REFLECTION ESSAY

Storage and Distribution Reflection Essay

Storage and Distribution Reflection Essay

Introduction

I had always been intrigued by the degree of complexity that riddles real life supply chain management. I have always considered it imperative to go beyond the theories and discussions in text books; by exploring the nature and intensity of real world challenges. It is because of the same reason that I was looking forward to this experience. An opportunity to analyze a real world situation and look for real world complications that go beyond theoretical frameworks is an opportunity I would never pass up. This discussion will serve as an elaboration of the development of my perceptions and my reflections as a result of this experience.

Discussion & Analysis

I do not think that I have ever had the opportunity to look into the supply chain as minutely as I had this time. I was able to come to terms with the fact that the supply chain is essentially a complicated chain of cause-and-effect reactions (Janvier-James, 2012; Foster, Wallin & Ogden, 2011). I learnt that each link in this chain serves a major purpose and contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain. It has come to my attention that a shortfall on the part of any member of the supply chain can cause disruptions in the process. My experience allowed me to come to terms with the fact that this is because of the fact that the supply chain is basically a system that cannot be expected to function adequately unless all of its working elements are working properly; on the basis a pre-defined routine (Xu, 2011; Steinfield, Markus & Wigand, 2011). However, as a result of this experience, I noticed that the supply chain cannot be expected to self-sustain its operations. In fact, intervention is a continuous element since challenges and errors can be expected to crop up at all times; due to any number of complications (Jayaram, Tan & Nachiappan, 2010; Danese, 2011). As a result, I have come to terms with the approach that there is a need to ensure that a committee is formed and assigned the singular purpose of managing the supply chain. I learned that the formation of such a committee can have a major impact on the working of the supply chain since it can take a precautionary approach towards the progression of the process in the supply chain (Farndale, Paauwe & Boselie, 2010; Mishra & Chan, 2012). Furthermore I now realize that it is impossible to escape from the fact that the modern day supply chain is essentially a network. I now understand that the tricky part comes in when multiple members of this network begin to serve each other. In such cases, elements that fall under Porter's five forces can be expected to experience a shift (Arzu Akyuz & Erman Erkan, 2010; Malik, Niemeyer & Ruwadi, 2011). It is now clear to me that the threat of substitutes may experience an increase while barriers to entry may ...