Global Supply Chain Management Case Study Report Essay

Global Supply Chain Management Case Study Report - Essay Example e supply chain that allows the achievement of business objectives, before an attempt is made to determine whether a lean approach or agile approach to manufacturing and supply chain management is most appropriate for Wal-Dart. However, the analysis using Fisher’s (1997) model proves inconclusive, although Singh and Sharma’s (2009) definition of lean manufacturing appears to describe the outcome desired by Wal-Dart, and Bruce et al (2001) find that, in the fashion and textile industries, aspects of both lean and agile approaches, that they termed â€Å"leagility†, can be appropriate. A more radical approach to Wal-Dart’s problems is suggested by Lee (2010) who considers that the whole of the supply chain should be reviewed and revamped if necessary, which allows a holistic view to be taken and also provide an opportunity for Wal-Dart to introduce a more sustainable supply chain. A more detailed analysis is undertaken using Slack et al’s (2009) four stages of a fast fashion supply chain: design, manufacture, distribution and sales. Several issues are considered that fall across the different stages, including information supply from the retail outlets, the inability to change the manufacturing locations in the immediate short term, the possibility of setting up distribution service centres with their own transport service, and using enterprise resource planning to integrate the whole supply chain for more immediate, accurate provision and use of information. The overlaps of these areas across the four stages supports the idea of a holistic approach to resolve the problems. This idea is further supported by Lubowe (2009) who finds that senior management support, organisational structures and technology are key ingredients to a successful global integration strategy involving three key elements of repeatable processes, optimised assets and integrated op erations. Overall, there is no one best solution to the problems Wal-Dart is experiencing revealed by

Business research method Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business method - Research Paper Example The steps include, theoretical framework and hypothesis development, measurement, sampling, quantitative and qualitative analysis. This paper intends to show how the problem at hand can be taken through the processes of research discussed in following sections. Chapter 4 Theoretical framework and hypothesis development This chapter provides an exclusive description of a research process through a theoretical framework and hypothesis development. This process includes identification of variables and basic features of a theoretical framework. In addition, the process involves development of a hypothesis. In most cases the hypothesis developed revolves a round the situation at hand. There are four types of variables namely dependent, independent, moderating and mediating variables. It is imperative to note that this research process involves labeling and linking variables amongst themselves wit the intent of forming a theoretical framework (Uma, 2010). A theoretical framework is a signi ficant aspect of any research method since it provided the overall direction of a research process. More over, the theoretical framework is regarded as the foundation of any hypothetical-deductive research. It forms the basis of the hypothesis that will be developed. The process of building a theoretical framework involves the introduction of definitions of variables in the model, developing a theoretical model intended to provide an evocative demonstration of the theory and coming up with a theory that is intended to provide a justification for associations amid variables in the model. After developing a theoretical framework, development of testable hypothesis follows. These hypotheses are intended to examine whether the theory is sound suitable or not. Statistical analyses should then be used to test the hypothesized associations. It is notable that the entire research rests on the theoretical framework (Uma, 2010). This study observes that advancing a superior theoretical framew ork is fundamental to probing the problem under exploration. It is imperative to note that the theoretical framework provides a conceptual base to proceed with research, which includes proper understanding of the associations of variable network. A variable refers to anything that can assume varying values. Some of the examples of variables include production units, motivation and absenteeism. An independent variable is one that affects the dependent variable. This implies that both the independent and dependent covary in such way that a change in the dependent variable leads to change in the independent variable. Consider the example below Independent variable Dependent variable On the other hand, a moderating variable performs the role of imparting strong contingent effect on the relationship amid the independent and dependent variables. More over, the moderating variable modifies the initial relationship between the two variables. Having considered the basics of variables the nex t but most critical step is the development of theoretical framework (Uma, 2010). As observed earlier the theoretical framework forms the sure base of the entire research project. It is imperative to note that the framework is based on logical development, clear-cut description and elaborated network of relationship amongst the variables. The variables should be relevant to the problem under investigation. Above all, this study observes