Independent Study Proposal Form Essay Example

Thematic Independent Study Proposal Form

Thematic Independent Study Proposal Form (TIS-P v2)

Briefly describe your research topic for Essay 1

I summarized the topic to represent the context of Supply Chain Management (SCM). Whereby, in this context, I described the components that constitute the whole structure of SCM. Since the corporate industry of business refers to SCM as a field that effectively and efficiently controls or manages the product distribution channels, the existing literature reveals that SCM relies on two major ideologies that is every manufactured product must reach the consumer through defined logistic pathways and for every business to succeed it needed to decipher and understand how its product distribution channel works. As such, it was important to elaborate on the fact that the logistic pathways were connected via institutions of physical and informational flows. I documented on the fact that physical flows represented the structural transformation, movement and storage of products in distribution channels while informational flows represented the sharing of information between supply channel stakeholders to ensure long-term effectiveness of the channels. After establishing the platform of SCM, I noticed the informational gap, whereby, the existing literature did not provide the contextual components that determine the success of SCM. Therefore, by relying on a construct of a mind map, I constructed the research topic to focus on the five components of SCM that included SCM elements, SCM processes, SCM products, SCM supplies, and management of supply chain coupled with advantages of effective and efficient management of supply chains. However, at the end of the research topic, I reflected on certain concerns that surround the management of supply chains.

Briefly outline any frameworks, theories or models you anticipate using

Supply chain management is a wide concept that requires proper framework to completely analyze it. The basis of my discussion in this particular topic was based my personally formulated mind map for supply chain management. On the map, I highlighted the core principles of SCM. Among the factors I considered include; supplies, management, the process and the elements of the SCM. In the context of my discussion, I included the advantages of SCM. All of the five mentioned factors I mentioned in my theoretical analysis entail the detailed process of SCM. A brief analysis of the elements of SCM indicates one of the most important components. Though not fully analyzed in the article, inventory is the backbone of SCM. Inventory when well managed ensures proper information flow through the supply chain from the consumer to the producer. Other elements are also significant to the running of SCM and they include; location, supplies, production and transport. The discussion of SCM revolves around capitalizing on the above mentioned elements. In the context of my discussion, my objective was to highlight on how the mentioned elements can enhance the effectiveness of SCM. The process of SCM originates from an organized manner of tackling each element on its. The mind I used as the framework for my discussion tackles the elements of SCM from a different perspective. All this was being done to fulfill the need of scrutinizing each element to maximize the effectiveness of SCM. Mind map represents the model I used for analysis of SCM and determine how effectiveness can be achieved.

Briefly provide main authors and themes relevant to your topic

In the context of my research I was able to use the article entitled, ‘Purchasing, supply chain management and sustained competitive advantage: The relevance of resource-based theory’ (Barney 2012) to contextualize on the framework of SCM concepts based on the aspects of the SCM mind map. On the other hand, Blanchard (2010) provided the SCM the background of narrowing my concepts into the SCM elements, processes, products, management, supplies and advantages. In the context of SCM elements I discussed five components which included production, inventory, transportation, supply and location based on insights of Cao & Zhang (2011). In the discussion, Ellram & Cooper (2014) established the essay’s objective that many firms struggle with harmonization of all the elements to improve and enhance the efficiency of the SCM. On the other hand, Carter & Easton (2011) provided the basis of discussing the SCM processes which involved factors such as moving goods and the stages involved. Furthermore, Gold, Seuring & Beske (2010) provided the necessary information that I used in the essay to address the aspect of product in the SCM which is determined by two factors that include manufacture and produce. Finally, Hugos (2011) explained the aspects I used to conclude on the role played by management in supply chain to create profitable benefits such as reduction of costs, increase of production and creation of an effective SCM system.

Identify opportunities for further study in Essay 2 and/or gaps in research understanding that will refine your research questions.

Thorough analysis of any topic usually opens up loop holes that need to be addressed further. SCM is not an exception since my article did not fully address every issue related to SCM. To begin with, inventory is an important element in the management of any supply chain. Inventory is an interesting area of SCM that need further development. It is significant to understand the dynamics of inventory and how it is considered to be the backbone of SCM. The modern world is being run by technology. All factors of proper management require the incorporation of technology. From my own perspective, technology if integrated in the management of supply chain can enhance the effectiveness of the whole management process. It is therefore significant to determine how the element of technology can enhance the effectiveness of SCM. The reason for my advocating the analysis technology is the fact that information flow is very significant to SCM. Technology can be applied to clarify the communication channels and ensure that information flow is effective. It is therefore significant to expand on the role of technology in enhancing the effectiveness and the productivity of supply chains. My discussion only based its theoretical framework on studying the elements of SCM to enhance its effectiveness. It is therefore of great importance that other scholars expand on this particular topic and make contributions such as how productivity of supply chains can be enhanced. My article also highlighted the advantages of SCM but did not highlight the negative side associated with it. The study of disadvantages of SCM can also provide another relevant topic for study.