Introduction
This paper aims to at reviewing the journal of operations management written by Nyaga, Whipple and Lynch in the year 2010. The main area of study by the authors is the examination of the supply chain relations. The journal seeks to establish whether buyer and supplier point of view on collaborative dealings have got any significant differences.
The journal was drawn in the business context of operations management where the authors conducted wide research on suppliers and buyers (Nyaga, Whipple & Lynch, 2010). This study will hence review the effectiveness of the journal in conveying operation management fundamentals.
General Overview
In recent times, business firms are enhancing collaborative alignments with their supply and distribution channel in order to achieve utmost flexibility, operational efficiency and competitive advantage. Collaborative approach between buyers and supplier aims at mutually benefiting both parties. Both parties add value to one another and enable them to attain high levels of operational competencies (Yazici, 2012). Nyaga, Whipple and Lynch (2010) indicate that it not clear on what factors facilitate triumphant collaborations.
The authors investigate the main topic of the study by analyzing the perceptions of the buyers and suppliers differently using structured models. The authors then compare the results of the study to establish how each one of them perceives the relationship and to what extent it is helpful to both parties.
The study establishes that factors such as sharing information and joint investment generate trust and commitment between the parties. Similarities and difference in expectations of buyers and suppliers from the collaborative approach are observed. Recommendations for future research on the topic are presented at the end of the study.
Critical Evaluation
The study is effectively structured and information is presented in a chronological manner. Objectivity is observed in the study as the authors do not veer off the topic of the study. The main theme of the study is adequately addressed. The study main purpose was to investigate whether the ideologies of buyer and suppliers on collaborative business relations varies. The study successfully managed to achieve its main goal. The results of the study indicated that suppliers and buyer held both similar and different perceptions regarding the join relationship and exhibit a great deal of consistency.
The authors categorized their results in two variables namely; joint information sharing, trust and commitment to the relationship. The results of the study are consistent with Ha, Park & Cho (2011) that information sharing in buyer supplier relationships is vital for both but the suppliers seems to commit more to the relationship than buyers do. This is because suppliers need the information to align gods and services to market requirements while the buyers find information sharing important because it makes the supplier stick the relationship. The study also establishes that buyers are more interested on trust and commitment to the relationship.
The work presented by the authors is valid and reliable. Depth referencing for every quoted statement has been done. The authors also conducted a detailed research in which they sought to establish relevant results for the study. The authors established samples where independent surveys were conducted. Two samples were drawn one representing buyers while the other represented the sellers.
Adequate data regarding their perceptions to the collaborative liaison was collected. The data collected from the samples was consequently analyzed through generally accepted research analysis methods. Data was also obtained from secondary sources and previous research on the topic. Ethical considerations were observed upon conducting the research. The authors used T-test analysis and ANOVA to classify data. The results obtained from the research are reliable as they indicate consistency with previous studies.
Relationship to BX2062
The study is highly correlated to the subject of operations management. According to Thomas et al (2013), operations management is the discipline through which goods and services are delivered to the final consumer. The study revolves around establishing the benefits accrued by buyers and suppliers in their collaboration in providing adequate and effective services to the consumers. The study indicates that buyers and suppliers are comfortable with the mutual affiliation between them and are pleased with the results.
The study adequately establishes that successful buyer and supplier relationships facilitate quality service and good delivery to the end consumers. Elements of mutual relationship between buyers and suppliers discussed in the study lay focus on core competencies of operations management. The authors indicate that mutual relationships between buyers and suppliers enhance information sharing which in turn improves the supply chain efficiency, reduces the cost of goods or services and enables improvement of their quality (Nyaga, Whipple & Lynch, 2010).
Conclusion
This paper has successfully evaluated the journal of operations management written by Nyaga, Whipple and Lynch in 2010. Supplier and buyer joint relationship has been observed as vital in operations management. From the article analysis, it is visible that that collaboration between buyers and suppliers helps in improving the performance of the operations management.
The research first establishes the benefits accrued by individual buyers and suppliers from the relationship. Some aspects of the joint relationships have however not been addressed in the study since buyer and supplier relationships tend to be long term. Thomas et al (2013) indicated that the situation calls for a more detailed longitudinal research.
References
Ha, B. C., Park, Y. K., & Cho, S. (2011). Suppliers’ affective trust and trust in competency in buyers: its effect on collaboration and logistics efficiency. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 31(1), 56-77.
Nyaga, G. N., Whipple, J. M., & Lynch, D. F. (2010). Examining supply chain relationships: do buyer and supplier perspectives on collaborative relationships differ?. Journal of Operations Management, 28(2), 101-114.
Thomas, S. P., Thomas, R. W., Manrodt, K. B., & Rutner, S. M. (2013). An Experimental Test of Negotiation Strategy Effects on Knowledge Sharing Intentions in Buyer–Supplier Relationships. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 49(2), 96-113.
Yazici, H. J. (2012). Buyer perceptions on the buyer–supplier collaborative relationship and performance: a service example. International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 12(2), 165-187.