Avon Brazil: Optimization of Logistics Processes in a Direct Selling Company
Main Article Content
Abstract
This case study aims to develop in each student analytical competencies by evaluating current logistics processes and, from this understanding, to use the knowledge gained on tools and theories of continuous improvement to propose solutions and discuss strategic alternatives for the company to improve its processes. Efficiency in logistics operations plays a key role in the results of direct sales companies because there are thousands of customers and daily deliveries that bring complexity to the process. The new Supply Chain Director took over the position in a difficult period of falling market in the country. Thereby he implemented internal discussions to evaluate the status of various processes and to engage leadership. He intends to find ways to improve logistics processes through capital investments or by using continuous improvement tools that could provide cost reductions and increase service levels. The case can be used in undergraduate courses, graduate courses, and also in professional education in themes related to business management, supply chain, logistics, and industrial operations.
Download data is not yet available.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This journal remains the copyright holder of articles published. In order to be published, authors must sign the Transfer of Copyrights Document, which is sent to the authors by e-mail, thus granting rights, including on translation, to the Journal of Contemporary Administration. The journal grants third parties the right to use, reproduce, and share the article according to the Creative Commons license agreement (CC-BY 4.0), as stated in the article’s PDF documents.
References
Aken, E. M. V., Farris, J., Worley, J., & Doolen, T. L. (2004, May). Longitudinal analysis of kaizen event effectiveness. Proceedings of the Industrial Engineering and Research Conference, Houston, TX, USA.
Ballou, R. H. (2001). Gerenciamento da cadeia de suprimentos: Planejamento, organização e logística empresarial. Porto Alegre: Bookman
Direct Selling News (2017). The DSN global 100 list. Retrieved from https://www.directsellingnews.com/global-100/
Frei, F. X. (2006). Breaking the trade-off between efficiency and service. Harvard Business Review, 84(11), 93-101. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2006/11/breaking-the-trade-off-between-efficiency-and-service
Johnson, M. W., Christensen, C. M., & Kagermann, H. (2008). Reinventing your business model. Harvard Business Review, 86(12), 52-60. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2008/12/reinventing-your-business-model
Lawson, B., & Samson, D. (2001). Developing innovation capability in organisations: A dynamics capabilities approach. International Journal of Innovation Management, 5(3), 377-400. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1363919601000427
Lean Institute Brasil. (2020). Vocabulário: Milk run - movimentação de materiais entre plantas. Lean Institute Brasil. Retrieved from https://www.lean.org.br/conceitos/75/milk-run---movimentacao-de-materiais-entre-plantas.aspx
Moubray, J. (1992). Reliability-centered maintenance. New York: Industrial Press
Quinn, J. B., & Hilmer, F. G. (1994). Strategic outsourcing. Sloan Management Review, 35(4), 43-55. Retrieved from https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/strategic-outsourcing/
Teece, D. J. (2010). Business models, business strategy and innovation. Long Range Planning, 43(2-3), 172–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2009.07.003
World Federation of Direct Selling Association. (2018). About direct selling. Retrieved from https://wfdsa.org/about-direct-selling/
Womack, J. P., & Jones, D. T. (2003). Lean thinking: Banish waste and create wealth in your corporation. New York: Free Press.