Thesis and Dissertation topics related to Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement Management, Inventory Management, Distribution Management, and Retail Management. Keywords applicable to this article: inventory, logistics, supply chain network design, transportation network design, distribution network design, warehousing, push and pull supply chain, supply chain efficiency and effectiveness, supply chain performance drivers, demand forecasting, aggregation planning, economies of scale, supply chain risk management, global supply chains, IT management in supply chains, E-supply chains, Lean Six Sigma in supply chains, sustainable supply chains. By: Professor Nand Kishore Prasad, Principal Consulting Officer Updated by: Sourabh Kishore, Chief Consulting Officer Mobile Friendly Page Please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to discuss your topic or to get ideas about new topics pertaining to your subject area. Supply Chain Management is one of those research domains that will always have research opportunities and research topics for dissertation and thesis projects. This is because the global business frameworks operated and managed by multinational businesses are changing rapidly because of the challenges posed by globalization and liberalization, which directly affects supply chain design and management of an organization. Environmental issues, economical challenges, financial crisis, challenges to sustainability, fluctuating oil prices, increase of carbon footprints, dynamic scenarios of multinational trade relationships, agreements, and barriers, global conflicts and wars, rising threats to international sea cargo, land cargo and air cargo, rising threats to congested lanes and channels, single points of failures, lack of feasible alternate routes, increasing supply chain risks, increasing global competition, rising benchmarks of customers' expectations, challenges of flexibility, agility, and responsiveness and many more similar issues are significant challenges facing modern supply chain managers who are already under pressure to reduce lead times, inventory holding and costs in every step of supply chain management. Modern supply chain practices need to be highly proactive, horizontally integrated, synchronized, information driven, network based, and digitalisation and real-time technology enabled. These challenges are rapidly eliminating the old beliefs and practices giving way to new ways of managing the components of supply chain. The core elements of supply chain, viz. procurement management, production and operations management, inventory management, distribution management, and retail management, can no longer operate as distinct verticals but need to be integrated horizontally with the help of accurate and timely information management and flow, effective and efficient management of funds, synchronous activities, effective coordination, decision-making power at lower levels, better economies of scale, elimination of wastes, increased reliability on actual demands (than demand forecasting), flexible logistics infrastructure, operations, and processes, organization wide cost reduction targets and excellent service delivery. In this context, I hereby present some of the key areas in which, the students may like to conduct their research studies. In each of these areas and the suggested sample topics, you may select an industry in a country/region or a specific company in that industry with multiple locations for conducting a narrow and focussed study. (A) Functional Integration of Procurement, Production, Inventory, Distribution, and Inventory Management: In modern supply chains, organizations are giving high emphasis on horizontal integration of supply chain components by breaking all the traditional functional barriers and organizational hierarchies that have existed since the concept was born. Modern supply chain agents integrate effectively by sharing timely and accurate information with everyone in very transparent manner. For example, if the supply chain has multiple inventory points (Stock Keeping Units), the procurement manager may have access to daily, or even hourly, updates of the inventory levels at all the points. Functional integration is evident even with suppliers and customers. The systems like automatic reordering by an IT enabled system at fixed pre-negotiated prices whenever inventory levels dip below the reorder points, continuous flow of consumption information upstream and shipping information downstream between the endpoints, supplier managed inventory at customer premises, exact and timely flow of actual demand information through predictive analytics reducing the need for demand forecasting, strategic supplier agreements, framework agreements, sustainable procurements, etc. are emerging modern practices. I suggest that students may like to undertake academic research studies on how supply chain integration is carried out by modern companies, by conducting on-field surveys and interviews. The studies can be conducted on a particular company or on the entire supply network of a commodity. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Logistics performance through coordination and collaboration in multi-echelon supply chains (b) Constructs and their measurements comprising interrelationships among functional variables in supply chain management (multiple topics involving identification of functional variables in a supply chain environment and their interrelationships established through statistical significance testing) (c) Functional integration in supply chains and competitive advantages of businesses (multiple topics investigating influence of functional integration variables of supply chain management on variables related to competitive advantages of businesses) (d) Functional integration in supply chains and performance of businesses (multiple topics investigating influence of functional integration variables of supply chain management on variables related to financial performance, market performance, supply performance, demand fulfilment performance, and quality performance of businesses) (e) Multi-level inter-echelon integration of functional roles and responsibilities, and their tasks in supply chains (f) Effectiveness of achieving social, economical, and environmental sustainability through functional integration in supply chains (g) Investigation of technological solutions for functional integration in supply chain management (example: investigating the role of logistics information systems, role of RFID, and role of Internet of Things in supply chain functional integration) (h) Achieving supply chain resilience, responsiveness, and flexibility through inter-echelon functional integration (i) Critical success factors for effective and efficient functional integration in supply chain management (multivariate factor analysis and structural equation modeling) (j) Quantitative and system dynamics modeling of supply chain functional integration (comprising study of supply chain system dynamics modeling in Vensim and Arena, and analysis of dependence of integration goals on internal and external factors using Taguchi method) (k) Evolving techniques on supply chain integration through digital transformation in the era of Industry 4.0 (l) Integrating and automating procurement and inventory replenishment and management practices using Industrial Internet of Things and big data analytics (m) Integrating industrial machineries and robotics operations with automated performance monitoring and maintenance to drive automated inventory replenishment in the Industry 4.0 (n) Integrating materials despatch data with inventory data through continuous data streams using Industrial Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics (o) Application of Augmented reality in integrating procurement, logistics operations, and inventory control in the era of Industry 4.0 (p) Automating supplier deliveries and payment processing through Industrial Internet of Things attachments in consignments and integrating with procurement and accounts processes (q) Digital transformation of transportation and distribution networking in the era of Industry 4.0 (r) Conceptualising and designing a Big Data Analytics framework for integrating facilities of strategic suppliers with those of a large global manufacturing organisation (s) Integrating processes from drawing board to final delivery of products - investigating new B2B models in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management (t) Integration of procurement, inventory, logistics, and supply chain management functions of multiple suppliers serving shared customers through cloud manufacturing (u) Materials Requirements Planning integration with real-time production consumption data streamed from Industrial Internet of Things attached with robotics and machineries, and their controllers in the Industry 4.0 (v) Real-time visibility into process variables and its impact on lead-time and supply chain risks management performance (w) Resilience, Agility, and Responsiveness achievable through integration of logistics and supply chain processes employing Industrial Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics (x) Multi-functional decision-making protocols by integrating Operations 4.0 with Procurement 4.0 and Inventory 4.0 in the Industry 4.0 (y) Lean and Just-In-Time production, logistics, and supply chain management revisited in the era of Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 (z) Securing global logistics and supply chain management integration by separating the Industrial Internet infrastructure from the Public Internet Logistics and Supply Chain Management is undergoing a wave of digital transformations worldwide. In this context, we have presented latest topics on Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in the context of Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, and Manufacturing. We will be happy to assist you in developing your narrow research topic with an original contribution based on the research context, research problem, and the research aim, and objectives. Further, We also offer you to develop the "background and context", "problem description and statement", "aim, objectives, research questions", "design of methodology and methods", and "15 to 25 most relevant citations per topic" for three topics of your choice of research areas at a nominal fee. Such a synopsis shall help you in focussing, critically thinking, discussing with your reviewer, and developing your research proposal. To avail this service, Please Click Here for more details. Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! (B) Supply Chain Network Design: The concept of network design is rapidly gaining popularity in supply chain management. In fact, many modern scholars are talking about renaming "Supply Chain Management" to "Supply Network Management". This is because companies no longer just manage multi-tier suppliers in the form of chains but rather manage a whole network of suppliers for their key purchases. The concept of supply network has evolved as a result of globalization and rapid growth of Internet leading to reduced gaps between suppliers and buyers of the world. The network design concepts are applied in the areas of production facilities, operational facilities (like service locations), logistics facilities, transportation, distribution, and retailing. The actual design depends upon the supply chain strategy, scope, cost, risks and uncertainties, and demand information. The key design considerations in network design are - nodes and links, direct shipments, milk runs, in-transit mergers, domestic transit routes, international transit routes, last mile transit routes, locations of plants, depots, warehouses, distributor storage, retail outlets, and risks related to each node and link. The key factors that need to be taken into account are - strategic factors, technological factors, macroeconomic factors, political factors, infrastructure factors, competitive factors, socioeconomic factors, localization, response time expectations (of customers), facility costs, and logistics costs. In my view, network design in logistics and supply chain management has ample opportunities for conducting academic studies for students and professionals. The studies will be based more on interviews and focus group discussions because the students will need to learn from specialist network designers and network managers in supply chains. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Multiobjective optimization problems in supply chain network design under risks and uncertainties (multiple topics are possible for designing different configurations of a supply network through mathematical optimization in operations research theory) (b) Value creation through robust supply chain network design (c) Optimised supply network design through process engineering and value chain creation (d) Agile and lean production strategy through robust closed-loop supply network design (e) Effective Supply chain network design for effective demand fulfilment at low operational costs and through high quality and timely deliveries (f) Effective Supply chain network design for reducing carbon footprints and improving environmental sustainability (g) Effective Strategies for robustness in supply network design for reducing service disruptions amidst uncertainties in flow of supplies (h) Effective Supply network design for dealing with uncertainties in demand information flow and high seasonal fluctuations (i) Effective Supply network design for curbing Bullwhip effect and reducing the resulting effects of beer gaming and order rationing games (j) Supply chain network design for integrated flow of materials, funds, and information in forward and reverse logistics (k) Supply chain network design for implementing, maintaining and operating strategic supplier agreements (l) Multipath routing design in national supply chain networking based on variability in path costs and path delays (m) Supply network optimisation through system dynamics modeling, network simulations, and Taguchi method (n) Designing a multi-echelon multi-vehicle network with optimal routing under time window constraints for perishable products supplies (o) Optimized supply network design for capacity planning and balancing of production capacity, logistics capacity, and distribution capacity (p) Designing locations and interconnectivity of temporary in-transit storage infrastructures for multi-hop multi-path transportation networks (q) Designing a flexible transportation, logistics, and distribution network for lean and agile order fulfilment of small batch orders (r) Solving an integrated supply chain design optimization problem for multiple irregular shipments caused by production and logistics delays using hybrid Taguchi - Immune method (s) Strategic and tactical supply chain network designs for managing risks and uncertainties under stochastic demand variations (t) Evolutionary approaches of flexible logistics network designing and redesigning for variable capacity, resources, and funds allocation decision-making based on variations in costs, efficiencies, and lead-times (u) Principles influencing agility, flexibility, responsiveness, resilience, and quality of supply chain network design (v) Multi-party multi-supplier supply chain network design based on order booking and fulfilment services through cloud computing (w) Supply chain network design for operating multi-party closed blockchain with consolidated allocation and visualisation of assets (x) Multi-modal supply chain network design for smart contracts operations through open blockchains (y) Transportation and distribution network design for blockchain-controlled manufacturing and supply chain processes (z) Multi-party multi-supplier supply chain network design based on cloud manufacturing demand generation (aa) Multi-party multi-supplier supply chain network design based on smart contract generation, monitoring, and control in blockchain consortiums of additive manufacturers and suppliers (ab) Multi-party multi-supplier supply chain network design for operating integrated logistics and transportation assets identified, registered, monitored, and controlled through blockchains (ac) Multi-party multi-supplier supply chain network design controlled through provenance tracking and anomaly detection using machine learning and artificial intelligence (ad) Multi-party multi-supplier supply chain network design for operating modular construction processes and assets management using smart contracts in construction industry blockchains (ae) Multi-party multi-supplier supply chain network design for optimised quality assurance and control using smart contracts in blockchains Dear Visitor: Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains and in the areas of Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in the context of Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, and Manufacturing. With Sincere Regards, Prof. N. K. Prasad. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading. (C) Demand Pull Supply Chain Strategy: It is almost an empirical fact that the world is now gradually drifting towards demand pull supply chain strategy for demand chain management instead of mass production and products push strategy. Now the businesses are focusing more on gaining accurate and timely demand information rather than depending upon demand forecasts such that demand-based order fulfilment through make-to-order and assemble-to-order processes can be done. The companies have already faced significant problems due to high inventory costs and wastage of unconsumed products in light of forecast inaccuracy and inaccurate demand flow phenomenon caused by Forrester (Bullwhip) effect. However, it may be noted that pull supply chain strategy is not as straightforward as push strategy. The strategists no longer have the leverage to just depend upon demand models, viewed as magic wands in the past, but are required to proactively collect actual demand information. This change requires effective integration with suppliers and buyers, and large scale information sharing through sophisticated information systems. The companies need to think much beyond Japanese Kanbans or lean strategies (even they have backfired, really!!). The students may like to study on what companies are doing or can do to shift to demand pull strategy as much as possible. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Enhancing responsiveness of a supply chain through demand pull strategy supported by lean manufacturing and IT-enabled integration (b) A study of make-to-order, assemble-to-order, and engineer-to-order demand fulfilment strategies under demand pull strategy (c) Lean transformation of a supply chain for implementing demand pull strategy and demand-linked order fulfilment (d) Identifying and managing customer order coupling points of a supply chain for implementing demand pull strategy and demand-linked order fulfilment (e) Data collection and management methods from bar codes and RFID data aggregators for implementing demand pull strategy and demand-linked order fulfilment (f) Value chain management by integrating demand and supply information through knowledge management (g) Implementing demand pull strategy and demand-linked order fulfilment through cloud computing-enabled demand chain management (h) Investigating resource-based view and resource-advantage theory for implementing demand pull strategy and demand-linked order fulfilment (i) Principles and factors influencing supply chain design for effective demand chain management (j) Strategic supplier engagements and integration with sales and marketing for effective demand chain management (k) Designing a logistics workflow system for demand chain management using data collected from bar code and RFID databases (l) System dynamics modeling and discrete events simulations for designing and analysing a demand chain management system (m) Demand-driven inventory management based on predictive analytics and collaborative replenishment (n) Demand-driven quick response in digitalised supply chain management (o) Resilience and responsiveness in demand-driven digitalised supply chains (p) Collaborative multi-party logistics for demand-driven supply chains (q) Solving bullwhip effect problem in digitalised supply chains through multi-echelon data collection and analysis (r) Supply chain analytics and visualisation technologies for demand - supply synchronisation (s) Impact of modern real-time data collection and visualisation technologies on demand fulfilment performance of supply chains (t) Role of machine learning and artificial intelligence in responding to highly dynamic stochastic demands (u) Supply chain partnership modeling using modern digitalised integration of logistics and production processes (v) Time-based supply chain competition and related time-based strategies in the digitalised world (w) Process and Value chain mapping in modern digitalised supply chains (x) Advanced category management in demand-driven supply chain management (y) Demand-driven supply chain mapping processes specific to an industry (industry-specific topics) (z) Demand-driven flexible smart contracts in blockchains comprising of closed supplier and customer networking We will be happy to assist you in developing your narrow research topic with an original contribution based on the research context, research problem, and the research aim, and objectives. Further, We also offer you to develop the "background and context, "problem description and statement", "aim, objectives, research questions", "design of methodology and methods", and "15 to 25 most relevant citations per topic" for three topics of your choice of research areas at a nominal fee. Such a synopsis shall help you in focussing, critically thinking, discussing with your guide/supervisor, and developing your research proposal. To avail this service, Please Click Here for more details. Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! (D) Supply Chain Efficiency and Effectiveness: Every organization spends significant amounts on supply chain management. Financial planning, cost control, timely service, high quality of service, elimination of duplicates and wastes, information and information systems integration, horizontal collaboration, cooperation, teamwork, and communications, relevant management practices, process integration, tasks integration, metrics and measurements, continuous improvements, and return on investments in supply chain are key drivers of efficiency and effectiveness. A number of metrics are taken as inputs to the strategic supply chain planning to ensure that optimum efficiency and effectiveness can be achieved. This research area may require on-site quantitative data collection, and quantitative analytics using SPSS and such other statistical analysis tools to arrive at the results. The students may have to discover independent and dependent variables and their interrelationships using statistical significance testing and other inferential statistical methods. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Defining and measuring key performance indicators of supply chain performance (b) Differentiation, effectiveness, and efficiency in the context of competitive advantages through logistics performance (c) Strategies for enhancing process, tasks, communications, information systems, and collaboration efficiency in supply chains (multiple topics may be formed each addressing a separate area) (d) Inducing agility and flexibility in supply chains through effective supplier selection and management (e) Effects of inter-echelon collaboration, coordination, and communications on effectiveness and efficiency of demand fulfilment (f) Enhancing effectiveness and efficiency of supply chains by achieving triple bottomline (environmental, economic, and social) sustainability objectives for supply chain management (g) Investigating the impact of global information and supplier integration on stock replenishment effectiveness and demand fulfillment of multinational retail brand stores (h) Investigating the impact of demand and supplies forecasting accuracy on logistics costs and demand fulfillment of multinational retail brand stores (i) Investigating the influence of online comparative quotes and multi-supplier management in web-based global procurement on business value enhancement and profitability (j) Investigating the influence of IT innovation and Information Integration on Global supplier development, and business value creation (k) Investigating the impact of demand and supplies forecasting accuracy on business value creation, resources prioritization, and inventory planning effectiveness (l) Investigating the influence of IT innovation, Information Integration, and Relevant decision support reporting on long-range planning effectiveness, resources forecasting, and budgeting in supply chain management (m) Impact of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and real time data collection and visualisation on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (n) Supply chain effectiveness and efficiency in multi-party multi-supplier network design using smart contracts and blockchains (o) Impact of additive manufacturing processes with design, materials planning, and production quality validation through cloud manufacturing (p) Influence of big data analytics on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (q) Influence on digital transformation and hyper-automation on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (r) Influence of machine learning and artificial intelligence on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (s) Trade-off between cloud and edge computing for variable logistics load management to maintain and enhance supply chain efficiency and effectivess (t) Influence of real-time data visualisation through digital twins or siblings on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (u) Influence of predictive and prescriptive analytics on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (v) Influence of dynamic capabilities in procurement and inventory management on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (w) Influence of supplier and supply chain mapping using digital technologies on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (x) Influence of real-time tracking and integration of suppliers' logistics innovations on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness (z) Influence of smart contracts execution and tracking through multi-party multi-supplier blockchains on supply chain efficiency and effectiveness Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! (E) Supply Chain Integration: This research area may be taken as an extension of functional integration (point A). Other forms of integration in supply chain management are logistics integration, process integration, supplier integration, technology integration, data integration, information and information systems integration, quality integration, funds integration, and infrastructure and services integration. The student may like to study how companies are integrating with key suppliers and customers to improve flow of information about demands (upstream) and supply (downstream) and to reduce lead times. The modern concepts like direct delivery (from suppliers to customers), vendor managed inventories (VMI), cross-docking, optimal procurement policy, optimal manufacturing strategy, inventory minimization, input and output control, aggregation planning, process integration, real time monitoring and control, optimization of operations, supply chain object library, enterprise supply chain integration modelling, 3PL and 4PL, quick response (QR), efficient consumer response (ECR), continuous replenishment planning (CRP), and collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR) are included in the scope of supply chain integration. The students may chose a particular area and conduct on-site interviews of supply chain experts about how these practices are incorporated by organizations in their supply chain integration strategies. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) A study of strategies for achieving effective integration of an organisation with customers and suppliers for value creating demand chain management (b) Competitive advantages of IT enabled supply chains by virtue of integrated processes, integrated information, and integrated team collaboration (c) Strategies and logistics planning for integrating forward and reverse supply chains (d) Performance outcomes achievable through supply chain integration in manufacturing companies (e) Logistics capability development through supply chain integration (f) Lean and agile transformation of supply chains through supply chain integration (g) Effective supply chain risk management through logistics processes, infrastructure, and tasks integration strategy (h) Integrating supply chain processes and information through e-collaboration tools on cloud computing (i) Implementing lean and six-sigma philosophies for supply chains through information and process integration (j) Developing dynamic capabilities and flexibility in a supply chain through integration (k) Information integration and collaboration in reverse supply chain management (l) Enablers and barriers to integration in supply chain management (m) Reducing supply chain disruptions through information integration and collaboration (n) Integrating demand and supply sides in a supply chain through value chain management (o) Eliminating duplicates and wastes in supply chains through multi-echelon process and information integration and standardisation (p) Tactical supply chain integration under supply uncertainties, disruptions, and demand fluctuations (q) Collaborative planning and replenishment and vendor-managed inventory in modern cloud-based multinational e-commerce (Amazon case study) (r) Collaborative logistics planning through 3PL and 4PL for supply chain flexibility and quick response (s) Closed loop supply chain integration for remanufacturing of rapidly recyclable products (separate product-based case studies, like batteries, bags, consumer electronics, mobile phones, and Vehicle tyres) (t) Applying ISO 9001 standard for integrating supply chain processes (u) Transactional and relational mechanisms for integration with buyers and suppliers in small-scale industries (v) Global supply chain integration with lean and green practices for triple bottom-line (environmental, economical, social) sustainability (w) Integration in services supply chain for customer-centric value creation (x) Integrating marketing, sales, procurement, and logistics functions and their processes for effective demand chain management (y) Carbon accounting and carbon footprint tracing of supply chains through knowledge and information integration (z) Curbing dysfunctional phenomena in supply chains through multi-echelon functional, process, information, and skills integration (examples are: Bullwhip effect, beer gaming, order rationing, large batch sizes, inaccurate demand forecasting, stock outs, stock overruns, cost overruns, and high defects density) We will be happy to assist you in developing your narrow research topic with an original contribution based on the research context, research problem, and the research aim, and objectives. Further, We also offer you to develop the "background and context", "problem description and statement", "aim, objectives, research questions", "design of methodology and methods", and "15 to 25 most relevant citations per topic" for three topics of your choice of research areas at a nominal fee. Such a synopsis shall help you in focussing, critically thinking, discussing with your reviewer, and developing your research proposal. To avail this service, Please Click Here for more details. Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! (F) Supply Chain Performance Drivers: The key performance drivers of supply chain management are - facility effectiveness, inventory effectiveness, transportation effectiveness, information effectiveness, sourcing effectiveness, cost effectiveness, speed effectiveness, delivery effectiveness, quality effectiveness, service effectiveness, green effectivness, economic effectiveness, social empowerment effectiveness, employee skills and competencies, supplier effectiveness, flexibility, lean effectiveness, agility, responsiveness, resilience, and market orientation effectiveness. These drivers comprise multiple performance indicators that may be measured quantitatively by collecting data and applying them in SPSS. The studies in this area may primarily be quantitative with statistical significance analysis of interrelationships between variables. The sustainable supply chain management to support the triple bottom-line (equity, environment, and economy) is also included in the scope of supply chain performance drivers. Topic development in this area is presented in an extension of this article (please click here). A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Influence of information systems on supply chain operational performance (b) Influence of multi-echelon integration on supply chain operational performance (c) Market orientation and demand penetration in supply chains and their effects on demand fulfilment performance (d) Strategic lock-in under win-win buyer-supplier relationships for enhanced supplier performance (e) Identifying the performance key indicators and their measures of a global multi-echelon supply chain following the balanced scorecard approach (f) Customer and supplier perspectives of value chain performance with end-to-end integration of logistics facilities and processes (g) Developing and testing an instrument based on SCOR for performance measurement of global sustainable supply chains (h) Evaluating the structure, speed, responsiveness, resilience, agility, and flexibility metrics and their measurements of a modern global supply chain in the context of fulfilling lean and agile demands (i) Performance metrics and measurements in reverse closed-loop supply chains for recycling and reengineering (j) Approaches for developing industry-specific KPIs, KPMs, and measurement methods of a global supply chain (k) Applying economic value added (EVA) and activity based costing (ABC) for enabling lean and agile performance of a global supply chain (l) Factors and preparations influencing development of performance measurement indicators and their measures in a multi-echelon supply chain (m) Defining configurable and comprehensive performance metrics for selecting suppliers based on contractual terms and customers' needs (n) Enablers and barriers of performance measurements of e-supply chains using cloud computing (o) Greening a supply chain through selection and measurement of green KPIs and KPMs (p) Measurements of maintenance and after sales performance in a closed-loop supply chain (q) Modeling lean and agile practices through a strategy-structure-performance paradigm change in supply chain management (r) Approaches for developing logistics KPIs, KPMs, and measurement methods of a complex multi-company multi-industry global supply chain managed by international freight and forwarding (courier) companies (this topic is specifically designed to study the logistics and supply chain performance of multinational courier companies like DHL, Blue Dart, FedEx, United Parcel Service, TNT, etc.) (s) Role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in enhancing logistics performance in a global supply chain (t) Supply chain performance drivers for fostering greenness and sustainability in developing economies Logistics and Supply Chain Management is undergoing a wave of digital transformations worldwide. In this context, we have presented latest topics on Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in the context of Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, and Manufacturing. (G) Demand Forecasting and Predictive Analytics: The concept of demand forecasting is diminishing as more and more companies are now focusing on getting accurate and timely demand information rather than depending upon forecasts. This is carried out by effective integration of information from all the nodes of the supply chain and disseminating upstream as well as downstream. The modern evolving concept is called Predictive Analytics in which, deep machine learning is employed to make accurate predictions by artificial intelligence tools. Please visit our article on machine learning and artificial intelligence for Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 for more details. However, there are many industries that will continue to depend upon push strategy and demand forecasting. The students may like to study about the drawbacks of traditional forecasting methods (like time series forecasting, moving averages, trend analysis, etc.) and the ways of improving forecasting accuracy. Many companies want to incorporate real time data in their forecasting models and focus on forecasting for shorter periods. This requires lots of additional knowledge over and above the traditional ways of working upon past demand data. The modern forecasting models may be based on accurate knowledge of customer segments, major factors that influence forecasting accuracy, information integration, bullwhip effect, scenario planning, simulations, external factors, risks, and causal (Fishbone or Ishikawa) analysis. Most of the studies may be qualitative or triangulated. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Demand forecasting for reducing Forrester (bullwhip) effect caused by distortion induced during information flow (b) A Study of advanced planning methods and techniques in supply chain management (c) Factors influencing timeliness and accuracy of demand forecasting in supply chain management (d) Judgmental adjustments approaches in demand forecasting based on localised scenario analysis of the supply chain in a location (e) The role of knowledge management in demand forecasting in supply chains (f) Scenario planning and system dynamics modeling for studying the effects of demand forecasting on supply chain performance (g) Forecasting of spares stocking and materials flow in reverse supply chains based on service logs of the service centres (h) Demand and supplies mapping through customer facing data collection in CRM applications (i) Demand forecasting through big data analytics of Internet retail websites (j) Advanced techniques in demand forecasting for decision support (studies on neural networks, fuzzy algorithms, neuro-fizzy models, goal oriented programming methods, scenario analysis, advanced planning tools, AHP, etc.) (k) Demand forecasting through study and analysis of customer actions and order coupling points in a supply chain (l) Demand forecasting under uncertainties and supply risks following advanced planning tools (m) Aggregation of sales, order booking, production, inventory, and supplies information for adaptive demand forecasting for businesses running in volatile markets (n) Predictive analytics for supporting follow-the-demand strategy in digitalised supply chains (o) Artificial Intelligence for Predictive Analytics of demand waves in stochastic demand environments (p) Predictive and prescriptive analytics for Procurement 4.0 (q) Advanced data analytics for predictive visualisation of transportation and distribution risks (r) Predictive data modeling for detecting provenance-related anomalies in supplier reports (s) Predictive data modeling for flows prioritisation in warehouses having dynamic capabilities of racks and routes (t) Demand-driven flow management in supply chains using predictive analytics (u) Real-time visualisation of consumption in modern retail supermarkets and hypermarkets (v) Lean replenishment of inventory using real-time data visualisation of inventory flows and predictive analytics (w) Supply chain synchronisation following advanced demand and supplies predictions (x) Managing time-based opportunities following demand and supply predictive modeling (y) Predictive data analytics for reducing flows and storage periods in digitalised warehousing (z) Supply chain business models exploiting the predictive data analytics capabilities We will be happy to assist you in developing your narrow research topic with an original contribution based on the research context, research problem, and the research aim, and objectives. Further, We also offer you to develop the "background and context", "problem description and statement", "aim, objectives, research questions", "design of methodology and methods", and "15 to 25 most relevant citations per topic" for three topics of your choice of research areas at a nominal fee. Such a synopsis shall help you in focussing, critically thinking, discussing with your guide/supervisor, and developing your research proposal. To avail this service, Please Click Here for more details. Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! (H) Aggregation Planning: Aggregation is carried out by a company to determine the levels of pricing, capacity, production, outsourcing, inventory, etc. during a specified period. Aggregation planning helps in consolidation of the internal and external stock keeping units (SKUs) within the decision and strategic framework for reducing costs, meeting demands and maximising profits. It may be viewed as the next step of either demand forecasting (push strategy) or demand information accumulation (pull strategy) for carrying out estimations of the inventory level, internal capacity levels, outsourced capacity levels, workforce levels, and production levels required in a specified time period. Aggregation planning in modern supply chains is carried out using advanced planning tools comprising of 2D layout maps, 3D spatial maps, structural maps, data association with map items, spatial data mining, location-aware data mining, analytical hierachy planning, etc. The students may like to conduct qualitative case studies and modeling-based quantitative studies to research about modern practices of aggregation planning in various industrial and retail sectors. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Planning and aggregating customer order points, stock keeping points, and transportation routes for order fulfilment with agreed service levels (b) Aggregation of supply chain processes for logistics planning in a global supply chain (c) Hierarchical aggregation planning of transportation routes and their lead-times for predicting delivery reliability (d) Aggregation of city logistics facilities for planning of urban food and essential supplies distribution under crisis scenarios (e) Supply chain planning matrix with hierarchical aggregation of stock keeping units (SKUs) and transportation routes for determining pricing, demand fulfilment thresholds, safety stocks, and lead-times (f) Multi-objective urban logistics planning through aggregation of locations and spatial capacity consumption patterns on a city map (g) Holistic planning of supermarket and hypermarket inventories using aggregation of 3D spatial models, RFID data of packaged products, and storage/retrieval tools (h) Aggregation planning through virtualisation of logistics clusters of supermarkets and hypermarkets in 3D spatial mapping tools (i) Aggregation planning for spare parts inventory in large-scale service centres based on integrated information availability from installed bases, service stations, stock keeping units, and production units (j) Aggregation planning for on-site service provisioning and spares stocking at customer locations using installed base, SKUs, and transportation route maps and information (k) Logistics park layout planning for deciding on SKU locations and routing (l) Aggregation planning of information assets for maintaining information systems inventory for large IT customers (this topic will involve case studies of enterprise IT support by large IT vendors like Cisco, IBM, HP, Dell, etc. using their logistics operations and inventories) (m) Layout planning of construction assets and materials storage and flow in a large construction site (n) A structural map of horizontal inter-echelon cooperation for improved logistics effectiveness and efficiency (o) Classification and nomenclature of nodes in a supply network plan for organising data in spatial data maps and spatial data mines (p) Multi-agency coordination through 3D spatial model of a virtualised supply chain using RFID-based tracking and tracing of items Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! (I) Global Supply Chains: In the modern world, suppliers in a country are facing direct competition from international suppliers as if the latter are operating within the country. This has happened due to modernization of information management and dissemination, supply routes, payment channels, electronic contracts, leading to improved reliability and reduced lead times of international suppliers. The students may like to undertake study on monitoring and management of global supply chains/networking by professionals working in MNCs. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Influence of logistics performance on global business performance (b) Global supply chain planning and operation in the modern era of disturbances and turbulences (c) PESTEL analysis for designing an effective and efficient global supply chain (d) SMART goals of global logistics and supplier management (SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) (e) Approaches for supplier selection in global sustainable procurement strategy (f) Knowledge management for services innovation in global logistics management through tacit knowledge capturing from supply chain echelons (g) Multi-layered visibility into supply networking for global commissioning projects with the help of update snapshots from PM databases (h) Ecological uncertainty challenges in highly congested oceanic lanes in global supply chains and their effects on operational performance and integration (special studies may be conducted on the ecological challenges related to Malacca and Singapore straits) (i) Collaborative global business intelligence using cloud-based data warehousing for measuring multi-echelon logistics performance (j) Remanufacturing through global reverse supply chain of recyclable scraps (specific focus on scrap exports by massive dismantling services; like ship dismantling for extracting massive inventories of recyclable iron and steel) (k) System dynamics modeling and control systems comprising global supplier networking supplying through trade exchanges (l) Global supplier evaluation and strategic supplier engagements using multi-criteria decision-making on triple bottomline sustainability (m) Standards for monitoring and governance of suppliers based on measurement of trust and reliability factors (n) Multisite aggregation planning of production facilities for ensuring supplies during uncertainty and turbulence in global supply chains (you may like to study aggregation planning of multiple production facilities for essential medicines and healthcare products supply) (o) Forecasting techniques and judgmental adjustments based on scenario analysis in global supply chains (p) Study of global supply chains of international restaurant chains (example, you may study how McDonald and KFC are able to maintain standard menus and tastes across the world) (q) Digitalisation of global value chains through cloud manufacturing (r) Digitalised Supply Chain Operations Reference Model for Logistics 4.0 and Supply Chains 4.0 (s) Demand - Supply orchestration in Supply Chain 4.0 modeled in Supply Chain Operations Reference Digital Model (t) Sourcing, Planning, and Ordering synchronisation in Supply Chain Operations Reference Digital Model (u) Ordering and fulfilment synchronisation at demand side and sourcing and transformation synchronisation at supply side in Supply Chain Operations Reference Digital Model (v) Orchestrating global supply chain processes using digitalisation and synchronisation - planning, ordering, sourcing, transforming, fulfilment and return (multiple topics are possible) (w) Automating and synchronisation multinational warehousing operations through digitalisation (x) Customer value generation through additive manufacturing (y) Global supply chain value generation using blockchains and smart contracts (z) Global value generation through lean and six sigma in digitalised logistics and supply chain networking We will be happy to assist you in developing your narrow research topic with an original contribution based on the research context, research problem, and the research aim, and objectives. Further, We also offer you to develop the background and context", "problem description and statement", "aim, objectives, research questions", "design of methodology and methods", and "15 to 25 most relevant citations per topic" for three topics of your choice of research areas at a nominal fee. Such a synopsis shall help you in focussing, critically thinking, discussing with your reviewer, and developing your research proposal. To avail this service, Please Click Here for more details. Logistics and Supply Chain Management is undergoing a wave of digital transformations worldwide. In this context, we have presented latest topics on Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in the context of Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, and Manufacturing. (J) E-Supply Chains: E-Supply Chains are linked with E-Businesses that use Internet as their medium for accepting orders and payments, and then using the physical channels to deliver the products. E-supply chain is an excellent example of pull strategy and short term demand forecasting. Information flow across the supply chain is instantaneous because both end points and the intermediate agents work through a single Internet enabled portal. E-Bay and Amazon are viewed as the two most successful companies using this concept at global scales with built-in electronic contract signing and management, electronic payment processing, and electronic delivery processing. The students can find various case studies on E-Supply chains, although the empirical theories are still evolving. The research studies would be quite challenging, modern and unique as the field is still evolving. Remember, in your planning and thinking process, your should follow the latest designs, transformation, innovations, and evolutions related to each topic. For example, you should consider Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 technologies in logistics and supply chain while considering your topic designs. Do not incorporate enhancements in traditional industrial process engineering technologies used in Industry 3.0 era. Taking a case, if your study is about programmable logic controllers, consider its latest transformation and evolution in the Industry 4.0 era using Industrial Internet of Things and Cloud Manufacturing. Do not go back to its design using traditional RS232 or RJ45 interfacing running the MODBUS, LONWORKS, or BACNET parallel signalling even if you are an expert on these protocols. Similarly, if you want to study B2B contracting in E-Supply Chains, then consider studying the evolving technologies of smart contracts stored in smart ledgers in the blockchains. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) A study of the structural design of an E-supply chain for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) (b) A study of multi-agent e-supply chain integration using an approach of market-oriented strategic business partnerships (c) Integrating manufacturing SMEs through e-supply chains using multi-agency cloud-based information systems with workflows for collaboration (d) Integrating multi-agency RFID/Bar Code databases through cloud-based E-supply chain (e) Designing a multi-layer collaborative e-supply chain for business-to-business engagements (f) Electronic contracts management in framework agreements through e-supply chain management (g) Fostering collaboration tools of e-supply chains for inter-organisational learning, knowledge sharing, and adaptation to business standards (h) Impact of ubiquitous computing through mobile cloud computing on e-supply chain process efficiency and effectiveness (i) Global supply chain integration with mesh structures using latest HTML 5 (Web 2.0) technologies (j) Designing an e-supply chain on service oriented architectures using cloud computing for multi-organisational logistics applications integration (k) Introducing dynamic negotiations and decision-making in e-supply chains using agent-based coordination and scheduling for dealing with uncertainties (l) Collaborative transportation networking through e-supply chains on cloud computing (m) A study of carbon trading exchanges among multiple collaborative partners in e-supply networking (n) Assemble-to-order and build-to-order fulfilment effectiveness through electronic decision support in e-supply chains (o) Critical success factors of multi-agency knowledge transfer and management in an e-supply chain framework (p) Integrating forward and reverse supply chains for re-engineering applications using an e-logistics framework (q) Factors enabling and barriers opposing multi-supplier highly competitive