unit8

Learner name and Specialization

Stanley Thompson Jr.

Global Operation and Supply Chain Management

Section 1: Project 1

1.1 Describe the project of interest.

The project of my interest is how technological advancement can be integrated in then supply chain management so that the efficiency of the supply chain processes can be increased. Comment by Dr. Kenneth C. Sherman: Here, I see a broad topic. I do not see a description of the project. Mirror the example shown at this week’s LiveSession. For this project, I will ____________________.

1.2 Identify the problem driving the need for a project.

This problem of keeping up to date information on various operations in supply chain management has become a big problem for many companies especially the ones operating globally. For instance, the problem of invoice management is giving many companies lose a lot of revenues since many invoices could be easily accounted for or traced in the system. With automation this problem is likely to decrease since many operation like invoice management will be done electronically improving the speed and efficiency in organizing the invoices.

1.3 How does the problem arise? Whom does the problem affect? (provide three sources of cited support)

This particular problem of invoice management arises due to back log of unverified invoices and delay in the manual process of invoicing. The analogue way of invoicing takes a relatively longer period to complete and also consumes time (McAdam, & McCormack, 2001). In addition this problem affects the management of the company and its employees alike since the revenues likely to be collected from this process is very little (Tseng, Wu, & Nguyen, 2011). Also the company’s clients are likely to be affected as they will not be receiving quality services within the recommended timeline.

1.4 Provide five examples (cited) evidencing that a problem exists.

Company clients finding it difficult to make payment to the company. Comment by Dr. Kenneth C. Sherman: Missing cited support. I do not see hard data to suggest the adversity associated with each of these statements. Revise in the weeks ahead.

Having poor service description in the invoices which end up confusing the clients more.

Omission of key information or details in the invoice description.

Failure in setting the date in which the invoice is likely to be due.

Putting on hold or postponing the latest payment alerts to clients or not having reminders at all.

Section 2: Project 2

2.1 Describe the project of interest.

Logistics which is part of the supply chain management is very key therefore reduction in supply chain complexity would help in improving efficiency of operation in businesses.

2.2 Identify the problem driving the need for a project.

Too many activities which are incorporated in the supply chain process makes this like clearing and forwarding take relatively longer period than recommended. And this leads to reduction in operational efficiency and reliability of the supply chain.

2.3 How does the problem arise? Whom does the problem affect? (provide three sources of cited support)

The problem arises due to having so many activities along a supply chain creating so many procedure leading to delay in the overall service (McAdam, & McCormack, 2001). This problem affects company management, suppliers, consumers and even economy of a country at large (Tseng, Wu, & Nguyen, 2011).

2.4 Provide five examples (cited) evidencing that a problem exists.

Long queues of clearing and forwarding.

Delay in the service delivery beyond its recommended timeline.

Lack of smooth flow of products from point of production to the point of consumption (McAdam, & McCormack, 2001).

Complains from both clients and suppliers of unnecessary delay in delivery of goods and services

Section 3: Project Selection

2.1 Identify the criteria you considered for project selection.

One of the criteria I would use in selecting this project is through considering the present and future value of this investment or project should it be made.

2.2 Identify the project selected.

Integration of technology in invoice management in supply chain by automation. Comment by Dr. Kenneth C. Sherman: See comment in Section 1.

2.3 Describe the rationale for your project selection.

The rationale behind this project selection is that as technology evolve so will be the management principles in supply chain management. And those business that shall not have incorporated these technologies like automation of invoicing will find it hard to survive in the competitive customer oriented market driven by efficiency in the service provision.

2.4 Describe your understanding of why such a project can be considered manageable and feasible (collect data over a 10-week timeframe).

This project is very manageable and feasible as the technologies used in automation of invoices like the ERP systems are in existence (Tseng, Wu, & Nguyen, 2011). And since efficiency in service delivery been what determines the survival of many business nowadays then integration of invoice automation through ERP systems is likely to make the project feasible. Comment by Dr. Kenneth C. Sherman: I would like to hear from you as to the type of data to be collected and from whom you will collect the data. How will the data inform the gap in practice?

2.5 Review the instructions for the Week 8 and 9 assignments. What is your work plan for the weeks ahead? Give consideration to tasks and time allocation.

Task timeline Comment by Dr. Kenneth C. Sherman: What you state here does not align with the specific assignments. I suggest you review the assignment templates and review the LiveSession recording in which these assignments were explained.

Criteria for project identification Day 1

Rationale for the project selection Day 2

Description of project understanding Day 3