Essentials of Supply Chain Management (Essentials Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)As a consultant in this area, I have recommended this book to my clients. This well-structured, easy-to-read book is an excellent introduction to concepts of Supply Chain Management. Its target audience, executives who must learn about supply chain in order to make strategic decisions, could be expanded to include any person who wants or needs to learn about supply chain. I highly recommend it as a first book for any project manager who is new to this are.
The book contains 8 chapters, each with a similar structure: a list of the learning and performance objectives of preceding the actual content, which is presented in a logical and interesting way. The content is accompanied by helpful diagrams and a series of examples or case studies labeled "Executive Insight" or "In the Real World". It also contains lists of helpful "Tips and Techniques".
The author begins with an overview of the general concepts of Supply Chain Management. One of the objectives of this chapter is to be able to "Start an intelligent conversation about supply chain management issues in your company" It is a tall order, and the author succeeds, introducing the neophyte to the basic concepts of Production, Inventory, Location, Transportation and Inventory with clear and concise prose. In a very interesting example, Hugos uses the story of Alexander the Great to illustrate how a good supply chain functions.
The following 4 chapters systematically cover the basics of supply chain: Planning and Sourcing, Making and Delivering, Coordination and Technology and Supply Chain Metrics. Each of these chapters takes up the fundamental concepts involved and explains them in a simple and understandable fashion. For those that are reading this book as an introduction to supply chain, there will be many an "aha"of understanding as you read along. Of particular interest for the IT project manager, Hugos explains at length what the various technologies are that serve the supply chain.
In the final 2 chapters the author assists the reader in analyzing the type of market(s) that their company targets, and how to determine and plan for a supply chain to succesfully serve them. As well, the chapter includes a number of usefel tools and techniques that can be used to plan out a supply chain project. Most project managers should find this section to be very useful. He closes the book with a look to the future, and uses the concept of "Emergent Behavior" to make predictions about supply chains of the future. He explains how supply chains will develop "Self Adjusting Feedback Loops", using automation to keep information constantly flowing around the loop.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Supply Chain Management. It will be helpful in particular to project managers and IT professionals who want to work in the manufacturing sector. It is well thought out and eminently readable!
Kevin Callahan, The PMCi

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The latest thinking, strategies, developments, and technologies to stay current in supply chain management
Presenting the core concepts and techniques of supply chain management in a clear, concise and easily readable style, the Third Edition of Essentials of Supply Chain Management outlines the most crucial tenets and concepts of supply chain management.
Shows how to utilize technology to boost efficiency and responsiveness
Introduces new material on the latest technology and practices available for supply chain management
Offers new cases and executive interviews throughout the book
Written by author of Business in the Cloud: What Every Business Needs to Know about Cloud Computing

Creating an effective supply chain is key to staying ahead in today's complex market. The Third Edition provides the tools, guidance, and examples to help maximize business performance and create competitive advantage.

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