Operations and Supply Chain Management Commons^™

Supply Chain Management Internship- Fastenal, Jared C. Fuller

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Procurement and supply management; transportation and distribution management; and inventory and forecasting analytics, are all familiar course names for the University of Arkansas students earning their supply chain management degree. These courses outline some of the crucial departments of the supply chain. In my internship, during the summer of 2024, I was amid a combination of school knowledge and industry experience. Working at a warehouse fulfillment center I operated at the last mile of the supply chain completing tasks in all three departments.

Safety Ratings And Their Effect On Operating Costs In The Trucking Industry: A Data-Driven Analysis, Teresa L. Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This dissertation explored the interplay between safety ratings and financial performance within the transportation sector, with a specific focus on the trucking industry. In an era where safety standards are paramount, the primary objective of the study was to determine the impact of safety ratings on the operating costs of trucking firms. Using a robust methodology grounded in quantitative analysis and industry-specific secondary data, the study established empirical connections between safety ratings and operating costs. This included a focused effort to identify direct effects, highlighting the potential influence of lower safety ratings on economic outcomes within the trucking industry.

Furthermore, …

Risk Spillover Effect Of China-Asean Supply Chains: Insights Of Industrial Transfer, Zeyang Bian, Yuning Zhang, Keng Siau, Yaqian Zhang, Jianjia He

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

As labour costs in China increase, labour-intensive industries are migrating to ASEAN countries, attracted by lower labour costs and market potential. This shift not only affects the economies of China and ASEAN but also reshapes the global manufacturing landscape. This paper investigates the correlation and spillover of supply chain risks using production exposure indicators derived from inter-country input-output data and the R-Vine Copula model. We assess the risk spillover of each country within the global supply chain. Our findings indicate that industrial relocation can significantly alter supply chain structures, thereby affecting the concentration and direction of risks. While China's role …

Supply Chain Management Internship Thesis – The Mercery, Katherine Chamberlin

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

The main purpose of this thesis is to evaluate my internship with The Mercery, enabled by the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s VIP Internship program. This provides background information on both the company and the program, along with the different projects and skills I worked on throughout this semester-long internship. This is accompanied by a self-assessment and learning objectives, implications for the company, and the main project results. Finally, this concludes with the summation of all my learnings and growth, and an assessment of the experience.

Spatiotemporal Negative Inventory Outlier Decomposition For Supply Chain Applications In Consumer-Packaged Goods (Cpg), Hayden Mcdonald

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Coca-Cola is a popular soft drink brand with sales occurring in every Walmart store across the world, which generates large quantities of data and requires a robust supply chain system. However, the company does not currently have a sophisticated, automated, and/or prescriptive system for detecting where, when, and why inventory outages occur and applying preventative measures to avoid loss of revenue from the absence of inventory on store shelves. This thesis proposes and applies a novel, prescriptive system for this purpose. An inventory outage can be seen as a ‘negative’ statistical outlier in a time series of inventory for an …

Newgen Surgical: Reimagining Health For People And Planet [Case], Sarah Lee, Vafa Saboorideilami, Xiaotian Zhang, Yung-Jae Lee

Barowsky School of Business | Faculty Scholarship

The case study draws on structured interviews with Rob Chase, Founder and CEO of NewGen Surgical, as well as secondary data sources to analyze the effectiveness of these solutions in mitigating the risks and enhancing the company’s competitive advantage.

This case study examines how NewGen Surgical, a small- to medium-sized medical equipment manufacturer based in the USA, navigates a supply chain crisis caused by post-pandemic (COVID-19) supply and demand distress, trade restrictions, and the US–China trade war in 2022. It outlines the journey of CEO and Founder, Robert Chase, as he started, grew and is maintaining the company and its …

Does Engaging Commercial Customers In A Shared Social Mission Improve Impact Sourcing Service Provider (Issp) Success? A Critically Appraised Topic, Michael F. Corbett

Engaged Management ReView

This topic paper examines whether engaging commercial customers through a shared social mission improves the success of social enterprises. It is based on an examination of a subset of the information technology and business process outsourcing (ITO/BPO) industries, known as impact sourcing service providers (ISSPs). ISSPs are social enterprises – B2R Technologies and Digital Divide Data are two examples – that provide call center, transaction processing, data entry, and other technology-enabled services for commercial customers from remote locations around the globe. What is unique about ISSPs is that they do this with a social mission of creating jobs and economic …

