Systems and Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Systems and Operations Management - Essay Example Competition has progressed from one that is based on specific organisational practises to one that is highly influenced by the supply chains of an organization. Supply chain management has been conceptualized into five dimensions that posses the potential to determine the competitive advantage of a business especially in the manufacturing sector. Supply chain dimension are the determinant factors that influences the excellence of a specific supply chain model adopted by a company specifically in the chemical specialty sector. These dimensions include but are not limited to alignment of the overall business strategies and the supply chain strategy and the execution of such strategies. Strategic depth of every supply chain management plan also forms an important element of supply chain dimension that a company must consider. All the steps taken in enhancing the competitiveness of a business targets the customers who must register utmost satisfaction with the supply chain performance, a n important dimension in strategic management of supply chains. Proper supply chain management also creates competitive advantage by providing the link between demand creation and demand fulfilment by improving the ability of a business to design its products based on the desires and tastes of the customers. ... Speciality chemicals include materials such as adhesives, agrichemicals, polymers, fragrances, food additives and surfactants. As products that are majorly used based on the basis of their performance and function, supply chain management plays a significant role in the development of proper products that can suit the demands of other industries and individuals. Speciality companies belong to different associations depending on their country of origin and the nature of products that they generally produce. In the United Kingdom, speciality industries belong to the British association of chemical specialties while American version is the society of chemical manufacturers and affiliates. Apex industrial chemicals is a British based company with its headquarters in Aberdeen and supplies companies and individual client’s different products for use in specific specialty industries. The products manufactured by the company include cleaners, degreasers, scale dissolvers, lubricants, corrosion preventives and hand care products. The products form Apex industrial chemicals targets players in other industries including the vehicle exterior cleaning and maintenance, electrical equipment maintenance and fabrication and engineering among others (Berning et al, 2002). Apex also manufactures products that targets offshore marine companies that are used in mining and offshore oil drilling. The widespread market presence of AIC across Europe and other parts of the world can be attributed to the sound supply management strategy that the company has employed. This has enabled the company to manufacture products that meets the demands and specifications of the clients found within different sectors of the economy. Example would be low cost