Need assistance writing a 16 pg paper it is about 40% complete. The bibliography needs to be updated to reflect references from the past 5 years
BUSI 610
Literature Review: Final Assignment Instructions
Overview
What Is a Literature Review?
A literature review is a survey and a discussion of the literature in a given area of study. It is a concise overview of what has been studied, argued, and established about a topic; it is generally organized chronologically or thematically. A literature review is also written in essay format.
A literature review is not an annotated bibliography because it groups related works together and discusses trends and developments rather than focusing on one item at a time. It is also not a summary; rather, a literature review evaluates previous and current research in regards to how relevant and/or useful it is and how it relates to your own research. Therefore, a literature review is more than an annotated bibliography or a summary because you are organizing and presenting your sources in terms of their overall relationship to your problem statement.
A literature review is written to highlight specific arguments and ideas in a field of study. By highlighting these arguments, the writer attempts to show what has been studied in the field and also where there are weaknesses, gaps, or areas needing further study. The literature review must also demonstrate to the reader why the writer’s research is useful, necessary, important, and valid.
Literature reviews can have different types of audiences, so consider why and for whom you are writing your review. For example, many literature reviews are written as a chapter for a thesis or dissertation in order to support a proposal or are written in order to help the writer develop a base of knowledge in a particular business area.
Asking the following questions will assist you in sifting through your sources and organizing your literature review. Remember, your Literature Review: Final Assignment organizes the previous research in light of what you are planning to do in your own project.
· What's been done in this topic area to date? What are the significant discoveries, key concepts, arguments, and/or theories that scholars have put forward? Which are the important works?
· On which particular areas of the topic has previous research concentrated? Have there been developments over time? What methodologies have been used?
· Are there any gaps in the research? Are there areas that have not been looked at closely yet but should be? Are there new ways of looking at the topic?
· Are there improved methodologies for researching this subject?
· What future directions should research in this subject take?
· How will your research build on or depart from current and previous research on the topic? What contribution will your research make to the field?
How Do I Organize and Structure the Literature Review?
There are several ways to organize and structure a literature review. Two common ways are chronologically and thematically. You will be using the thematic structure in this review. In a thematic review, you will group and discuss your sources in terms of the themes or topics they cover. This method is often a stronger one organizationally, and it can also assist you in resisting the urge to summarize your sources. By grouping themes or topics of research together, you will be able to demonstrate the types of topics that are important to your research. For example, if the topic of the literature review is improving productivity in organizations, then there might be separate sections of research involving service-oriented businesses, production-oriented businesses, non-profit organizations, governmental organizations, etc. Within each section of a thematic literature review, it is important to discuss how the research relates to other studies (how is it similar or different, what other studies have been done, etc.) as well as to demonstrate how it relates to your own work. This is what the review is for; do not leave this connection out!
What is the Process?
During the first module, you will choose a topic to research from the list provided by the instructor. After the topic has been chosen/provided, you will begin your project. Listed below is a recommended outline of steps that will assist you in writing a thematically organized literature review.
1. Annotated bibliography: Write a brief critical synopsis of each as you read articles, books, etc. on your topic. After going through your reading list, you will have an abstract or annotation of each source you read. Later annotations are likely to include more references to other works since you will have your previous readings to compare, but, at this point, the important goal is to get accurate critical summaries of each individual work.
2. Thematic organization: Write some brief paragraphs outlining your categories that state how, in general, the works in each category relate to each other, how the categories relate to each other, and how the categories relate to your overall theme. Find common themes in the works you read and organize the works into categories. Typically, each work you include in your review can fit into 1 category or sub-theme of your main theme; occasionally, a work can fit in more than 1 category (if each work you read can fit into all the categories you list, you probably need to rethink your organization).
3. More reading: Due to the knowledge that you have gained in your readings, you now have a better understanding of your topic and of the literature related to it. Perhaps you have discovered specific researchers who are important to the field or research methodologies you were not aware of. Look for more literature by those authors, on those methodologies, etc. You may also be able to set aside some less relevant areas or articles that you pursued initially. Integrate the new readings into your Literature Review draft. Reorganize your themes and read more as appropriate.
4. Write individual sections: For each thematic section, use your draft annotations (it is recommended to reread the articles and revise annotations, especially those you read first) to write a section that discusses the articles relevant to that theme. Rather than focusing your writing on each individual article, focus your writing on the theme of that section and show how the articles relate to each other and to the theme. Use the articles as evidence to support your critique of the theme rather than using the theme as an angle to discuss each article individually.
5. Integrate sections: Now that you have the thematic sections, tie them together with an introduction, conclusion, and some additions/ revisions in the individual sections in order to demonstrate how they relate to each other and to your overall theme.
