LINKS Supply Chain Management Fundamentals Simulation
Revised July 2010
Randall G. Chapman, PhD
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LINKS Supply Chain Management Fundamentals Simulation
Table of Contents
Chapters 1/2: Introduction and Perspective ................................................................. 3 Chapter 3: Product Development Decisions................................................................. 7 Chapter 4: Procurement Decisions ............................................................................... 9 Chapter 5: Manufacturing Decisions........................................................................... 17 Chapter 6: Distribution Decisions ............................................................................... 25
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The learning objectives implicit in the LINKS simulation include the following: • Gaining exposure to all supply chain elements individually and to their associated interactions • Appreciating the need for balance and managing trade-offs in supply chains • Experiencing competitive dynamics in an evolving marketplace • Appreciating information flows and integration of information with decision making • Enhancing and encouraging fact-based analysis and decision making • Gaining familiarity with financial statements used routinely in for-profit businesses.
LINKS Overview
"The ability to learn faster than competitors may be the only true sustainable competitive advantage." – Arie P. De Geus
LINKS is a supply chain management simulation. LINKS encompasses all major supply chain elements: suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and end-users. Firms in LINKS are responsible for managing product development, procurement (purchasing/sourcing), manufacturing, distribution and warehousing, transportation, customer service, generate
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LINKS Supply Chain Management Fundamentals Simulation
demand, forecasting, information technology, and research studies. Traditional financial statements, various operating reports, and optional research studies provide an information-rich environment for LINKS. Information management is important within
Most of the titles positions above, employers are seeking for holder of bachelor degree in business or related with more experience or master degree in business or related with less experience as most preferred, which will include experience in operations or supply chain field, lean manufacturing concept and application, leadership skills and knowledge, developing and managing budgets, mentoring and coaching team, group or members, ability to build high performance team, and strong leadership abilities with strong technical as well as quantitative skills (Careeronestop.org, 2015).
Logistics and supply chain management is an important aspect of a firm’s strategy for the business to achieve success by creating value throughout the logistics and supply chain. The research paper will outline the concepts that are involved in creating the logistics and supply management framework. The logistics and supply chain management strategies will drive success for the company towards fulfilling and supporting customer needs, procurement and manufacturing operations of the firm.
The group of firms that makes and delivers a given set of goods and services is known as a supply chain.
In the San Diego distribution center (DC) information flow example, dealers not being notified automatically of order status would be classified as
vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................. ix List of Tables ....................................................................................................................x I. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 Background .................................................................................................................. 1 Problem statement ....................................................................................................... 8 Research Objective .................................................................................................... 11 Research Questions.................................................................................................... 11 Investigative Questions.............................................................................................. 12 Research Focus & Theoretical Lens .......................................................................... 12 Methodology.............................................................................................................. 13 Assumptions / Limitations
Storage has always been an important aspect of economic development. For manufacturers, strategic warehousing offered a way to reduce holding or dwell time of materials and parts.
All supply chains are integrated to some point. One objective of increasing integration is focusing and coordinating the relevant resources of each participant on the needs of the supply chain to optimize the overall performance of the chain. The integration process, requires the disciplined application of management skills, processes, and technologies to couple key functions and capabilities of the chain and take advantage of the available business opportunities. Goals typically include higher profits and reduced risks for all participants, retailers, wholesalers, or manufacturers.
Zimmerman, K. (2003, June, 01, 2003). Coming full circle: Gathering knowledge throughout the supply chain improves
What is Supply Chain Management (SCM)? Supply Chain Management is the synchronization of a firm’s processes with those of its suppliers and customers to match the flow of materials, services, and information with customer demand. To provide the highest degree of customer satisfaction at the lowest possible cost is the flow in supply chain in management of material and information. The commitment of supply chain partners is important and requires to work together to coordinate order generation, order taking, and order fulfillment in Supply Chain Management. To maximize customer value and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace is the active streamlining of a business’ supply-side activities in Supply Chain Management. Development and implementation supply chains by suppliers is the effort represents Supply Chain Management that are as efficient and economical as possible. To product and development, the information systems are needed to direct these undertakings which is
In today 's competitive business environment many firms face the arduous mission of managing their supply chain. In an effort to gain competitive advantage, firms must make key decision involving logistics and operations management to move products and service across the supply chain. The materialization and attractiveness of the Internet has made supply chain management more attainable for business enterprises. Research shows that Internet-derived technology has enabled companies to build and deploy supply chain management systems to perform key business decisions involving product flow and scheduling, process design and selection, product sourcing, layout, job design, and technology management.
Business Entities Supplier, manufacturer, distributor, transporters, retailers and customers. Processes It consists of all activities/processes
“Supply chain management includes, but is not limited to, new product development, marketing, operations, distribution, finance, and customer service” (Chopra and Meindl, 2001). The flow of supply chain management can be divided into three main flows; I have outlined it in the diagram below to show how each flow is interconnected to the other.
The first metric used to measure the supply chain’s performance is called the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). (Kaplan and Norton, 1996) This model is valuable as it informs the company about the level of efficiency of the supply chain in the following four areas: financial, customer satisfaction, internal processes and learning and growth ability. Moreover, it allows to identify which sector is underperforming and requires more attention. Each of the four dimensions has a specific objective and target that are set by the company and are then matched with a metric which will assess performance in each dimension. For instance, related to the financial aspect, if the company’s objective is a 10 percent turnover rise compared to the previous year, it will use the monthly turnover rate to keep track of the progress. The same procedure is to be followed for the three other areas, using different metrics as objectives will be different. The selected measurements must be meaningful to the firm as this model will be used to guide the organisation’s strategy on the long-run.
E. After aging, the tobacco is often combined with different flavorings, such as menthol, licorice, maple syrup, or cocoa.
The article describes about the supply chain management and various activities and programmes involved in supply chain management. The author even explains different phases in the evolution of supply chain management. Mainly focuses on the 7 principals which bring host of competitive advantage to the company. Andersen consulting listed all the 7 principles and briefly explained them. The role of logistic professionals and the use of technology in the implementation of the system. The relation between the information technology and the supply chain management were explained. Mostly the use of supply chain management is explained.