Impact Of Supply Chain Robustness And Resilience On Firm Performance: A Perspective Of Pakistan Textile Industry, Aalyan Munir, Aamer Hanif, Nimra Afzal

Business Review

This study investigates the impact of supply chain resilience and robustness on firm performance and also examines the significance of supply chain risk management (SCRM) in minimizing the consequences of disruptions on supply chain performance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was gathered using convenience sampling technique through a survey from management staff (n=409) working in textile companies operating in Pakistan. Using SPSS software for data analysis, this study proposes a mediation model where risk management practices are proposed as a mediator between supply chain resilience, robustness and firm performance. The findings highlight that supply chain resilience and …

Supply Chain Management Internship, Kendall Benson

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

An Experiential Report for the degree Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Supply Chain Management.

Customer Service And Logistics Internship At Colgate-Palmolive: Project Portfolio, Elizabeth Bolton

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this thesis, I highlight my experience as a Customer Service and Logistics Intern at Colgate-Palmolive on the Walmart team. During my internship, I gained proficiency in software programs for data collection and developed problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills in the CPG supply chain industry. Through my project portfolio, I provide an overview of my daily responsibilities, project objectives, insights, and learning outcomes achieved during the internship, demonstrating my readiness to advance my career in supply chain management.

The Utilization Of Procurement Strategies In A Supply Chain Environment, Cole Stevens

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

In today's globalized business environment, efficient supply chain management has become crucial for organizations striving for success. The Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas is widely regarded as one of the top institutions for supply chain management education in the nation. As a student who has undergone their supply chain program and curriculum, I have gained valuable insights and experiences that have prepared me for the demands of the industry.

One of the significant benefits of this education was the opportunity to undertake an internship at Caterpillar Inc., where I was able to gain hands-on experience in …

Supply Chain Management Internship Thesis - Hilti & Amazon.Com, Inc., Reagan White

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper will contain an overview of my internship experiences at Hilti and Amazon.com, Inc. It will give insight into the history, culture, and backgrounds of both companies. Additionally, it will address the structure and learning objectives of both internships, with an in-depth analysis of the projects that I completed during my time with both companies. These analyses will describe the underlying business problems that both firms were facing, as well as, the quantitative and qualitative value that was driven by my recommendations and the successful implementation of various supply chain solutions. Given that Hilti and Amazon.com, Inc. differ in …

Artificial Intelligent Enabled Supply Chains As A Competitive Advantage, Nathan Adato

Senior Honors Theses

The focus of this paper is on the topics of artificial intelligence and supply chain management and how artificial intelligence-enabled supply chains provide organizations with competitive advantages. The supply chain’s adoption of data collection technologies as part of digital transformation and movements of industry 4.0 creates a strong foundation for artificial intelligence analytics. Artificial intelligence has three branches sensing and interacting, decision-making, and learning. Each branch uses its algorithms and serves a different purpose for the business. Artificial intelligence-enabled supply chains create unique, inimitable competitive advantages that fit Michael Porter’s five forces.

Reshoring The Semiconductor Industry Supply Chain: Analysis Of Risks And Capabilities, Makayla Ann Masse

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The importance of supply chain resilience and semiconductor manufacturing has been discussed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and its later disruptions to multiple industries (The White House, 2021). This paper uses frameworks developed by Pettit, Fiksel, and Croxton (2010), Ponomarov and Holcomb (2009), and Rao and Goldsby (2009) to identify the semiconductor industry’s risks, capabilities, and interdependencies through an analysis of 45 prominent semiconductor companies. The analysis was done on multiple levels. On the industry level, risks, and capabilities as well as their co-occurrences were analyzed. On the supply chain level, relationships were mapped using Boston Consulting Group …

An Investigation Into Dysfunctionality Within Intermodal Transportation With A Minor Focus On Refrigerated Containers, Austin Burgess

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper will contain a discourse regarding intermodal transportation, with a focus on refrigerated containers. It will also give insight into the current issues facing the intermodal market with a selection of suggestions on how to address them. The discourse will take factors such as cost, service, reliability, capacity, the characteristics of the different modes of transportation, and several other factors into consideration. This shall be accomplished through a qualitative interview series conducted with involved parties with different perspectives. Additionally, quantitative data gathered from industry and governmental resources will assist in the analysis. The output of this paper will be …

