Options for Required SCM432 Course Project: Major Research Report

Current Issues in Transportation, Logistics, Distribution, and Supply Chain Management:

Each student will develop an individual project that analyzes transportation, logistics, or distribution supply chain issues relevant to the course material by conducting independent research over the duration of the course. This project will afford students the opportunity to consider topics discussed in class in the context of the role of transportation, logistics, and distribution within a firm’s supply chain.

For the Major Research Report, you must report on 5 to 6 main topics. Each student will submit the project report at the end of the course. All project papers should include the following sections:

1. Separate Title Page
2. Abstract
3. Introduction: List the objective of the paper and scope of your analysis. This is your thesis area.
4. Body (replace this term with appropriate Section Headings as needed by your paper): This includes the main sections of your paper. Make sure your paper is analytical rather than just descriptive.
5. Conclusion: Discuss your conclusions as well as suggestions for future research.
6. References: List all the references you used in your paper (expectations are 4 to 6 references per topic).
7. Appendix sections: Tables, annual reports, statistics, and other relevant information.

Possible topics (with many more possibilities) include the following suggestions:

Key Success Factors for Managing Distribution Centers

Transportation Strategy for XYZ Company

Key Performance Metrics for Managing Transportation Firms/Distribution Centers

Location Issues in a Distribution Network

XYZ Company and their Distribution System: Successes and Concerns

“Green” / Sustainability Strategies for….

The topics are endless; choose something not only relevant to the course but a topic that interests you and you want to learn more about. Do not do a descriptive paper on a company. This report is to be an analysis of a supply chain issue.

Each student is required to perform a Current Issues in Supply Chain Management Research Paper and write a paper (10 – 14 pages double-spaced) on a topic negotiated with Dr. A. The paper must be properly referenced and cited in APA format. For assistance in writing and organizing your research paper, please consult Turabian, Kate, Guide to Thesis Writing and/or Aaron, Jane E., The Brown Essential Handbook for Writers and/ or the UNCG Writing Center.

Variant on this report: Major Internship Report

Students can use a similar format for this report. Each student will negotiate with Dr. A a series of research topics they feel is relevant to their internship.

Students must submit their topic (with five references and abstract). Do not email the information to me; submit through the appropriate link in Canvas. Do feel free to discuss your thoughts with me.