e-supply chains through e-commerce portals in developing nations (this study may involve investigation into the challenges faced by Amazon, e-Bay, Snapdeal, etc. in developing nations and the possible solutions) (r) Assessing value-creation opportunities in multi-supplier framework agreements through e-supply chain in regional trade agreements of developing countries (s) Assessing customisations in advanced planning and control strategies in e-supply chain management (t) Redesign of business processes and business intelligence in logistics functions for adopting e-supply chain management (u) Value-creation for achieving triple bottom-line (environmental, economical, and social) sustainability objectives through e-supply chain management (v) A system dynamics simulations study of designing multi-echelon e-supply chains using smart and dynamic agents and graph theory for establishing and operating multi-agency partnerships (w) Integrating e-marketplaces and e-supply chains for establishing an e-demand chain management framework (x) Integrating MRP II and production planning schedules of multiple small production agents for make-to-order and assemble-to-order fulfilment of large-scale orders in an e-demand chain management framework (y) Integrating R&D, design, and production planning schedules of multiple small production agents for engineer-to-order fulfilment of large-scale strategic demands in an e-demand chain management framework (this topic may involve study of strategic design and engineering agreements of multiple companies for creating sophisticated engineering machinery) (z) Recycling and re-engineering e-supply chains combining forward and reverse logistics for triple bottom-line (environmental, economical, and social) sustainability in developing economies Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! (K) Supply Chain Risk Management: Supply chain risk management is gaining immense popularity due to globalization of competitive landscapes, and growing threats and uncertainty. Risk management in supply chains is directly linked with supply chain agility and hence it needs to be done in very organized and objective manner, incorporating quantitative models. Supply chain risk management is a novel dissertation/thesis research area based on the known and teething current problems in logistics/supply chain management. The root of the problems lie somewhere in the uncertainties in upstream as well as downstream flows of materials, funds, and information. For example, if there are errors in calculating economic order quantities (EOQ) and reorder levels, the ordering process may not synchronize well with the lead-times. On the other hand, the lead-times are uncertain due to various delay factors and fluctuation in costs if a transportation mode is changed. Holding inventory is the safest haven for logistics managers, but I am sure the top management of any organisation will never like it. The primary purpose of this subject matter is to keep lowest possible inventories while ensuring consistent, timely, and accurate supplies to the end users. The challenges are in the following areas: (a) Lack of integration/synchronization/co-ordination (b) Lack of appropriate quantitative models (c) Lack of integrated information availability, even if the quantitative models are in place (i.e., the company has invested in SCM software tools) The solution is somewhere in implementing an appropriate supply chain risk communication system. You will appreciate, supply chain risk is also a floating entity just like materials, funds and information. If the entire chain is integrated through an extranet portal system, and updates of every consignment code are uploaded periodically by all agents connected with the portal, there can be proactive risks generated by the software for the logistics managers such that they can take operating level, tactical level, and even strategic level mitigation actions. Although such a system is still in its conceptual stage, academic researchers can contribute to its overall conceptualisation and design. It may be integrated as a layer above the traditional SCM software. An agent sensing any variations in delay or cost may log a threat and its probability against a consignment code. The probability and impact levels may be fed to the logistics agents that can calculate the impact (like stock-out by a date). The outcome will be a risk value which will be escalated to an appropriate authority level, and appropriate mitigation action will be suggested. For example, if there is a temporary unrest in a country, the current consignments can be airlifted and subsequent orders placed to an alternate supplier. I suggest that you may like to study the source of supply chain risks in a selected sample of transactions in your field and design a novel SCRC (supply chain risk communication) framework employing the ISO 31000, M-o-R, COSO, COBIT v5, and similar Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks for enterprise wide estimation and communication of risks (please visit our articles on IT governance and Information Risk Management). The key risks that you can target in your SCRM framework can be categorized as: disruptions, delays, forecast errors, procurement risks, supplier risks, lead time risks, receivable risks, capacity risks and inventory risks. You may collect a list of known supply chain threats in your area of interest, categorize them under one of these risk categories, judge the impact on business, judge the vulnerabilities, and arrive at the risk values using the quantitative formulations of the chosen model. Once the risk values are calculated, you may propose mitigation strategies pertaining to redundant suppliers, better supplier relationships (i.e., eliminating procurement hops), alternate routes (i.e., alternate loading/unloading ports and links), add capacity and inventory, shift warehouses, change distribution model (direct shipments, cyclic shipments, milk run shipments, in-transit merging, adding retail stores, cross-dock distribution, etc.), change transportation media, etc. You may validate the proposed SCRC framework by interviewing supply chain experts in your country. Hence, the problem statement of your thesis will be related to the known threats and vulnerabilities in supply chain management in the selected transactions (chosen by you), and the solution will be a novel Supply Chain risk communication framework to manage the risks resulting from these threats and vulnerabilities. It will be a quantitative research with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The outcome of this model will be on-the-fly alerts on risk levels and their mitigation as soon as a risk is logged (you will need to define mitigation actions against various risk levels, and the suggested authorities to make decisions). You may like to validate your model by surveying experts in your network. A short, and to-the-point structured questionnaire may be used such that you can present validity and reliability analysis using SPSS. A large number of industry-specific studies are possible in this study approach and every researcher may come forward with a unique supply chain risk management model for a specific industry in a specific country and its location. Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! Please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. We will be happy to assist you in developing your narrow research topic with an original contribution based on the research context, research problem, and the research aim, and objectives. Further, We also offer you to develop the "background and context", "problem description and statement", "aim, objectives, research questions", "design of methodology and methods", and "15 to 25 most relevant citations per topic" for three topics of your choice of research areas at a nominal fee. Such a synopsis shall help you in focussing, critically thinking, discussing with your reviewer, and developing your research proposal. To avail this service, Please Click Here for more details. (L) Information Technology in Supply Chain Management: A number of information technology platforms are popular in supply chain management. Some of the key IT tools in supply chain management are IBM Supply Chain Simulator, Rhythm (by i2 Technologies), Advanced Planner and Optimizer by SAP, Manugistics, Matrix One, Oracle Supply Chain Management, etc. These tools possess various functionalities - like, enterprise planning, demand planning, production scheduling, distribution planning, procurement and replenishment planning, facilities location planning, replenishment planning, manufacturing planning, logistics strategy formulation, stocking levels planning, lead times planning, process costing, customer service planning, procurement, supply and transportation scheduling, global logistics management, constraint-Based master planning, demand management, material planning, network Design and optimization, supply chain analytics, transportation management, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) planning, continuous replenishment planning (CRP), and many more. The students may like to study about various IT systems and software tools for carrying out such activities in supply chain management. The studies may be primarily qualitative or triangulated. Your focus should be on application design and integration, system features that are practically useful in supply chain operations, decision-making and decision-supporting tools (like, dashboards, supply chain intelligence, supply chain performance monitoring, etc.), on-line analytical processing, collection, storage, and integration of information, sharing and dissemination of information, internal and external integration, process design, mapping, and integration, enterprise resources planning and IT enablement of global best practices (like, quick response, supply chain synchronisation, virtual supply chain, efficient customer response, collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment, etc.). A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Data engineering and management science, and predictive data analytics and big data analytics for achieving supply chain management effectiveness and efficiency (b) A study of logistics workflows and information systems using integrated RFID/Bar code databases capturing inputs from data entry points in all the echelons of a supply chain (c) Information Technology tools and applications for operating the third and fourth party logisics (3PL and 4PL) systems (d) Operating and managing a cellular manufacturing system using location-aware 3D graphics mapping with the plant layout (e) Integrated system of