What Additional Points Must I Consider?
The following are some points to address when writing about specific works you are reviewing. In dealing with a paper/argument/theory, you need to assess it (clearly understand and state the claim) and analyze it (evaluate its reliability, usefulness, and validity). Look for the following points as you assess and analyze the readings. You do not need to state them all explicitly, but keep them in mind as you write your review:
· Be specific and be succinct. Briefly state specific findings listed in an article, specific methodologies used in a study, or other important points. Literature reviews are not the place for long quotes or an in-depth analysis of each point.
· Be selective. You are attempting to reduce a lot of information into a small space. Mention just the most important points (those most relevant to the review's focus) in each work you review.
· Is it a current article? How old is it? Have its claims, evidence, or arguments been superseded by more recent work? If it is not current, is it important for historical background?
· What specific claims are made? Are they stated clearly?
· What support is given for those claims?
· What evidence and what type (experimental, statistical, anecdotal, etc.) are offered? Is the evidence relevant? Sufficient?
· What arguments are given? What assumptions are made and are they warranted?
· A word of caution: It is absolutely essential that you understand your article. If you do not understand the article, do not use it. Also, do not depend on the abstract or the conclusion for a full understanding of what the article says; you can often be misled.
How Do I Find the Literature?
Just as there are many avenues for the literature to be published and disseminated, there are many avenues for searching for and finding the literature. There are, for example, a variety of general and subject-specific indexes that list citations to publications (books, articles, conference proceedings, dissertations, etc.). The Liberty University Online Student Library Services website has links to the library catalog as well as many indexes and databases in which to search for resources; it also provides you with subject guides that list resources appropriate for specific academic disciplines. When you find appropriate books, articles, etc., look in its bibliographies for other publications and also for other authors writing about the same topics. For research assistance tailored to your topic, please email the Liberty University Online Librarian.
Tips on Identifying and Organizing Your Findings
There is no way to predict what themes you will find. The themes could include definitions, topics, theories, agreements, and even disagreements in the literature. Design a descriptive code word or a few phrases to define each theme (some people even use different colored highlighters to assist them in organization). With 15 articles and 16 pages of content, you will likely have anywhere between 4–6 major themes for your Literature Review: Final. However, it is highly unlikely that each of the 15 articles that you read will contain all the themes that you have identified. Below is an example of 10 hypothetical articles with 4 hypothetical themes.
|
Article |
Theme |
|
1 |
A |
|
2 |
A, B |
|
3 |
D |
|
4 |
B |
|
5 |
A, D |
|
6 |
A, C |
|
7 |
B, C |
|
8 |
A, B, C |
|
9 |
A, B, C, D |
|
10 |
B, C |
The chart is not very helpful except as a prelude to further organization. Your Literature Review must be written thematically, not chronologically. You will not be reviewing one article after another in your Literature Review; rather, you will be investigating the themes contained in those articles. Therefore, the organization of your articles will look similar to the following example:
|
Theme |
Articles Cited |
|
A |
1, 2, 5, 8, 9 |
|
B |
2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
|
C |
6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
|
D |
3, 5, 9 |
You may be pondering as to which theme will go first. Ultimately, the order of the themes is your decision, but keep the thematic organization logical. The themes provide the subheadings for the content of your Literature Review: Final Assignment; therefore, this is an efficient way to organize and write your paper.
Instructions
What is the Final Format?
As previously stated, the Literature Review: Final Assignment will be written in current APA format, must be a minimum of 16 pages (not including the title page, abstract, and references), and must utilize at least 15 scholarly references. The final format must include the following:
· Title page;
· Abstract;
· Outline;
· Introduction (no longer than 1 page);
· Findings (a minimum of 13 pages);
· Conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions for further study (a minimum of 2 pages); and
· References that are current (less than 3 years) or important for historical background.
Please review the Literature Review: Final Grading Rubric before submission.
View the Literature Review: Final Resources section under the Literature Review: Final page.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
Page 4 of 4
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Supply Chain Structures and Relationships
1
Raven Edgeworth-Smith
Liberty University
BUSI 610
D-Term Spring 2025
3/30/2025
Professor’s name: Dr. Matasha Murrell Jones
Supply Chain Structures and Relationships
2
Title: Supply Chain Structures and Relationships
Abstract
The setup of supply chain structures and the dynamics of inter-organizational relationships are critical to the performance of organizations in the connected global economy of today. This review of the literature looks at contemporary research works (2019–2024) that investigate how supply chain architecture have changed over time, the influence of strategic partnerships among supply chain participants, and how technological developments have changed these dynamics. The equilibrium between decentralized and centralized supply chains, the interaction between competition and collaboration (coopetition), governance systems, and the impact of digital technology like blockchain and artificial intelligence are some of the major subjects. The review summarizes studies on the ways in which these elements support supply chain innovation, efficiency, and resilience, offering insights into present patterns and suggesting directions for further study.
