EUROPEAN BULK DISTRIBUTION IN THE POLYMER INDUSTRY
Aims and Objectives
Research aim
The study intends to look into the European bulk distribution in the polymer industry. Furthermore, this study also plans to research the supply chain and the differences between traditional market approaches compared to a partnership/networking approach. The study might as well probe into the development of third party logistic providers, the emergence of fourth party logistics providers and even more recently the use of Internet auctions in bulk logistics.
Research objective
The study seeks to shed light into the European bulk distribution in the polymer industry. Specifically the study intends to accomplish the following:
1. To determine the stages of polymer distribution in the European setting.
2. To uncover the role of parties in the bulk distribution.
3. To identify the relationship between the number of parties involved and the stages of polymer distribution in the European setting.
4. To determine the importance of networking theories in streamlining the supply chain.
Possible research questions
1. What are the traditional approaches in supply chain management?
2. What are the networking approaches applicable in the bulk distribution industry?
3. Why should suppliers be involved in the supply chain process?
4. What are the possible courses of action that companies undertake to streamline their supply process?
5. What is the setting of the bulk distribution industry in Europe?
Methodology
Research methodology and techniques for data collection
The descriptive research method uses observation and surveys. In this method, it is possible that the study would be cheap and quick. It could also suggest unanticipated hypotheses. Nonetheless, it would be very hard to rule out alternative explanations and especially infer causations. Thus, this study will use the descriptive approach. This descriptive type of research will utilize observations in the study. To illustrate the descriptive type of research, Creswell (1994) will guide the researcher when he stated: Descriptive method of research is to gather information about the present existing condition. The purpose of employing this method is to describe the nature of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study and to explore the cause/s of particular phenomena. The researcher opted to use this kind of research considering the desire of the researcher to obtain first hand data from the respondents so as to formulate rational and sound conclusions and recommendations for the study.
The research described in this document is based solely both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This permits a flexible and iterative approach. During data gathering the choice and design of methods are constantly modified, based on ongoing analysis. This allows investigation of important new issues and questions as they arise, and allows the investigators to drop unproductive areas of research from the original research plan.
The primary source of data will come from interviews conducted by the researcher. While the secondary sources would be gathered from published articles from social science journals, theses and related studies supply management and networking.
Proposed subject population and sample
The respondents of this study would be selected company owners whose business is directly involved in bulk distribution.
Data analysis techniques
The researcher will tally, score and tabulate all the responses in the provided interview questions. Moreover, the interview shall be using a structured interview. It shall consist of a list of specific questions and the interviewer does not deviate from the list or inject any extra remarks into the interview process. The interviewer may encourage the interviewee to clarify vague statements or to further elaborate on brief comments. Otherwise, the interviewer attempts to be objective and tries not to influence the interviewer’s statements. The interviewer does not share his/her own beliefs and opinions. The structured interview is mostly a “question and answer” session.
Project time plan
The time line for this study is as follows:
Month 1 to Month 3: selected respondents will be noted regarding their involvement in the study.
Month 4 to Month 6: In-depth interviews with company owners will be conducted in order to understand their views on the topic.
Month 7 to Month 9: Survey of related literature and treatment of the interviews of the respondents.
Month 12 to Month 14: Write-up period.
References
Creswell, J.W. (1994) Research design: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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