Εφοδιαστική αλυσίδα και στρατηγική

Abstract

Overall, the present thesis is divided into two main parts, with the first being its theoretical part and the second being the research part. The first part consists of a total of three chapters, which in their entirety analyze and present the meaning, content and dynamics of the supply chain. More specifically, the first chapter refers to the business strategy as a whole, as an integral part of the success of the supply chain. The concept of business strategy is analyzed, while the parameters that should be studied in order for companies to formulate the most appropriate and effective action plan are presented. This chapter also makes extensive and thorough reference to the types of business strategies that can be adopted by the organization, depending on the capabilities and resources they have and depending on the needs they have, but also the results they want to achieve . Continuing the literature overview of the supply chain, the second chapter analyzes how to manage the supply chain of companies. The concept of supply chain is defined, as well as the basic principles that govern it. Also, the business systems of the supply chain are analyzed with reference to the processes, the strategy, but also to its expansion in the electronic markets, while the way of measuring the performance of the supply chain is determined. This second chapter also analyzes the strategies adopted at the supply chain level, while referring to both its relationship with quality and the human resources with which the supply chain services should be staffed. The third chapter of the thesis analyzes the relationship between the supply chain and the creation of a competitive advantage, with this interaction leading both to the development of the value chain and to the achievement of competitive performance. Achieving a competitive advantage is essential for organizations to be able to cope with the constant changes that take place in the overall business environment. At the same time, it is extremely important that a continuous and consistent measurement of the efficiency achieved by the supply chain of an organization is required, in order to evaluate the whole process and the implementation or not of the desired or not objectives. The second part of the thesis is the research part, which in turn is divided into three chapters. The fourth chapter refers to the research methodology used for the implementation of the thesis, the research process of which has a different, more bibliographic character, but without ignoring the basic principles and especially without observing those stages and procedures that apply in any research endeavor. Then, in the fifth chapter, the cases of three different business entities, a supermarket chain, a pasta company and a private hospital are studied. These organizations were selected to be studied in order to understand how important the role of the supply chain is, in all types of companies, but also to create a competitive advantage. The thesis concludes with the sixth chapter, which first formulates the main conclusions drawn from both the theoretical and the research part of the work, and then, a series of proposals concerning the strategic planning of an effective and aimed at obtaining competitive advantage of the supply chain.