Introduction
Supply chain systems and the connections between their constituent parts have emerged as crucial factors in determining an organization's resilience and competitiveness in the quickly changing world of international trade. Globalization, technology breakthroughs, and unforeseen disruptions like pandemics and geopolitical tensions have made firms more complicated, and supply chain management and design have become crucial components of strategic decision- making.
Whether they are networked, linear, decentralized, or centralized, supply chain structures have a direct impact on cost-effectiveness, responsiveness, and operational efficiency. At the same time, performance results and long-term sustainability are significantly impacted by the caliber of inter-organizational interactions within supply chains, including cooperation, trust, governance systems, and strategic alignment. Supply chains' ability to innovate and adjust to change in the face of uncertainty is likewise influenced by these dynamics.
Examining current scholarly perspectives on supply chain structure configuration and relationship tactics used by supply chain participants is the aim of this survey of the literature. In order to identify important trends, difficulties, and best practices, the review will combine theoretical and empirical findings from the last five years' worth of scholarly work. The scope includes governance frameworks, performance consequences, technology enablers, and structural typologies. In today's linked world, the ultimate goal of this examination is to offer a thorough grasp of how supply chain interactions and structures interact to generate value and propel competitive advantage.
Supply Chain Structures and Relationships
3
I. Introduction A. Supply Chain Management's History
B. The Literature Review's Objective and Scope C. Research Questions and Goals D. Importance of Researching Supply Chain Relationships and Structures
II. Findings A. Supply Chain Structure Overview 1. Supply chains that are centralized as opposed to decentralized 2. Networked vs. Linear Models 3. Outsourcing and Vertical Integration B. Strategic Alliances in the Supply Chain 1. Dynamics of Buyers and Suppliers 2. Cooperation against Competition 3. The Significance of Transparency and Trust C. Mechanisms of Governance 1. Formal agreements and contracts 2. Informal Controls and Relational Governance 3. Compliance and Risk Management D. The Function of Technology in Relationships and Structure 1. The effects of the digital revolution 2. Utilizing Supply Chain and ERP Platforms 3. Automation, AI, and Blockchain E. Value Creation and Performance 1. Quality of Relationships with Supply Chain Performance 2. Innovation via Strategic Partnerships 3. Long-Term Value and Sustainability
III. Conclusions, Recommendations, and Suggestions for Further Study A. Synopsis of the Main Results B. Useful Implications for Managers C. Research Gaps in the Present Study D. Suggestions for Further Research
Supply Chain Structures and Relationships
4
References:
Chakraborty, A., & Ikeda, Y. (2020). Bow-tie structure and community identification of global supply chain network.
Chen, M., Tang, X., Liu, H., & Gu, J. (2023). The impact of supply chain concentration on integration and business performance. International Journal of Production Economics, 257, 108781. Choi, T. Y., & Wu, Z. (2009). Taking the leap from dyads to triads: Buyer-supplier relationships in supply networks. Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management, 15(4), 263–266.
Gereffi, G. (2018). Global value chains and development: Redefining the contours of 21st century capitalism. Cambridge University Press.
Kumar Chauhan, V., Alomari, M., Arney, J., Parlikad, A. K., & Brintrup, A. (2022). Exploitation of material consolidation trade-offs in multi-tier complex supply networks.
Li, F., Frederick, S., & Gereffi, G. (2019). E-commerce and industrial upgrading in the Chinese apparel value chain. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 49(1), 24–53.
McWilliam, S. E., & Nielsen, B. B. (2020). Global value chains and development: Redefining the contours of 21st century capitalism: Gary Gereffi. Journal of International Business Studies, 51(8), 1568–1572. Niu, Y., Werle, N., Cohen, M. A., Cui, S., Deshpande, V., Ernst, R., … & Wu, J. (2023). Global supply chain restructuring during the COVID-19 pandemic. SSRN Electronic Journal.
Pananond, P., Gereffi, G., & Pedersen, T. (2022). Resilience decoded: The role of firms, global value chains, and the state in COVID-19 medical supplies. California Management Review, 64(2), 46–70.
Van Assche, A. (2019). Global value chains and development: Redefining the contours of 21st century capitalism. Journal of Economic Geography, 19(4), 937–938.
