MGT322: Principles of Logistics Management

     This research paper must demonstrate an understanding of new learning in logistics management and how the supply chain supports the organization’s business strategy. The paper must be eight- to- ten pages (not including the title and reference pages), integrating readings, multi-media and class assignments. It is mandatory to include research from the course text, as well as six- to- eight sources from the internet or online library to support your views.

     In your eight- to- ten page research paper (not including the title and reference pages), you will describe both the business strategy and supply chain strategy for your organization, for a business unit of your organization, or for some other organization for which you have worked in the past and still retain contacts. Your research paper will analyze how this organization aligns its business strategy with its supply chain strategy and recommend strategy or tactics to improve strategic alignment based on scholarly resources and what you have learned in this course.

     You may select 2 or 3 “elements” (or, functions/strategies of the supply chain discussed in this course) that may best support the business strategies of the organization. For example, if you decide to write about Amazon (who has several business divisions and, accordingly, different business goals and strategies), you may select one area of their business, retail, and talk about how their main business goal (getting the products to the customers/end users) is supported by their supply chain strategies, including: materials management, purchasing, IT implementation, Supplier relationship management (SRM) program, global SCM strategy, selecting the mode of transportation, tracking, warehousing, or something else....  Again, you do not need to describe all of them in detail - just select those that are absolutely critical to achieving the company’s business strategies. 

     The most important thing in answering this question about business strategy vs. supply chain strategy is to do this:

1. Identify the company's business strategy (what is it?), and

2. Explain how their supply chain strategy supports the business strategy?

     For example, some of you work for logistics companies, and it would seem that their business strategy and supply chain strategies are closely related, if not the same...  This is because a logistics company is in supply chain business…  However, you may, for example, identify their business strategy as,  "delivering logistics solutions to business customers..."  and then explain what kind of Supply chain strategies, specifically (for example, materials management, purchasing, IT implementation, Supplier relationship management (SRM) program, global SCM strategy, or something else...) your company uses to support their business strategy and how do they implement it? 

     Use some corporation (a publicly traded company), because it's easier to find the necessary information about that company, including their Annual Report and/or statistics on their Investor Relations section of the website.  Private companies are not required to publicly publish such information, which makes it more difficult for us to research them. 

You are required to use non-course materials to support your contentions and incorporate supporting documentation to support your analysis.  Use APA style and submit your proposal to the instructor by the last day of class.

Writing the Final Paper

The Final Paper:

• Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
• Must include a title page with the following:
  • Title of paper
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted
• Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
• Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
• Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
• Must use at least six scholarly resources.
• Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
• Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.