. Thirdly the quality of services of the distribution system should be matching to the needs of the users. Fourthly, balanced distribution of the computer loads involving inter-host mobility of the works."

Tags:whole, internet, failure, architecture, research

Abstract
The paper explores pay-for-performance plans, emphasizing manual workers in UK distribution/warehouse environments. The paper discusses pay-for-performance plans that involve teammates who help decide raises and how well their other teammates are performing. The paper examines motivators in the workplace, the content and process models of human motivation and the nature and causes of motivational problems. The paper explores quality of work life (QWL) with a focus on ethical issues, laws, and discrimination. The paper examines employee morale and concludes that it is important that the QWL of the employees be kept high, as well as their morale and their motivation, in order for pay-for-performance schemes to succeed.

Outline:
Pay for Performance Schemes
Motivation
Quality of Work Life
Employee Morale

From the Paper
"Organizations that have low-skilled workers in the warehouse sector, however, seem to work pretty well on a team basis, and using pay for performance incentives might be more likely to cause problems and difficulties between teammates, especially if the pay raise of one teammate is lowered or jeopardized because of something that another teammate said or did. This could easily lead to hurt feelings, bad attitudes, a lack of teamwork, and a host of other problems for the company (McConaughy, 1997). These problems might be very difficult to fix, and could have ramifications that could flow throughout the entire company, affecting much more than just the initial two people involved."

Tags:teamwork, morale, quality, of, work, life, ethics, discrimination

Abstract
This paper takes a look at physical distribution management. According to the paper, the vast majority of companies today are unable to compete in isolation and must depend on other companies to perform a complex chain of interdependent activities from source-of-supply to the end-user. The paper goes on to say that a single company rarely controls an entire supply chain, and effective management therefore depends on how well the combined capabilities of these firms can be integrated to achieve a competitive market-place advantage.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Overview of the Study
Importance of Study
Review and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Likewise, supply chain managers can employ their customer databases to help synchronize supply chain operations with consumer needs. According to Cook et al. (2001), "This can be done through customer supplied forecasts, which many people deem a necessary part of managing a supply chain. The latest emphasis of forecasting has been in the areas of scheduling and logistics, renamed 'Supply Chain Management'" (p. 15). While such information technology can help almost any type of company improve their supply chain management techniques, the fact remains that logistics remains a primary constraint to effective supply chain management, but there are some solid steps that businesses of all types can take to overcome these constraints. "

Tags:consumer, logistics, competition, operations, strategy, costs, functions, management, capitalist, economy, international

Abstract
The paper evaluates the effectiveness, in terms of increased accuracy and velocity, of global distributed order management systems within the FedEx operating divisions and the resulting impact on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics of performance. The paper shows how FedEx is experiencing significant revenue growth due to the higher levels of accuracy in their commitment dates and overall supply chain performance. The paper also points out the company's challenges of maintaining growth. The paper includes tables that illustrate the financial performance of FedEx.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Analyzing FedEx Supply Chain Performance
Conclusion

From the Paper
"FedEx (FDX) is the world's global logistics provider and express transportation company, operating in 220 countries worldwide, offering time-based delivery of packages and freight from envelope to cargo-ship container size in scope. Four service divisions comprise the organization with the FedEx Services Division synchronizing selling, marketing information and communication technologies, and logistics optimization and infrastructure throughout the global enterprise. The four divisions that comprise FedEx include FedEx Express, which contributes the largest percentage of revenue and profitability, FedEx Freight, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Kinko's. FedEx Express is comprised of 670 planes in its fleet and due to the continual need for logistics services from its customers, a FedEx plane is in the air ever hour of every day. The FedEx supply chain relies on accuracy and velocity of transactions to maintain profitability in addition to optimization of logistics scheduling and service delivery."

Tags:logistics, velocity, accuracy, key, performance, indicators

Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes both the New Keynesian theory of economics and the Neo-Classical concept of economics, explaining that both approaches have some benefits and some flaws. The paper concludes that the New Keynesian theory is geared to short term solutions and does not appear to be able to handle much variation in events while the Neo-Classical concept borrows from the Keynes theory and the Classical theory and seems more prepared to handle long term issues.

From the Paper
"In the 1940s and 1950s Keynesian analysis was developed to provide good policy guidelines. However, in the 1970s, the economy went into a period of stagflation and the analysis developed in the earlier decades did not work. Younger economists declared that Keynesian economics was dead. Hi-tech forms of classical economics were resurrected as a framework to eliminate government responsibility for maintaining full employment."

Tags:decontrolling, financial, utility, product, markets, central, banks, governments, private, sector, enterprises, performance

Abstract
The paper considers the ability to manage shared voice and data, one-to-many and many-to-many configurations, availability of service, speed and cost of telecommunications and distributed technology systems. The paper shows how for global teams, ATM and frame relay are the most efficient and capable of supporting the levels of response times and collaboration necessary, while for local networks, the use of T1, ISDN and DSL are more cost-effective and capable of delivering the levels of performance necessary to ensure collaboration.

Outline:
Introduction
Ranking the Efficiency of Telecommunications and Distributed Connectivity Systems
Summary

From the Paper
"The origin of telecommunications and distributed connectivity systems that eventually grew to encompass LANs and WANs began with the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) that enabled bidirectional communication, yet did little to nurture and serve as the catalyst for collaboration across teams either locally or globally. The growth of POTS-based systems to include basic telephone systems services to include Office Premises Extensions (OPX), Wide Area Telecommunications Services (WATS), and Private Branch Exchange (PBX) made it possible for teams to have one-to-many and many-to-many conference calls and discussions. Datasets and information that corresponded to the voice calls often traveled through manually-based approaches, from sending diskettes around to the first e-mail applications. Often conference calls were impeded by the lack of similar fluidity of data. The need for integrated voice and data became evident as WANs became the new standard for sharing data and voice communications throughout an organization."

Tags:configurations, voice, data, response, time

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."

Tags:distribution, performance, supply, synchronization