systems with risks, configuration, business, performance, and security policy (RCBPS) management for designing an enterprise-wide logistics resources planning system (f) Logistics engineering with ubiquitous access using mobile cloud computing (g) Supply chain collaborations and cooperation through social media communication tools (h) A study of system design and applications using Internet of Things in Logistics engineering (i) A study of designing and implementing environmental information analysis and decision support in supply chain information systems (j) Modeling information diffusion in the logistics network of a multi-echelon supply chain (k) Modeling information flow between warehouse management system (WMS) and transportation management system (TMS) (l) Modeling information flow in a multi-echelon supply chain operating in an unpredictable and volatile environment (m) Integrating RFID systems with web services architecture for inventory control in an e-logistics system (n) Wireless vehicular area networking (VAN) for operating and managing an intelligent transportation infrastructure under multi-modal logistics (o) Location-aware transportation infrastructure for routing decision-making in an integrated manufacturing city comprising small and medium manufacturing enterprises (p) Integrating information flow of forward and reverse logistics systems in a virtual manufacturing framework (q) Real-time locating and monitoring of work-in-progress inventories stored in job shops' buffers using RFID sensors communicating with an integrated WiFi network in a manufacturing plant (r) Using RFID system for storage and retrieval of containers in a large warehousing using a container management system application (s) Enhancing multi-party horizontal collaboration using public cloud computing in an international logistics network (t) Map-based transportation information system with GIS and GPS for managing container movement on an inter-city motorway network (u) GIS and GPS applications in a logistics information system with 3D plant layout for managing internal materials movement in the plant campus (v) Indoor GPS application for managing materials movement in a large warehouse (w) Self-driving vehicles for warehousing and order fulfilment centres (x) Industrial Internet of Things for digitalisation of production logistics operations (y) Edge computing design for integrating production logistics with warehousing logistics in localised manufacturing networking (z) Reducing information distortion and delays by adopting Industry 4.0 design Do you want to explore more areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of lean, six sigma, and sustainability in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and their associated domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. Apologies for interruption; please continue reading!! (M) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in Supply Chain Management and Value Chain Management: RFID/IIoT may be viewed from two perspectives: (a) a highly innovative technology for location-based services, and (b) a tool for achieving process excellence in industrial engineering, supply chain management, vehicle tracking, asset management, government services, and many other applications. I hereby suggest you some topics in which, both the perspectives are integrated. Especially in the field of value chain management, many studies are emerging on the relationships between technology excellence variables and process excellence variables. Let us visualize the variables of the two sides: RFID and IIoT Technologies: (a) Cost effectiveness (b) Distributed information tagging (information attached with assets) (c) Asset owner identification (d) Information sharing accuracy (e) Real time information sharing (f) Ubiquitous coverage (g) Location identification (both outdoor and indoor positioning of assets) (h) Connectionless (i) Integration with cloud-based information systems (j) Integration with industrial sensors / control systems (k) Assets security (against thefts and sabotage) (l) Rapid incident response (m) Integration with environmental sensors (like, continuous emissions and contamination reporting) (n) RFID technology and Internet enabling (for communications and information sharing over the Internet) (o) Rapid scalability (p) Rapid commissioning and decommissioning Value Chain process excellence: (a) Multi-echelon information sharing (b) Strategic supplier relationships (c) Strategic customer relationships (d) Automation of processes and tasks (e) Multi-echelon collaborations (f) Real-time information sharing (g) Quality excellence (h) Elimination of wastes (eliminating processes and tasks that do not add value) (i) Elimination of defects and errors (quality excellence) (j) Multi-skilled employees (k) Cellular production systems (l) Lean consumption of resources (m) Agility in demand fulfillment (n) Flexible assembly systems (o) Demand pull strategy (p) Just-in-time inventory management (q) Real-time communications There may be many more variables that we can add in these two lists. In addition, we can also add sub-variables (or latent variables to each of them). If you observe, each of these areas demand a separate study, which may incorporate explorations of designs, relationship building, and simulations. Such designs can be implemented in modeling software (like, OPNET Modeler). We have completed multiple technical studies involving design of architectures using RFID sensors or IIoT sensors and actuators and WiFi networks in different application scenarios, and simulating the key variables reflecting performance, behavior, efficiency, effectiveness, and problem areas. You may design your research in two directions: Technical architecture and designs with the help of significant levels of system reviews, product reviews, design reviews and their detailing, and quantitative studies for exploring relationships between RFID/IIoT variables and process excellence variables in supply chain / value chain management. Logistics and Supply Chain Management is undergoing a wave of digital transformations worldwide. In this context, we have presented latest topics on Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in the context of Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, and Manufacturing. We will be happy to assist you in developing your narrow research topic with an original contribution based on the research context, research problem, and the research aim, and objectives. Further, We also offer you to develop the "background and context", "problem description and statement", "aim, objectives, research questions", "design of methodology and methods", and "15 to 25 most relevant citations per topic" for three topics of your choice of research areas at a nominal fee. Such a synopsis shall help you in focussing, critically thinking, discussing with your reviewer, and developing your research proposal. To avail this service, Please Click Here for more details. (N) Cloud Computing in Supply Chain Management: Cloud computing is a new ICT research paradigm of services-oriented computing in which, infrastructure, platforms, applications, security, databases, communications, and security are offered as on-demand services by cloud service providers through virtualisation and orchstration of computing, networking, and storage facilities deployed through massive parallel computing of hundreds of thousands of hardware systems connected in arrays. Please visit this link for learning more about cloud computing research topics. Recently, multiple studies have been conducted on the role and value of cloud computing in supply chain management. Researchers have related effectiveness of information systems integration, process intergration, collaboration, coordination, communications, information sharing, information availability, strategic supplier relationships, operations performance, lean operations, just-in-time operations, elimination of dysfunctional phenomena (like, bullwhip effect, beer gaming, and order rationing), and sustainability of supply chain management with the characterstic variables of cloud computing, such as real-time communications, multi-platform and multi-vendor integration, ubiquitous access, multinational systems, low costs of business operations dependent upon ICT, low capital investments, platform independence, high security through virtual clouds and their boundaries, high scalability, high availability, high uptime, high performance, exchange of services, multi-tenancy, ease of deployment, and many more. Integration of RFID information databases and control of shifting, movement, and storage of assets through RFID integration with cloud computing are latest innovations enhancing the efficiency of supply chain operations. Cloud computing has also facilitated effective integration of Internet of things in which, assets and their groups can be directly controlled through semi-automated control panels and automated algorithm-driven intelligence for identifying, tracking, moving, and controlling of millions of assets stored by thousands of suppliers across the world. Cloud computing has helped in evolving some new forms of systems in supply chain management. For example, cloud computing has eliminated the need for manual electronic data interchange between the suppliers' echelons and the manufacturers' echelons. With the advent of cloud computing, suppliers and manufacturers can share cloud-based application systems with real-time processes' and databases' integration. Collaborative operations like vendor-managed inventory, upstream flow of consumption patterns and demand information, and collaborative replenishment of inventory are managed more effectively through cloud computing. New forms of framework agreements between a pool of strategic suppliers and a pool of buyers, real-time bidding and order closures, real-time auctions, real-time tracking of inventory status of multiple suppliers, and real-time display of prices offered by multiple suppliers have emerged with the advent of cloud-based exchanges. The current models of trading exchanges like Amazon, Snapdeal, and eBay and payment exchanges like PayPal, PayTM, and Skrill use the cloud exchange-based framework agreements between supplier and buyers that ensure protection of either sides irrespective of their locations anywhere in the world. Cloud computing has also helped in evolution of virtual marketplaces, virtul retail, and virtual shopping malls. You may like to know the difference between an e-supply chain and a cloud-based supply chain. E-supply chain is a larger concept that can be implemented on multiple platforms. Cloud supply chain