Many companies world-wide have successfully increased sales, reduced costs, and improved their overall competitiveness using new management principles to redefine business practices between suppliers, business partners and customers. Based on performance comparisons with companies world-wide, this study will provide participants an opportunity to gain new insights to improving the financial and business performance of their enterprises.
Participation is open at no cost to companies with operations in Bulgaria. Further information is provided below.
What is the purpose of this study?
This study evaluates the opportunities for Bulgarian business to improve their competitive performance utilizing recent management innovations in the area of supply chain management.
Over the last few years, new competitors have emerged from developing economies, costs have gone up and customers have become increasingly demanding in many industries. Despite this challenging environment, many companies world-wide have succeeded in improving their business and financial performance. These companies have learned how to increase sales and service to customers while lowering their costs.
This study focuses on the new management principles these companies are using to increase their economic value. Referred to variously as supply chain (or demand chain or value chain) management, they are implementing new strategies, procedures and processes that allow them to:
- reduce costs and cash required by the business
- improve service and flexibility to customers
- improve operations to meet customer commitments
- introduce new products and service new markets
The purpose of this study is to assess Bulgarian practices in the light of these business innovations at leading companies worldwide.
What is supply chain management?
A supply chain is a coordinated network of organizations, people, activities, information and resources involved in delivering value to customers. Supply chain activities transform raw materials and components into finished products delivered to the end customer. The entities of a supply chain typically consist of manufacturers, service providers, distributors, sales channels (e.g. retail, ecommerce) and consumers (end customers).
The primary objective of supply chain management is to fulfill customer demands in a manner that meets or exceeds their expectations through the most efficient use of resources, including distribution capacity, inventory and labor.
Who is conducting the study?
The study is sponsored by the Labor Market Project of USAID, and will be conducted by Direct Remark, a US consulting company in San Francisco. Direct Remark has consulted with businesses in the area of supply chain management in over 14 countries. The project will be led by Mr. Nimish Jhaveri, President of Direct Remark, currently a visiting Lecturer in Supply Chain Management at the American University in Bulgaria.
What are the benefits for participants?
Participants will receive summary results of the study without cost. These will include performance comparisons against other companies world-wide.
They will gain insights into new opportunities to improve the business competitiveness of their companies, and business practices implemented by performance leaders.
In addition, we will send two complementary copies of the report to others specified by participants.
What does it cost?
There is no cost to participating in the study.
How much time will it take?
The study is based on a 40 item questionnaire, which will take participants approximately 30 minutes to complete.
How can I enroll?
You can enroll by clicking the "Yes" button at the top of this page. Once you register, you will e-mailed instructions on completing the questionnaire.
Who at my company is best qualified to complete the questionnaire?
The questionnaire should be completed by senior managers who have knowledge of your products, customers, suppliers, operations and business practices.
I have a question. Who can I contact?
You can contact the study administrator at Research@DirectRemark.com.
