Summer Reading Guide2009

Summer’s lazy weekends and long nights are the perfect time to catch up on your logistics reading. Dive into these titles for a new supply chain perspective and a logistics knowledge boost.

Edited by Karen Butner, et. al.

Four topics comprise this examination of today’s supply chain climate: executing differentiated supply strategies; the role of innovation in product launch and life-cycle management; global sourcing; and perspectives on global logistics. Guidance from experienced practitioners comes in the form of in-depth interviews with executives from Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Halliburton, as well as leaders at IBM and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Key takeaways: As stated in the preface, “Anyone looking for a comfortable career with little change would do well to avoid supply chain management.” Within the dynamic logistics field, organizations must be able to sense and rapidly respond to marketplace changes.


For details: www.ibmpressbooks.com

Securing Global Transportation Networks: A Total Security Management Approach

By Luke Ritter, J. Michael Barrett, and Rosalyn Wilson

This accessible text introduces the concept of Total Security Management (TSM), in which risk management and security best practices are implemented for a company’s entire value chain. The book provides practical steps for applying the TMS approach to your operations to achieve cost savings, improve business processes, reduce theft, and enhance asset management. Case studies from major retailers such as Home Depot, and logistics service providers such as Maersk and FedEx, help illustrate TSM principles.

Key takeaways: Securing the complex global transportation industry’s infrastructure requires collective action by government agencies and corporations. To do their part, companies must develop and implement corporate policies that protect the transportation infrastructure, routes, and transactional data that drive commerce.

For details: www.mhprofessional.com

The Retail Revolution: How Walmart Created a Brave New World of Business

By Nelson Lichtenstein

A Walmart executive once told a gathering of financial analysts, “The misconception is that we’re in the retail business. In reality, we’re in the distribution business.” This account examines how Walmart, now well-known for actively managing its supplier relationships, built a global network and developed new inventory management, warehousing, and distribution tactics. The author also speculates as to what Walmart’s future holds.

Key takeaways: Global commerce has rarely been as fascinating as in the Walmart case history, and this book incorporates original research and firsthand accounts to delve into the company’s evolution.

For details: www.us.macmillan.com

The Advanced Supply Chain Management Workbook

By Charles Poirier, Bill Houser and Craig C. Poirier

Subtitled “A complete step-by-step methodology for making business process improvements,” this book relates how-to-use models, techniques, and collaborative workshops to enhance supply chain management throughout a business network or extended enterprise. Case studies illustrate how industry leaders have applied the concepts discussed.

Key takeaways: Covering everything from determining immediate needs to implementing lean concepts, creating strong supplier relationships to managing quality systems, the workbook provides a road map to improved profits.

For details: www.ascinstitute.com

Transport Revolutions: Moving People and Freight Without Oil

By Richard Gilbert and Anthony Perl

This analysis of transportation politics and business outlines the challenges of U.S. oil dependence. Building on lessons from past transportation revolutions, the book describes the types of changes likely to occur in global transportation in the coming years as a result of high oil prices.

Key takeaways: This thought-provoking volume proposes responses to ensure effective, secure movement of people and goods in ways that make the best use of renewable sources of energy, while minimizing environmental impacts.

For details: www.earthscan.co.uk

Freight Claims in Plain English

By George Carl Pezold and William J. Augello

For 30 years, transportation and logistics professionals have referred to this text for all their freight claim questions. This new edition covers recent developments and legal cases related to cargo loss and damage claims, including those involving international ocean and air transportation, intermodal shipments, and cross-border trade within North America. Sections on topics such as contracts of carriage and bills of lading, burdens of proof, damages, and limitations of liability address the complex issues shippers and carriers may have to address when involved in filing or disputing freight claims.

Key takeaways: This hefty legal reference is a must-have for anyone who encounters cargo claims management situations.

For details: www.transportlawtexts.com

Global Logistics: New Directions in Supply Chain Management

Edited by Donald Waters

Supply chain experts with a wide range of backgrounds contributed insights to this in-depth examination of today’s logistics trends. Get a lesson on time compression in the supply chain from Adrian Beesley, head of product development for DHL Exel Supply Chain’s consumer sector, and delve into strategies for delivering sustainability through supply chain management with Kirstie McIntyre, Hewlett Packard’s waste electronics and electrical equipment program manager in the United Kingdom. You’ll find a wealth of useful ideas and practical information.

Key takeaways: Logistics plays a strategic role in almost every organization, and current supply chain trends involving integration, communications, e-business, globalization, and customer service are shaping the business world.

For details: www.koganpage.com

The Supply-Based Advantage: How to Link Suppliers to Your Organization’s Corporate Strategy

By Stephen C. Rogers

Rogers draws on his 30 years of experience in sourcing at Procter & Gamble to examine the role suppliers play in creating a company’s competitive advantage. The book takes readers step-by-step through planning, designing, building, and implementing a supply-based management approach. In each chapter, “Practitioner’s Take” sidebars offer a real-world outlook on the concepts covered.

Key takeaways: Rogers outlines a common-sense approach to boosting profitability by using suppliers to capture value beyond price.

For details: www.amacombooks.org

Lean Supply Chain Management: A Handbook for Strategic Procurement

By Jeffrey P. Wincel

This comprehensive guide takes an individual approach to helping companies create strategic procurement strategies. This approach illustrates techniques specific to organizations operating in either a “standard” or “crisis” environment. Lean Supply Chain Management also incorporates lean methodologies as a key factor in these supply chain strategies. The handbook also discusses methods for developing and tracking strategic procurement initiatives; coordinating supply chain management and lean manufacturing; and optimizing the use of performance measurement tools.

Key Takeaways: Lean Supply Chain Management provides purchasers and supplier development professionals with the tools they need to transform procurement from a mere cost center to a profit generator.

For details: www.productivitypress.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *