History 100-45: History Of The United States To 1877 Fall 20 ✓ Solved
History 100 45 History Of The United States To 1877fall 2020open Book
Review all questions and select three questions to address in 100 or more words. Support your thoughts with proven facts using the APA format. Make your initial post by 11:59 PM Thursday and reply to at least three classmates by 11:59 PM Sunday. Please keep your posts civil and show respect to your classmates. Questions 1. Why are more top managers recognizing the importance of purchasing/supply management? 2. What are some of the factors that might influence how important purchasing is to the success of an organization? 3. Would you agree that the importance of the individual supply chain management activities vary with the type of business (e.g., purchasing vs. inbound transportation) and provide examples? 4. Briefly discuss each of the seven periods in the evolution of purchasing and supply management. What do you forecast for the future? 5. How can an effective purchasing department affect organizational performance? 6. Why do some firms no longer rely only on competitive bidding when awarding purchase contracts? 7. Why is it important to measure and monitor supplier performance improvement over time? 8. Discuss the concepts of ethics. Why is the purchasing profession particularly to this topic? 9. What are the risks associated with backdoor (maverick) buying and selling? Why is purchasing interested in controlling this business practice? 10. Discuss the most important elements that characterize the most successful efforts at integrating suppliers in new product development. How do these factors contribute to success? 11. What criteria are most important when considering whether a supplier should be involved in a new product development effort? 12. What are the impacts of increasing worldwide risks on supply management and the need to work closely with other functions and suppliers?
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Since the prompt encompasses a variety of questions, I will focus on three key areas: the evolution of purchasing and supply management, the importance of supplier performance monitoring, and the role of ethics in purchasing. These topics are integral to understanding the development and current practices within supply chain management, especially in the context of organizational success and ethical standards.
The Evolution of Purchasing and Supply Management
The history of purchasing and supply management reflects a gradual transformation from basic procurement activities to a strategic organizational function. According to the American Yawp, the seven periods in this evolution include the primitive era, the craft era, the market era, the purchasing era, the integrated purchasing era, the supply chain era, and the strategic supply chain management era (American Yawp, Chapters 1-7). Each phase highlights progressively sophisticated approaches to procurement, reflecting changes in technology, business practices, and global economic dynamics.
Initially, procurement was a basic necessity for survival, evolving into a craft dedicated to craftsmanship and quality during the craft era. The market era introduced rational purchasing, while the purchasing era saw the emergence of centralized buying operations. The integrated purchasing era emphasized coordination between departments, followed by the supply chain era, which recognized the importance of managing the entire flow of goods and information. Currently, strategic supply chain management emphasizes collaboration with suppliers and integrated planning, which ensures competitive advantage as forecasted trends indicate increased reliance on global supply networks (Cousins et al., 2008).
Importance of Measuring and Monitoring Supplier Performance
Ongoing measurement and monitoring of supplier performance are vital for organizational success. As noted by Monczka et al. (2015), effective supplier evaluation helps organizations identify areas for improvement, reduce risks, and foster innovation. Monitoring supplier performance over time enables companies to ensure consistency in quality, delivery, and cost, which are essential for maintaining competitive advantage. For example, a manufacturing firm that continually assesses its suppliers' on-time delivery rates can proactively address issues before they impact production schedules.
Additionally, performance monitoring helps in building strategic partnerships. As suppliers demonstrate improvements, organizations can collaborate on innovations and process enhancements. In contrast, neglecting performance metrics may lead to risks such as supply disruptions, quality issues, or increased costs. The data collected can inform decision-making, supplier development programs, and source selection processes, thereby reinforcing alignment with organizational goals (Schiele et al., 2010).
The Significance of Ethics in Purchasing
Ethics are foundational to the purchasing profession because procurement managers frequently handle sensitive information and have the power to influence organizational outcomes significantly. Responsible purchasing ensures compliance with legal standards, promotes transparency, and fosters trust between organizations and their suppliers. As mentioned by Monczka et al. (2015), ethical practices involve fair competition, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining integrity in negotiations and contractual relationships.
Unethical behavior, such as kickbacks, favoritism, or corruption, can lead to legal repercussions, brand damage, and operational inefficiencies. Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on corporate social responsibility underscores the importance of ethical procurement practices. Suppliers are scrutinized for labor standards, environmental impacts, and fair trade practices, and organizations are held accountable for maintaining ethical supply chains (Carter & Jennings, 2002). Therefore, a robust ethics framework is essential for sustaining long-term supplier relationships and organizational reputation.
In conclusion, understanding the evolution of supply management, diligent performance monitoring, and a strong ethical foundation are critical for organizations aiming to optimize their procurement functions and sustain competitive advantage in a complex global environment.
References
- Carter, C. R., & Jennings, M. M. (2002). The Role of Ethics in Supply Chain Management. Journal of Business Ethics, 41(1), 37-52.
- Cousins, P. D., Lamming, R., Lawson, B., & Squire, B. (2008). Strategic Supply Management: Principles, Theories and Practice. Pearson Education.
- Monczka, R. M., Handfield, R. B., Giunipero, L. C., & Patterson, J. L. (2015). Purchasing and Supply Chain Management (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Schiele, H., Dalela, V., & Krämer, A. (2010). Managing Supplier Relationships to Drive Innovation. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 46(4), 39-53.