Title: Supply chain integration and innovation in a global environment: case studies of best business practices

Authors: Alan D. Smith; William T. Rupp

Addresses: Department of Management and Marketing, Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3099, USA ' Austin Peay University, Clarksville, TN 37044, USA

Abstract: The two companies showcased in supply chain integration include Mondolez International, which operates within the consumer packaged goods industry; and Braskem, a global company headquartered in Brazil and an industry leader in creating thermoplastic resins. Thermoplastic resin is a polymer that is a main ingredient in plastics. Both companies operate globally and both companies use their supply chain methods to attempt to gain a competitive advantage within their industry. We will take a look into the quality controls that are employed within their supply chains and look at different techniques that they use to uphold their quality standards. The methods that will be mentioned are through the use of Six Sigma Methodology and processes and lean manufacturing, which are both used by many Fortune 500 global companies. The impact of implementing a SCM program from a financial perspective was reviewed.

Keywords: case study; lean manufacturing; operations strategy; six sigma; supply chain management; SCM; supplier collaboration; supplier integration; supply chain integration; supply chain innovation; best practice; packaged goods industry; thermoplastic resin; quality control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2015.072284

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2015 Vol.22 No.3, pp.313 - 330

Received: 24 May 2014
Accepted: 10 Aug 2014
Published online: 08 Oct 2015 *

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