Exploring Simple Research Topics in Procurement and Supply Chain Management for Effective Six-Month Study

When considering research topics in procurement and supply chain management (SCM), it is essential to identify projects that are both timely and feasible. Given the availability of historical data, conducting a study on the Beer Game simulation from October 2018 to April 2019 can provide a rich, practical insight into supply chain dynamics. This article explores potential research topics that can be accomplished within a six-month timeframe, with a focus on leveraging the Beer Game simulation.

Understanding the Beer Game Simulation

The Beer Game, originally known as the MIT Beer Game, is a hands-on management simulation that provides an immersive experience of a complex supply chain system. The game involves five players representing different levels of the supply chain: the consumer, the retailer, the wholesaler, the regional distributor, and the manufacturer. Each player makes decisions independently with the goal of achieving a smooth flow of goods from the manufacturer to the consumer.

The original game uses a stone, a small cube, and a large cube to simulate the order and inventory levels for each player. However, for a more data-driven approach to the simulation, you can leverage historical demand data provided from the wholesaler. This allows for a more accurate and realistic representation of the supply chain dynamics.

The current research topic will provide a comprehensive analysis of the systems' viability, the strategies employed by each level of the supply chain, and the effectiveness of different management positions.

Research Topics

1. Optimizing Stock Levels and Lead Times: One of the critical aspects of the Beer Game simulation involves managing stock levels and lead times. The study should focus on identifying the most effective stock levels and lead times that can minimize costs and improve system viability. Research could explore different MOQ constraints and lead times to determine the optimal balance between minimizing expenses and maintaining inventory levels.

2. Impact of Demand Variability on Supply Chain Performance: With a focus on the consumer's demand variability, the study should analyze how unpredictable demand affects the performance of each level in the supply chain. Historical demand data can be used to simulate different demand scenarios and assess the impact on inventory levels, lead times, and overall system efficiency. This will help in determining the robustness of the supply chain and the resilience to external demand fluctuations.

3. Leadership and Decision-Making in Supply Chain Management: The Beer Game emphasizes the importance of individual decision-making and the subsequent ripple effect through the supply chain. This research can investigate how different management strategies and decision-making processes influence the overall performance of the supply chain. For example, how does the plant planning manager's approach (such as hiring and firing costs, stock management, and production planning) impact the team's performance?

Methodology and Data Collection

1. Data Analysis: Begin by importing the historical demand data from the wholesaler and filtering it to align with the specified timeframe (October 2018 to April 2019). Use statistical tools to analyze the data and identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that can influence supply chain performance.

2. Simulation and Modeling: Utilize supply chain management software or simulation tools to replicate the supply chain dynamics based on the historical data. Set up different scenarios to test and validate the strategies that each level of the supply chain employs. This will help in identifying the most effective approaches and providing actionable insights for decision-makers.

3. Interviews and Surveys: Conduct interviews with participants who have played the Beer Game simulation and have experience in supply chain management. Gather qualitative data on their decision-making processes, challenges faced, and insights gained. Use this data to refine the simulation and provide a more realistic representation of real-world scenarios.

Expected Outcomes

1. Improved Procurement Strategies: By simulating and analyzing the impact of different MOQs and lead times, the research can identify cost-efficient procurement strategies that minimize stockouts and overstocks. This will help organizations in the supply chain make informed decisions on inventory management and procurement.

2. Enhanced Supply Chain Resilience: Understanding the effects of demand variability on the supply chain will help in developing more robust supply chain management practices. The research can provide insights into how to mitigate the impact of unexpected demand fluctuations and improve the overall resilience of the supply chain.

3. Leadership and Decision-Making Insights: The study on leadership and decision-making can highlight the importance of strategic planning and agile decision-making in achieving supply chain objectives. This will help organizations in identifying key areas for improvement in their decision-making processes, leading to more efficient and effective supply chain operations.

Conclusion

Exploring research topics in procurement and supply chain management is essential for organizations looking to optimize their supply chain performance. By focusing on the Beer Game simulation and leveraging historical demand data, this study can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the supply chain, enabling organizations to make informed decisions and improve their overall performance.

To get the most out of this study, it is crucial to have access to accurate historical data, utilize appropriate simulation tools, and gather qualitative data from participants. The research will not only benefit the participants but also provide valuable insights that can be applied to real-world supply chain management practices.

By delving into the Beer Game simulation and analyzing its impact on supply chain performance, the study can serve as a powerful tool for organizations seeking to enhance their procurement and supply chain strategies.