is one of the platforms of e-supply chains. It requires separate study because of its rapidly growing popularity and adoption worldwide. In addition, cloud-based e-supply chains are much more complex than an e-supply chain implemented on traditional Internet-enabled platforms (like, self-hosted web services servers). For example, cloud-based e-supply chains are multi-layered with multiple service-oriented architectures stacked one above another. In cloud computing, some of the popular service models are Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Database-as-a-Service (DaaS), and Security-as-a-Service (SaaS). Service oriented architectures employ virtualisation and Web 2.0 (HTML 5 and XML-based) technologies. Hence, while the topics suggested above are related to the general framework of e-supply chains, the topics suggested in this section are related to design, implementation, and operations of e-supply chains using cloud computing technologies only. The topics suggested here will involve more technical studies than the ones suggested under the section of e-supply chains. You are invided to study our page on modern IT systems topics with cloud computing as one of modern IT systems. Please click here for accessing this page. The topics pertaining to cloud computing in supply chain management may comprise quantitative study of relationships between the variables at the either sides or exploratory studies on new business models and their designs emerging from cloud-based supply chain management. The studies shall involve qualitative methods like interviews, focus group discussions, action research, organisational ethnography, phenomenology, and grounded theory, and quantitative methods like inferential statistical analysis, multivariate statistical modeling, simulations, system dynamics modeling, and Taguchi's method. The key tools recommended are Ishikawa diagrams, observation flow charts, mapping charts for analysing interviews, qualitative data analysis (identifying, cleaning, categorising, classification, encoding, comparing, and contrasting), SPSS, LISREL, ARENA, VENSIM, OPNET, and TAGUCHI's templates. A sample of possible research topics in this area is presented below. In addition to the following sample topics, please contact us at consulting@eproindia.com or consulting@eproindia.net to get more topic suggestions and to discuss your topic. (a) Service-orientation of manufacturing on cloud computing with distributed manufacturing agents (b) Cloud-based big data analysis for demand and supplies predictions (c) Workflow modeling for logistics engineering on cloud-based HTML 5.0 and XML-based applications (d) Advanced parsing systems for populating cloud-based databases from logistics workflows and collaboration systems (e) The emerging concept of manufacturing-as-a-service on cloud computing for producing customised products (f) Mass customisations through collaborative manufacturing networks on cloud computing (g) Cloud-based logistics design for enhanced process information and risks visibility (h) The emerging concept of cloud of things for enhanced intelligence, controls, and management of integrated supply chains (i) Taking RFID and Internet of Things to the next level through cloud-based sensors portfolio management and information fusion (j) Intelligent decision-making through cloud-based analytics in a cluster of logistics services by spare parts manufacturers (k) Logistics software-as-a-service for integrating Internet of Things for enhanced manufacturing resources capability (l) Modeling and simulations of a cloud-based inventory replenishment workflow in OPNET's custom process design module (m) Cloud-based decision-support architecture for monitoring, scheduling, and controlling production tasks in a distributed manufacturing architecture (n) Smart cloud-based manufacturing architecture with real-time synchronisation of production logistics using Internet of Things (o) Securing a network of Internet of Things in a cloud manufacturing system (p) Designing a virtual enterprise of manufacturers using cloud-based logistics and production scheduling processes (q) Sharing of logistics assets and logistics services in a manufacturing hub enabled with Internet of Things on cloud computing (r) Cloud-based service-oriented heterogenous logistics and transportation management for collaborative business networking (s) The changing paradigm of supply chain agility with the development of cloud manufacturing systems (t) A study of changes in cloud-based manufacturing systems as compared with traditional manufacturing systems (u) Integrated supply chain operations management for service-oriented manufacturing on cloud computing (v) Cloud-based remanufacturing planning and scheduling in a forward-reverse logistics framework on cloud computing (w) Faceted and Semantic search protocols on integrated data collected from Internet of Things associated with collaborative logistics processes (x) Energy-aware smart manufacuring systems built using Internet of Things integrated through cloud computing (y) A taxonomy of Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) components for Internet of Things-based manufacturing (z) Virtualisation with web services infrastructure for cloud-based supply chain management (aa) Real-time adaptive planning, decision-making, and control in transportation and distribution logistics under demand uncertainties using cloud-based open source requirements planning application (ab) Ubiquitous cloud computing and event-driven decision-making in collaborative supply chain operations conducted through cloud-based logistics information systems (ac) A study of enterprise wide open source applications and their modules for cloud-based enterprise architectures (ad) Cloud-based order fulfilment and its effect on e-business performance of small-scale retailers (topic designed for studying the Amazon Prime framework of small and high quality retailers using fulfilment through Amazon) (ae) Virtual office systems for supply chain managers with ubiquitous access through mobile smartphones for making logistics decisions (af) Collaboration agents and their collaboration modeling on cloud-based enterprise process integration framework for interlinking distributed multi-country manufacturing facilities (ag) Supply and demand visibility through cloud-based integration and analysis of data collected from transaction entry points (ah) Design of cloud-based OLAP dashboards and business objects application supported by XML data files exported from distributed supplier databases maintained within secured virtual clouds of supplier companies (ai) Collaborative supply chain risk management using information shared through cloud-based registries and risk views (aj) A study of challenges, opportunities, threats, and success stories of cloud-based e-supply chain management (ak) Optimising production logistics and distribution through cloud-based supply chain observers and controllers connected with electronic markets' transaction processing systems (al) Cloud-based IT governance framework based on COBIT 5.0 for e-logistics and e-supply chain business governance (am) A study of design and operation of a grid of machines with Internet of Things technology integrated through cloud-based production control applications using XML data files and SOAP transactions (an) Supplier performance measurement, monitoring, and control through cloud-based logistics intelligence (ao) Order tracking and decision-making using cloud-based intelligence of production updates from consumer products manufacturing companies integrated by OEM-driven networked manufacturing (ap) Integrated research and development by a network of innovative startup businesses through cloud-based R&D function Other possible proposed research areas are the following. Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in Supply Chain Management and its related domains in some of the areas listed below. (O) Lean and Six-Sigma in Supply Chain Management (P) Sustainabile Supply Chain Management (Q) Sustainable Procurement (R) Sustainable Transportation (S) Logistics and Supply Chain Process Excellence (T) Reverse Logistics and Supply Chains for Remanufacturing (U) Cloud computing based production and industrial engineering (Cloud Manufacturing) (V) Internet Of Things in Supply Chain Management (W) Transportation Networking through Location-based services and Industrial Internet of Things (X) Strategies to counter supply chain inefficiencies - like Forrester effect (Bullwhip effect), Beer Gaming, Order Rationing, Lead Time Uncertainties, Disintegrated Processes, Wastes, and Unsustainability (Y) Supply Chains as Value Chains networks (Z) Business continuity planning in supply chain management (AA) Relationships between supply chain performance variables and business performance variables (AB) Manufacturing, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management in the Industry 4.0 (AC) Internationally Co-ordinated Production, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management (Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things integrated globally with Big Data Analytics through Cloud Computing) (AD) Big Data Analytics in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (AE) Artificial Intelligence in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (AF) Blockchain in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Do you want to explore some of these areas for topic development? Please visit the extension of this article for topic development in the areas of Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in logistics, supply chain management, inventory management, manufacturing and their associated Industrial Engineering domains. You may also read the article on machine learning and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, blockchains, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and cloud manufacturing. We will be happy to assist you in developing your narrow research topic with an original contribution based on the research context, research problem, and the research aim, and objectives. Further, We also offer you to develop the "background and context", "problem description and statement", "aim, objectives, research questions", "design of methodology and methods", and "15 to 25 most relevant citations per topic" for three topics of your choice of research areas at a nominal fee. Such a synopsis shall help you in focussing, critically thinking, discussing with your reviewer, and developing your research proposal. To avail this service, Please Click Here for more details. Previous Article Next Article Copyright 2020 - 2026 EPRO INDIA. All Rights Reserved