Understanding The Relationship Between Procurement Practices And The Utilization Of Forced Labor, Clara Rauzi

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

This literature review examines the relationship between procurement practices and the utilization of forced labor. As businesses strive to reduce expenses, one of the most significant areas of expenditure is labor. In forced labor, individuals are exploited and coerced into doing jobs or providing services for which they have not voluntarily undertaken. Globally, there are millions trapped in forced labor who are tied to their positions through debt bondage, threats, or fraud. Analysis of the determinants of forced labor, as well as possible techniques for mitigating it, will aid in the battle to end forced labor. A variety of literature …

Supply Chain Sustainability In The Fashion Industry, Quinn Hanley

Honors Projects

Sustainability in the fashion industry has become an important topic recently for both retailers and consumers. Through my research I will be laying out what supply chain sustainability is, how it relates to the fashion industry, as well as how companies are doing it well or poorly. I will be using both scholarly pieces and other articles online to perform my research on the topic, to find a more in-depth understanding of how companies are affecting the world around us as well as the people around us. My goal with this research is to educate consumers about how supply chain …

How A Supply Chain Stumble Changes A Company’S Policies And Progress 20 Years Later: A Case Study Of Gap Inc., Alexandra Futterman

CMC Senior Theses

Gap Inc. is the third-largest American retailer. Founded in 1969, Gap Inc. holds four brands, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta. In the late 1990s and early 2000s Gap Inc. made headlines for child labor abuses along with many other large brands. After this negative attention, Gap Inc. began developing policies and practices to combat ethical supply chain issues. These policies included a Human Rights Policy, a Code of Vendor Conduct, working conditions standards, and even capacity building programs that boarded company reaches into communities they touch. In conjunction with the policies Gap Inc. has published several social responsibility …

Containing Compounding Container Congestion, Curtis Salinger

CMC Senior Theses

The Covid-19 pandemic caused major disruptions throughout the container shipping supply chain. Professor Dongping Song of Liverpool University wrote a paper discussing the logistical vulnerabilities in the supply chain, including the issue of congestion in ports. This paper examines the Port of Los Angeles from 2018-2021 as it relates to Song’s paper to see how its operations were impacted during the Covid-19 timeframe. It is found that labor shortages, chassis shortages, and change in trade behavior each contributed to the congestion. Unfortunately, the implemented policies were insufficient to bolster the port against sustained challenges and congestion continues to worsen.

Optimization Of Lean And Agile Supply Chain Management Practices In The Aviation Industry, Constantine M. Koursaris, Valerie P. Denney

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Organizations that provide products and/or services must be able to execute fast, adaptive supply and (fluctuating) demand practices. From producers to consumers, and every stakeholder involved throughout the supply chain network processes, a collaborative relationship promotes sharing information that is beneficial to all. This long-term relationship then flourishes and in return stimulates the growth, health, and stability of the supply chain. Understanding the organizational processes and requirements is a complex endeavor. However, with technological advances and with the right type of data collected, it is possible to optimize entire supply chain networks.

This research study, seeks to provide an insight …

The Effects Of The Trump Tariffs And The Coronavirus Pandemic On The U.S. Bicycle Industry, Thurston Randolph Mann

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Optimising Cold Chain Asset Locations With Real-Estate Considerations: A China Perspective, Chaik Ming Koh

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This thesis explores the logistics costs optimization of a cold chain logistics network with a real estate perspective. This study draws on data and experience of a cold chain player in China. This study seeks to help users who are currently renting large amounts of warehouse space to quantitatively and systematically evaluate if they should construct their own warehouses and then do a sale-and-leaseback to achieve economic benefits. Using a computing optimization model, the study was able to find the optimized parameters of warehouse capacity, warehouse quality to build as well as the recommended existing network warehouses to use, to …

The Role Of Digital Technology Adoption In Coping With Sc Disruptions Caused By Covid-19 Pandemic, Nicole Record

Thinking Matters Symposium

Supply chain disruptions in addition to the immediate effect of stopping/ impeding the flows, long term effects can include bankruptcies, reduced business growth and increased business uncertainty. Unlike prior disruption events, the COVID-19 pandemic presents a novel opportunity to study a near-simultaneous global supply chain disruption. We carry out a systematic literature review to understand disruption response in this context.

Adapting To Slow-Moving Crises: The Personal Protection Equipment Supply Chain In The Time Of Covid19, Jennifer Shullih, Stephen Lemay

AMTP Proceedings 2021

In this paper, we look at the supply chain for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. We look at the way the supply chain has responded to the pandemic, the coordination of the supply chain relative to the needs of primary users, and the consequences of its use. We find that the supply chain has continued to function more as a commercial supply chain than as an emergency supply chain largely because of a lack of centralized coordination. We include an analysis of existing concepts as they apply to this supply chain, but also incorporate preliminary results from a …

A Case Study In Supply Chain Ethics: Medical Supplies Are Us, Michael J. Dwyer

AMTP Proceedings 2021

A hypothetical scenario is presented for consideration as a case study on both delivery logistics cost controls and ethical issues. Set in a regional medical supply company in the fictitious country, Costaguana, the actor needs to first unpack a supply chain issue as related to setting up a system to create cost savings to fund a non-government/non-profit organization. The delivery logistics with an established supplier for the company is explained in detail along with intra- and inter-company logistics’ relationships. Then an ethical issue is presented as related to the newfound savings from shipping for the organization. The case is presented …

Demand Forecasting For Alcoholic Beverage Distribution, Lei Jiang, Kristen M. Rollins, Meredith Ludlow, Bivin Sadler

SMU Data Science Review

Forecasting demand is one of the biggest challenges in any business, and the ability to make such predictions is an invaluable resource to a company. While difficult, predicting demand for products should be increasingly accessible due to the volume of data collected in businesses and the continuing advancements of machine learning models. This paper presents forecasting models for two vodka products for an alcoholic beverage distributing company located in the United States with the purpose of improving the company’s ability to forecast demand for those products. The results contain exploratory data analysis to determine the most important variables impacting demand, …

Antecedents To Buyer-Supplier Coordination In The Pharmaceutical Supply Chain, Thanigavelan Jambulingam, Ravi Kathuria

Business Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the antecedents that influence supply chain coordination in the pharmaceutical supply chain using the transaction cost analysis framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 156 retail pharmacies on their relationship with the pharmaceutical wholesalers are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of this paper show the importance of antecedents that are based on the transactional cost theory, such as asset specificity and environmental uncertainty. These antecedents impact the supply chain process coordination at different levels – transactional, operational and strategic.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may investigate additional antecedents using other theoretical lenses. …

Culture Inside The Firm And Its Effect On Collaboration Within The Supply Chain Industry, James Bailey Morris

Honors College Theses

Increasing collaboration between suppliers and buyers is a goal of every firm. Researchers have discovered multiple aspects that can affect this level of collaboration including culture. Cultures between firms have been analyzed, however no study has examined how the culture within a firm affects the firm’s collaboration. This study aims to research how the cultural dimensions of in-group collectivism and future orientation can affect firm collaboration and performance. After our analysis, the following relationships were discovered: in-group collectivism and future orientation positively affect collaboration, and collaboration positively affects the individual’s perception of organizational support.

Comprehensive Poultry Supply Chain Model With Vertical And Horizontal Linkages: Implication Of Domestic And International Shocks, Hakan Unveren

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

According to USDA FAS, in 2017, the US was the largest broiler-producing country with 18.696 million metric tons and the second largest exporter of broiler products with 3.075 million metric tons (Brazil is the largest exporter with 3.847 million metric tons). Thus, around 83% of US production is consumed domestically. According to USITC, chickens are the most important protein source in the US, and Americans consume more chicken per capita than any other country. However, while the broiler industry is a key segment of US agriculture, it is underserved by large-scale supply-chain and trade models.

In this study, to fill …

The Design, Test And Evaluation Of A Sensing System For Process Analytical Technology (Pat), Trevor Murphy

Theses

Increased globalisation and competitiveness has given rise to a more dynamic and diverse global market that has begun to place incredible strain on manufacturing supply chains. Conventional manufacturing methods such as the batch manufacturing methods employed largely by the materials processing industries i.e. pharmaceuticals, polymers and magnesium processing plants are ill-suited to cope with the demands of today. As products evolve with technological advancements they become more complex to produce and require alternative approaches to manufacturing to ensure product quality while reducing costs and increasing manufacturing efficiencies.

A potential solution to the growing demands on today’s supply chain is process …