Wal mart supply chain operations PDF

Running Head: WAL-MART STORES SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS 1
WAL-MART STORES SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS
Name
Institution

WAL-MART SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS 2
Wal-Mart Supply Chain Operations
Jawad, S. (2017). A literature analysis of Walmart’s supply chain excellence in term of
integration, distribution and operations.
In this article, Jawad performs a literature analysis of the supply chain process at Wal-Mart to
establish whether the company has achieved success in regards to distribution, integration, and
operations while still saving on costs. In his research, Jawad utilized a case study qualitative
measurement technique. The findings of the study concluded that the supply chain strategy at
Wal-Mart was comprised of a cost leadership method that synchronized supply and demand,
supplier partnership, and customer experience. An outstanding strategy implemented by the firm
is the “Everyday low prices” technique facilitated by an efficient logistic system. Jawad notes
that the company has invested in modern distribution centers and ownership of a large fleet of
trucks to aid movement of goods from manufacturer to distribution centers as well as to lower
costs incurred. Wal-Mart has adopted a system that integrated supplier and customers through
the box bar code whereby suppliers are able to identify products sold and are thus able to restart
the logistic process of manufacturing and distribution of products to the various warehouses
owned by the company. The author concludes that the effectiveness of the supply chain
management process at Wal-Mart is reliant on specific elements such as good customer and
supplier relationships, and consistent communication between the various sections of
procurement.

WAL-MART SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS 3
Mollenkopf, D., Russo, I., & Frankel, R. (2007). The returns management process in supply
chain strategy. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management,
37(7), 568-592.
Accordingly, the article aims to investigate the development of returns management in the supply
chain strategy of companies facilitated by a study conducted in five firms. Mollenkopf, Russo, &
Frankel characterize returns management as the activities related to returns including reverse
logistics, avoidance, disposal, and gatekeeping. Returns management is seemingly characterized
as reverse logistics in the supply chain process and is regarded as an important aspect in effective
management of the entire supply chain. This is because effective returns management directly
impacts on the relationship between the company and end-users or consumers, as well as the
reputation of stakeholders. Regardless firms are still struggling with the integration of returns
management in the supply chain strategy as minimal research has been conducted on the process
involved in the handling of product returns. Yet, Mollenkopf, Russo, & Frankel argue that the
functions of logistics, marketing, accounting and finances, and operations are actively involved
in the management of returns. Specifically marketing policies and strategies of a firm
significantly impact on the timing and type of product return consequently influencing the extent
and nature of reverse logistics activities that a firm has to undertake. The authors found that most
American firms place emphasis on cost reduction where the main focus of the returns system is
time-sensitivity of returned goods, which is pertinent in making disposition decisions. In this
regard, Mollenkopf, Russo, & Frankel confirm that the longer it takes to make disposition
decisions, the lower the market value of the returned product in the supply chain. For instance,
Wal-Mart has a strict policy that is time specific on the return of different products with the
longest window period of return been ninety days. Arguably, this assessment indicates the