Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Mangan, J., Lalwani, C. C., & Calatayud, A. (2020). Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management (4th ed.). Wiley Global Education US.
- Read Chapter 5 (Systems and Networks): Supply chains are not stand-alone, independent entities but are part of – and influenced by – the wider systems (geopolitical systems, ecosystems, political systems, regulatory systems, etc.) within which they exist. ‘Systems thinking’ is the study of such systems and their characteristics, behaviors, and influences. Such characteristics, behavior, and influences can have a significant impact on supply chains, and thus it is important that we understand such impacts. This, then, is what we might term the macro context within which LSCM operates – at the micro (operational) level within LSCM systems, it is notable that as LSCM systems have evolved and developed, they have become ever more complex and multidimensional. There is growing interest – and emerging literature – on the topic of supply chain complexity, which we will thus review in this chapter. In addition, we will consider how supply chains also sometimes exhibit typical systems behaviors, in particular, the so‐called bullwhip effect. A related topic to both LSCM and Systems thinking is that of how nodes in supply chains are connected and, in turn, how networks are designed.
- Read Chapter 6 (Transport): Freight transport is an integral part of LSCM, but traditionally it has been treated as a service that is easily available when required by suppliers and distributors. Also, transport is typically regarded as a non‐value‐adding activity in the supply chain, although we challenge this assumption on the basis that it plays an essential role in the supply chain and, when managed properly, can allow supply chains to work more efficiently and effectively. That said, transport is, of course, a derived demand in that the demand for transport is dependent upon someone wishing to move freight from one point to another.
- Read Chapter 10 (Inventory Management, Planning and Control): Inventory is another name for materials and is any material that a firm holds in order to satisfy customer demand (and these customers may be internal and/or external to the firm). Inventory can thus be found at multiple locations along the supply chain – at the supplier, in the factory, and at the customer's premise. The purpose of inventory management, then is to strike a balance between the levels of inventory a firm holds to be able to satisfy customer demand in supply chains and the associated costs.
