Integrative Learning Project Management Research Paper

Integrative Learning Project – Annotated Bibliography
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January 26, 2020
Table of Contents
1 Abstract
2 Organizational Setting
3 Integration
1 Total Quality Management
2 Benchmarking
3 Innovation
4 Kaizen
5 Supply-chain Management
6 Enterprise Resource Planning
7 Customer Relationship Management
8 Supplier Development
4 References
Abstract
Businesses, just like human beings, require genuine and sincere effort in order for it to withstand temporary challenges and setbacks, as well as improve its profitability in the long-run. However, improvements cannot only exist in terms of profitability or efficiency, but also in terms of service. This bilateral relationship between the two is one of the reasons why several businesses have thrived without being overwhelmed by the greed and selfish desires of those involved. Accordingly, this means that managers – being the one at the forefront – should take into consideration elements of (1) competency and (2) humanity in making their own decisions. They must always strike a balance between the desires of profit and service in order for them, and the organization itself, to succeed. Accordingly, this case analysis of XPO Logistics Incorporation discussed these two in greater detail. On the one hand, it provided different terms and techniques that every manager should have in order to make the right and informed decision. On the other hand, it also integrated teachings of God in order to support and provide a guideline in how to deal with other people. As would be seen in the concluding section of this paper, every terminology used in running a business does not only have its own practical and theoretical background but also one that was taken from the writings of God. All in all, the results of this analysis would show that taking into consideration both of these facets, every manager could make the right decisions in their daily lives.
Organizational Setting
Logistics is one of the most important business processes that drives the national economy. Without it, the very process of production, distribution, and delivery of commodities would be impossible. Thus, constant improvement in the logistical process is crucial for every business. While there are those that can handle their own logistical capacities, most rely on organizations that have already established their own networks of operations all over the world.
In line with this, the author of this study would focus on XPO Logistics for its study. XPO Logistics is one of the top ten logistic solution providers in the world and provides services even to the biggest companies and has even worked with sixty-nine (69) of the Fortune Top 100 companies around the world. Particularly speaking this article would analyze XPO Logistics using the terms, concepts, and theories used in understanding management. To start with, the succeeding section would provide an extensive discussion of the academic research that could be used in such analysis.
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Integration
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management is simply defined as the principle or approach that recognizes the importance of employee dedication and participation in every step of business process in order to reach the organization’s goals (Thai & Jie, 2018). In other words, it uses a holistic approach towards management and sees that each action and decision of individuals could affect the overall goals of the whole.
In line with the case at hand, it could be seen that Total Quality Management is indispensable due to the sheer size and complexity of XPO’s business model. Since the business of logistics requires timely, precise, and secure delivery of services (or parcels) then each employee must perform his own task with little delay.
Lastly, it must be noted that the concept of ‘Total Quality Management’ is not merely mandated by contractual relations, but by God himself. As stated in 1 Corinthians 14:40 ‘Let all things take place decently and by arrangement’. This is similar with this concept since every member is expected to do what they have to do timely, securely, and with consideration for others.
Annotated Bibliography (TQM)
Thai, V., & Jie, F. (2018). The impact of total quality management and supply chain integration on firm performance of container shipping companies in Singapore. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics.
Garza-Reyes, J. A., Yu, M., Kumar, V., & Upadhyay, A. (2018). Total quality environmental management: Adoption status in the Chinese manufacturing sector. The TQM Journal.
Benchmarking
Benchmarking is one of the most important tools for companies in order to determine how their performance compare to other companies from the same industry across time or space. While there are many ways on how companies can benchmark each other, some of the most important metrics include (1) the quality of service, (2) time of delivery, and (3) cost of production (and revenue). In the case at hand, XPO Logistics have utilized a variety of benchmarking tests which includes the quality of service (i.e., security of delivery), (2) average time period for point-to-point delivery, and (3) actual and marginal costs of delivery. Specifically, XPO conducts this benchmarking process is within the industry, yet across borders, in order to ensure that it improve or maintain its ranking.
Nonetheless, it must be noted that benchmarking should be done without any underhanded, unfair, or oppressive methods, but rather focus on achieving one’s goals and establishing a healthy competition. The bible itself said in 2 Corinthians 10:12, that one must not “become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” While God provided this passage as a guidepost for men, the same could also apply for organizations and their way of dealing with others.
Mangla, S. K., Luthra, S., Jakhar, S. K., Tyagi, M., & Narkhede, B. E. (2018). Benchmarking the logistics management implementation using Delphi and fuzzy DEMATEL. Benchmarking: An International Journal.
Kazançoğlu, Y., Özbiltekin, M., & Özkan-Özen, Y. D. (2019). Sustainability benchmarking for logistics center location decision. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal.
Innovation
Innovation is one of the traits that empowers the company in order to secure its market position and establish its own consumer base. Every type of innovation stems from a necessity that needs to be solved or addressed. While this trait might not be crucial for a company’s survivability, an organization’s capacity to innovate gives it an advantage against other companies in establishing its consumer base.
In line with the case at hand, it could be seen that XPO Logistics is one of the companies that are in the forefront of innovation among other logistic companies. Most of its end-to-end service are mostly automatic thereby reducing the possibilities of human error and streamlining its delivery services. In the past decade, the company also incorporated AI Methods in order to further optimize every part of its own business model. In fact, the company has used a new algorithm, also known as the “Less-than-Truckload” Optimization in order to make sure that each truck’s capacities can be maximized, while also reducing the risks of overloading while also reducing chargeable weight.
In the future, nevertheless, XPO Logistics would surely need to establish the processes, methods, and protocols in response to the advent of self-driving cars. This, in fact, could even make the company the best in the whole world if they can automate the whole process using the new innovations in AI technology and Internet-of-Things (IoT), which would change whole logistical process.
Similar with what was stated above, the author of this article believes that innovation should also be partnered with the discernment of all its effects towards mankind. Specifically, innovation should not always be dedicated towards technological progress but also for the improvement of the health and well-being of everyone, and more importantly for following the will of God. A perusal of Romans 12:2 would show that while the lord has wanted humans to have a ‘transformation of the mind’, he also wanted people to exercise great discernment and understanding of how it would affect the world. Directly speaking, the lord said, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”.
Hirose, N. A. (2018). Creating knowledge and promoting innovation in logistics services with “personal-touch”: a case of Yamato transport. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 16(4), 498-507.
Björklund, M., & Forslund, H. (2018). Exploring the sustainable logistics innovation process. Industrial Management & Data Systems.
Kaizen
Similar to individuals, companies must also always strive to ‘change for the better’. It must be their desire and their guidi...