BUS631: Integrated Supply Chain Management (NBV1348A)

Final Project

The final project will be a Project Demonstrating Excellence Summary Paper. The Final Project must reflect college-level writing and thinking, and will contribute 25% to the course grade.

Each student is required to write a Project Demonstrating Excellence (PDE) Final Project paper that is 8-12 double-spaced pages in length. The purpose of the assignment is to give the student a means of displaying their analytical reasoning/critical thinking skills. This will be for the benefit of both the peer as well as the instructor.

The student will be expected to take a concept, theory or topic discussed/explained in the text (i.e. inventory control, strategic alliances, technology and supply management, etc.). The student is expected to present a scholarly discussion of the chosen topic and adhere to the format/style required by the APA Manual. The student is encouraged to seek out information from other sources (preferably scholarly) to establish, explain and/or defend the particular points they raise. The learning outcomes to be reflected in the PDE may include 1-5, at the very least, outcomes 1-3 MUST be covered in the paper.

Expected learning/critical thinking:

1. Develop an understanding of supply chain management practices and procedures in organizations today.
2. Apply an understanding of how the supply chain system operates and its significance relative to a business operation.
3. The ability to recognize and design a supply chain.
4. Assess procurement and outsourcing strategies focusing on strategic purchasing, outsourcing and the supplier footprint.
5. Review strategies for creating and/or maintaining quality in the distribution process.

Writing the Final Project

The Paper:

• Must be eight- to twelve- double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.
• Must include a cover page that includes:
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Title of paper
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted
• Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
• Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
• Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
• Must use at least five professional resources, including a minimum of two from Ashford University Library.
• Must use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide to document all sources.
• Must include, on the final page, a Reference Page that is completed according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.

Book:

Simchi-Levi, D., Kaminsky, P., & Simchi-Levi, E. (2008)Designing and managing the supply chain: Concepts, strategies and case studies. (3^rded.) with companion CD-Rom. Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin. ISBN: 9780073341521