Research Approach and Sources
The final essay will be a review of literature, and will utilize scholarly articles, as well as empirical research that highlight the importance of supply chain management in e-commerce. The sources have been chosen in this research because they have rich and well-researched information. Notably, the scholarly articles have the original information, and thus they will provide substantial information in my final essay.
Electronic Supply Chain and e-Commerce
The research will indicate that the unprecedented technological advancement has compelled the businesses to adopt electronic supply chain management to execute various transactions. The internet has facilitated the automation of a couple of business operations (Yang, 2012). The automation of enterprise operations has become a tool of gaining competitive advantage and adapting to the ever-changing business environment. Notably, the research will point out that businesses have integrated supply chain management in procurement, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution to enhance customer satisfaction and monitoring of the stock.
Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction
The project will utilize reliable sources and empirical research to assert that the integration of the electronic supply chain management has increased efficiency in e-commerce. Specifically, the research will argue that the electronic supply chain management has revolutionized the way enterprises conduct business in domestic and international realms. Using the secondary data, the research project will elucidate that electronic supply chain management has facilitated smooth and harmonious management of the customer relationship. Businesses use the electronic supply chain management to attract new and maintain existent customers through creating open channels for enterprise-customer communication. Du (2007) asserts that open communication gives customers a sense of belonging to the enterprise and improves loyalty index.
Reduction of Operational Costs
The project will point out that networking of business operations, such as procurement, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution improves efficiency, cuts operational costs, and promotes the growth and development of the enterprise. Du (2007) contends that the electronic supply chain management in e-commerce unifies various business operations. In addition, the project will endeavor to show that the implementation of the supply chain management in e-commerce allows businesses to adjust to market forces, and shorten the time needed to respond to the demand for goods and services. Consequently, the shortened demand response time allows businesses to satisfy the needs of the customers.
Unification and Connection of Various Departments
The research will indicate that the unified and well-organized distribution channels enable businesses to deliver ordered goods and services to consumers in a timely manner. In effect, efficient electronic supply chain management enhances the distribution of goods and services to the clients. Reis, Neto, Fusco, and Machado (2014) appreciate that the timely delivery of orders from customers tends to reduce the purchasing and operational cost. Consequently, the operating performance is improved greatly through efficient supply chain management. In addition, businesses realize the business targets at domestic and global levels. The connection of various departments of the enterprise through e-logistics facilitates the creation of strong links with partners that have a common goal (Balakrishnan and Geunes, 2004). In this regard, the coordination of the various parts of the supply chain establishes networks that promote sharing of information. Therefore, the research will argue that it is imperative for the e-commerce to utilize a well-coordinated supply chain management to realize benefits and create a competitive edge.
Creation of Strong Networks with Players in Supply Chain
The final essay will propose that effective supply chain management should create a strong network of customers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and employees. It will be argued that businesses should promote strong networks among the members of the supply chain to benefit from the market. Balakrishnan and Geune (2004) contend that the requisitioning and supply parties should acquire current and beneficial information in the market to enhance a winning edge. Chang and Graham (2012) argue that information is imperative in improving business operations. In this respect, the research will seek to establish the importance of developing channels of sharing information that conform to the changing world of technology.
References
Balakrishnan, A. & Geunes, J. (2004). Collaboration and coordination in supply chain management and e-commerce. Production and Operations Management, 13 (1), 1-2.
Chang, K. & Graham, G. (2012). E-business strategy in supply chain collaboration: An empirical study of B2B e-commerce project in Taiwan. International Journal of Electronic Business Management, 10 (2), 101-112.
Du, L. (2007). Acquiring competitive advantage in industry through supply chain integration: A case study of Yue Yuen industrial Holding Ltd. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 20 (5), 527-543.
Reis, J., Neto, P., Fusco, J., & Machado, S. (2014). Supply chain strategies in the context of an e-commerce chain. Independent Journal of Management and Production, 5 (2), 438-459.
Yang, M. (2012). Supply chain management under e-commerce environment. International Journal of Innovation, Management, and Technology, 3 (3), 210-213.