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Abstract
Raven Edgeworth-Smith
Liberty University
BUSI 610
D-Term Spring 2025
3/30/2025
Professor’s name: Dr. Matasha Murrell Jones
Abstract
In an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy, this literature review looks at how different supply chain structures and interorganizational linkages affect organizational performance, flexibility, and resilience. This review examines structural models, including centralized, decentralized, linear, and networked models, as well as important relational components like trust, transparency, and governance mechanisms, based on research published between 2019 and 2024. The evolution of formal and informal governance structures, the significance of strategic partnerships in fostering innovation and agility, and the harmony between competition and cooperation (coopetition) are all given particular consideration. ow digital technologies like blockchain, automation, artificial intelligence, and ERP systems are increasingly influencing partner coordination and structural efficiency. Important conclusions highlight that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supply chain architecture and that strategic alignment with business objectives and environmental complexity is necessary for success. This analysis highlights areas for further research into sustainable and digitally linked supply networks and provides insightful information for supply chain professionals.
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Annotated Bibliography
1
Raven Edgeworth-Smith
Liberty University
BUSI 610
D-Term Spring 2025
4/20/2025
Professor’s name: Dr. Matasha Murrell Jones
Annotated Bibliography
2
Chakraborty, A., & Ikeda, Y. (2020). Bow-tie structure and community identification of global supply chain network. Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, 47(2), 273–294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40812-020-00152-2
Summary: The study question centers on the structural organization of global supply chains and the function of "bow-tie" structures. The study examines supply chain interconnectedness using sophisticated network analysis. The results show that while central hubs in bow-tie arrangements increase efficiency, they also introduce systemic vulnerabilities. This indicates that although centralized structures are effective, they greatly increase supply chain management risk.
Comparison/Assessment: This analysis used a more comprehensive network lens than Choi and Wu (2009), providing more insight into systemic concerns. I can use it to further my case for centralized versus decentralized supply chain architectures.
Reflection: The debate of the dangers of centralized hubs and the necessity of striking a balance between resilience and efficiency in supply chain design will be framed by this article.
Chen, M., Tang, X., Liu, H., & Gu, J. (2023). The impact of supply chain concentration on integration and business performance. International Journal of Production Economics, 257, 108781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2023.108781
Summary: The study investigates the effects of supply chain concentration on business outcomes and integration. The study, which uses data from Chinese businesses, concludes that while concentration increases risk, it also improves operational integration. This demonstrates how supply chain strategies must balance risk and efficiency.
Comparison/Assessment: By demonstrating the effects of concentrated supply arrangements on performance in the actual world, this supports Chakraborty and Ikeda (2020). It is helpful when talking about how various structural arrangements perform.
Reflection: In order to make my case for balanced structures, I will use this essay to show that, although concentration can improve integration, it also calls for more risk management activities.
Choi, T. Y., & Wu, Z. (2009). Taking the leap from dyads to triads: Buyer-supplier relationships in supply networks. Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management, 15(4), 263–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pursup.2009.08.003
Annotated Bibliography
3
Summary: How supply chains change from basic dyads to more intricate triads is the question this study poses. According to theoretical models, triadic interactions foster resilience and creativity while simultaneously increasing complexity.
Comparison/Assessment: Choi and Wu offer fundamental understanding of relationship dynamics in contrast to more recent publications such as Chakraborty and Ikeda (2020). For developing fundamental ideas of network complexity, the source is still helpful.
Reflection: Before moving on to contemporary networked systems, I will use this source to introduce relational complexities in the first section of my literature evaluation.
Gereffi, G. (2018). Global value chains and development: Redefining the contours of 21st century capitalism. Cambridge University Press.
Summary: Gereffi studies the influence of global value chains (GVCs) on contemporary economic growth. By analyzing case studies and historical data, he pinpoints the transition from producer-driven to buyer-driven networks. This demonstrates the evolution of governing institutions.
Comparison/Assessment: Gereffi offers crucial theoretical background that is absent from more current, empirically oriented research. Understanding the strategic roles in supply networks is based on his work.
Reflection: In order to provide the theoretical and historical background for my literature analysis and lay the groundwork for further empirical discoveries, I shall draw on Gereffi's work.
Kumar Chauhan, V., Alomari, M., Arney, J., Parlikad, A. K., & Brintrup, A. (2022). Exploitation of material consolidation trade-offs in multi-tier complex supply networks. International Journal of Production Research, 60(10), 3171–3187. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2021.1975624
Summary: The study looks at material consolidation tactics in multi-tier supply chains and asks how businesses balance supply risk and cost effectiveness. According to simulation models, centralized consolidation reduces agility while increasing expenses.
Comparison/Assessment: This article expands on Chen et al.'s (2023) discussion of the impact of structural choices on risk management. It contributes a crucial viewpoint on technical modeling.