Logistic management or supply chain management select one topic only Dissertation

Logistic management or supply chain management select one topic only - Dissertation Example Using case study research method, secondary data will be collected from different literature regarding the selected firms which include text books, journal and news articles. The next section on findings and discussion will analyse the two companies and how and what lean approaches are used to enhance operations in logistics. Finally, all the findings will be summarized and recommendations will be given on research and study. This study analyse the state of two logistic companies and their approach to the lean concept. It was found out that two companies have tried to initiate a number of lean methods’ but still a lot remains to be done. There were significant losses that were covered by the company management in both cases, by effective implementation of lean logistics approach. INTRODUCTION Optimizing a business process is essential to the long term success of the business and its returns. However, this process is complex owing to the diversity of activities, departments, an d varied requirements of each business process, especially the process industries, (Taylor, 2003). This paper conducts a study on the logistics sector companies to analyse their current operations with a lean approach and subsequently suggest improvements to enhance their logistics operations. Research Aim: The purpose of this paper is to study the current state of affairs in the field of lean logistics concepts while giving a brief study upon the theory of constraints which is similar to lean concept of management. Analyse the implication of lean concepts of management on two logistics companies and how have they been able to implement and execute the methods and related technologies. Research objectives To cite the concept of lean theory and theory of constraints with relevant literature To critically review the theory and relate them to practice of the management To recommend for the solutions to enhance logistics operations The paper has been divided into different sections. Sec tion one will refer the relevant literature regarding Lean concepts of management and theory of constraints. Section two will discuss the methodology of research design and techniques used to such implications for the selected firms. Using case study research method, secondary data will be collected from different literature regarding the selected firms which include text books, journal and news articles. Section three would help to analyze the data of the selected firms. Finally, all the findings will be summarized and recommendations will be given on research and study. LITERATURE REVIEW TOC CONCEPT Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Lean concept have become popular in recent years. The objectives of these two are the same – to provide process optimizations and performance improvements. TOC focuses the attention of the management to avoid and eliminate the few present constraints in the system. Lean approach assists managers to improve performances by eliminating all the waste activities. The TOC concepts have proved to be quite profitable by reducing inventories and lead times, and enhancing the operations within a value chain, (Eric, et.al, 1995). Giving a brief about TOC, the TOC views organizations as a source of resources which are actually interlinked with the various activities and processes. TOC further states a constraint as one that has the ability to limit the performance of the system. TOC is of the perspective that in

Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Research Methods - Essay Example me teachers functioning on a split site system since they spend more time travelling from site to site, thus losing contact time with other colleagues. Although departmental meetings are well attended, there are noticeably fewer discussions in the staff room, as break and lunch times are also travelling times. These issues, with their underlying themes, are generic in nature and are relevant in a variety of contexts and are listed below: Action research is about problem solving to extend knowledge (Hult & Lunnung, 1980, West et al., 1995, McConnell, 2000). My research question involves qualitative research, which lends itself to problem solving in a cyclic manner. It involves a planned reaction to a problem, followed by feedback, evaluation, critical reflection and discussion, to redefine issues concerned with the sharing of information. A greater awareness and understanding of an identified problem is developed over time, which should lead to a solution or improved practice. As Cohen and Manion (1994) point out, â€Å"An important feature of action research is that the task is not finished when the project ends. The participants continue to review, evaluate and improve practice.† However, Cohen and Manion’s approach of ‘review, evaluate and improve’ works well with quantitative research, or for one person trying to affect a change. It does not appear appropriate for uniform progression of a group and group activity over a longer period of time. Hence for a group to progress as a unit, emphasis on developing a consensus between its members is important. For these extended studies a conductor is necessary to form an extended cyclic approach including review, evaluate, conduct and improve. Improved practice and the opportunity to develop my own relationships within the group are important to me in order to develop a sense of worth. I have chosen action research as my method as it brings the interviewer closer to the interviewee, hence it lends itself to