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Tutorial Paper
Friday April 16th, 2015
Cooperation in Supply Chain Networks
Introduction:
In this tutorial paper, I reviewed topics in Supply Chain Networks. As opposed to the traditional process and definition of Supply Chain, Supply Chain Networks have evolved to adapt to the global and fast paced business world we live in. According to the Investopedia, Supply Chain Network is the network created amongst various companies which produce, handle, and distribute particular products. The addition of the word ‘Network’ to Supply Chain defines a more complex structure, where organizations can be cross-linked and there are two-way exchanges between them; the traditional ending with ‘chain’ describes a simple, sequential set of links.
Conceptually, the traditional Supply Chain process produced, handled, and distributed products with a sole focus on the organization – in a linear and simple manner. For examples, company X would do this process (Supply Chain), but would only end there without considering the end-customer. However, the Supply Chain Network gives companies the opportunity to work together to integrate the supply process within their organizations without forgetting the end-customer- in a nonlinear and more complex manner. That is, company X would work with Y and Z to not only focus on what they produce and provide, but also what the end-customer receives. As a result, Supply Chain Network enables businesses to look at the complete movement of materials and information from start to finish – giving permitting organizations to see the value in creating partnerships - without overlooking the value in working together to ensure the best possible value is provided to the end-customer.
The newness in this area specifically drew me to delve into how the process works, but not just the