[“Supply chain analysis of Tesco super market by comparing its supply chain in UK and Thailand and finding ways to improve it so that Tesco occupies strong position in retail sector”]

By

Acknowledgement

This research would not have been possible without the help of my research supervisor and my family so I would like to thank them for their utmost support throughout this research.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here] hereby declare that the matter and the ideas presented in this report is my own un aided word and the contents of this research have not been submitted earlier for any educational purpose.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

Extensive literature shows that supply chain management practices represent a critical source of sustained competitive advantage. According to (Copacino 1997, 52) emerging markets are fuelling double-digit growth in the global retail market. In an increasingly consolidated market, moving outside of the domestic region and into emerging markets can be a lucrative step, although it is also a complicated and difficult growth strategy. Even within countries the size of China, India and Russia, there are dramatic differences on a regional basis. "It is the growth of these countries that make them so appealing. The BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are showing two or three times the growth of the developed countries. Retailing is a crucial sector and major contributor to the UK economy. At a simple level, for the majority of consumer goods and services it provides the link between production and consumption. Furthermore beyond the large omnipresent chains, exists a large body of independent businesses, which provide self-employment opportunities (competitive analysis of retail sector). U.K. retail sector e has higher number of women.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Rationale1

Research problem2

Aims and Objectives2

Validity and Reliability2

Limitation of the research3

Time Table of Research Activities4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

Strategic objective in the Tesco supply chain7

Chain Management (SCM)8

Retail Sector9

Principles for managing the supply chain13

Principle No. 1:14

Principle No. 2:14

Principle No. 3:14

Principle No. 4:15

Principle No. 5:15

Principle No. 6:15

Principle No. 7:16

Supply Chain Decisions20

Location Decisions21

Production Decisions21

Inventory Decisions22

Transportation Decisions22

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY24

Mixed Research24

Classification of research methods24

Multi-method studies25

Mixed method studies25

Steps in mixed methodology25

Strength and weakness of the mixed research:26

Strengths26

Weaknesses27

Research Design27

Data collection, Analysis and Interpretation27

Sampling Technique28

Sample Selection & Size28

Data Processing and Analysis29

Approach to data analysis29

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS30

UK35

Thailand37

Interview44

Customer perscpecive48

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION53

Critical appraisal and Recommendation53

Advantages53

Disadvantages54

Recommendation56

REFERENCES58

APPENDICES65

Fax:67

Mobile:67

Email:67

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

According to Greasley (2009, 392) the Supply chain consists of series of activities that moves material from suppliers, through operations to customers. Each product or service will have its own supply chain, which may involve many organizations in processing, transportation, warehousing and retail. The structure of a supply chain consists of upstream suppliers and downstream suppliers. Upstream suppliers that supply the organization directly are termed as 'first tier' and supplies that supply the first tier organization are termed as 'second tier'. Upstream suppliers are component and subassembly suppliers. Downstream suppliers are divided into tiers of customers for example; wholesalers and retailers. During the last three decades, supply chain management has been both an important and a productive aim of ...