The Session Long Project (SLP) requires writing an essay on a contemporary logistics topic facing your organization. As noted in the instructions for the Module 1 SLP page, the SLP consists of two activities: (1) an assessment phase that asks you to explain and assess how the module topic applies to your Case study organization’s logistics operations, and (2) an improvement phase that asks you how the organization might better adjust logistics operations to respond to the module topic. Whenever possible, integrate information from previous courses along with providing examples based on your own experiences to illustrate and support the points discussed in the essay.
For the Module 3 SLP, write a 1- to 2-page essay addressing the following:
Activity 1 (Assessment Phase): Describe and assess how benchmarking is used to evaluate the performance of the logistics function within your organization.
Activity 2 (Improvement Phase): Explore how your organization might enhance logistics operations by incorporating greater use of benchmarking and performance metrics.
Assignment Expectations:
Demonstrate an understanding of how benchmarking is used to assess logistics performance in the reference organization. Display an in-depth understanding of how benchmarking is implemented and the role played by quantitative and qualitative benchmarking measures when applied to monitoring logistics performance of the reference organization. Provide a critical analysis that assesses if the reference organization could enhance the strategic implications of logistics operations through greater use of benchmarking.
Submit your assignment for grading by the end of the module.
BENCHMARKING LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE
Required Reading:
The following two articles are used in the Case study and provide a good overview of benchmarking metrics and their implications:
Anonymous, (2008 Dec) Time to take stock of the supply chain, Logistics Manager, London: p 34.
Chan, Felix T. S., Chan, H. K., Lau, Henry C. W., & Ip, Ralph W. L. (2006), An AHP approach in benchmarking logistics performance of the postal industry, Benchmarking, Bradford 2006, Vol. 13, Iss. 6, pg 636.
The following provides a good historical perspective of benchmarking:
Gilmour, Peter, (1999) Benchmarking supply chain operations; International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management; Bradford: 29:4, pp 259-266 (1999).
The following article provides insights into the role benchmarking can play in comparisons at the international level:
Smyrlis, Lou, (2006 Nov/Dec) Supply Chain Benchmarking, Canadian Transportation Logistics, Don Mills: Vol.109, Iss. 11; pg. 60, 3 pgs.
Optional Reading
The following article describes a recent effort by the Supply Chain Council to provide its members with comparative benchmarking information. I have included this as an option for those who might wish in the future to gain access to this data:
Dibenedetto, Bill, (2007, Apr 23), Keeping SCOR, Journal of Commerce, New York, pg. 1.