Date of Award

3-22-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

William A. Cunningham III, PhD.

Abstract

One of the most significant changes in the paradigm of modern business management is that individual businesses no longer compete as solely autonomous entities, but rather as supply chains. In this emerging competitive environment, the ultimate success of the business will depend on management's ability to integrate the company's intricate network of business relationships. Effective supply chain management (SCM) has become a potentially valuable way of securing competitive advantage and improving organizational performance since competition is no longer between organizations, but among supply chains. This research conceptualizes and develops three dimensions of SCM practice (supplier relationship management, manufacturing flow management, and product development and commercialization) and tests the relationships between these SCM practices, competitive advantage, and organizational performance. Data for the study was collected from prominent organizations and the relationships proposed in the framework were tested using rigorous statistical techniques. The results indicate that higher levels of SCM practice can lead to enhanced competitive advantage and improved organizational performance.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-LSCM-ENS-12-16

DTIC Accession Number

ADA558194

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