RIVERWOOD LOGISTICS Research

d. Riverwood Logistics a logistics company based in Singapore thus presents a case study for this report as the structural changes and related challenges that face the organization are explored to identify the core issues affecting the company’s service delivery. The detailed internal and external analysis that was conducted over the company thus identified that both these factors played a role in the organizational challenges. Essentially, as per the analysis, it was identified that the core challenge facing the organization was vested in the abilities of the management and the staff to comprehensively meet the objectives of the company in the international markets. Further, the prediction of Riverwood Logistics’ future was duly determined and the possible solutions to the challenge were duly provided.

Ideally, this mode of analysis of the problem at hand makes it possible to identify the root cause of the issue that faces the organization. Additionally, it also points out the areas in which necessary changes would be necessary in order to be able to curb the problem at hand. The primary issue that faces Riverwood Logistics is associated with the organization’s abilities to meet its objectives in the international markets. These objectives are essentially not met as a result of internal and external factors that consequently affect the performance of the management and the workforce of the company (Armstrong 2006). These factors are active as a result of the poor relationship that lies between the management and workforce of Riverwood Logistics.

In this directive, the contingency theory that focuses on management of a company would thus prove to be a relevant approach to curbing the limitation that faces Riverwood Logistics. Practically, this management theory is directed towards enabling managers to have the capacity and ability to make due decisions that are aimed at addressing the issues based on the situations at hand as compared to trying to solve all problems at once (Gomez-Mejia et al. In essence, this theory looks into solving issues strategically rather than considering a bulk approach which may consequently lead to the management leaving out significant areas that will subsequently affect the overall performance of the company. The strategic approach of the theory ensures that all potential issues are duly addressed for the benefit of the organization.

Based on the results and consequent findings relating to the collaboration of the managers and the human resource, Riverwood Logistics may be able to maximize on its opportunities and potential through the employment and implementation of a strategic approach aimed at growing the organization’s competitive advantage internationally. Therefore, it would be prudent to ensure that the skills of the staff are matched with their competencies in the achievement of the objectives of the company. The structure of the organization thus may be restructured to ensure accountability while the systems may be upgraded to encompass modern technology that will essentially improve the internal strengths of the company. The shared values of the company should be sufficiently addressed in a manner that will ensure that the collaboration of innovation takes place to significantly affect positive changes in the design of approach.

Finally, the leadership style of Riverwood Logistics would need to be re-checked to ensure that it is aligned with the organizational structure and culture changes focused on improving the relationship between the management and the workforce. This analysis and application of the McKinsey’s 7s Model will thus be beneficial to resolving the issue facing Riverwood Logistics in the long term. The operations of FedEx are similar to those of Riverwood Logistics only that the scope of FedEx is extremely larger. Nonetheless, the manner in which FedEx manages its operations may serve to be of advantage to Riverwood Logistics. This is such that, in order to manage operations on a large scale, it would suffice for Riverwood Logistics to take up lessons from other larger logistics companies that are well established in the industry.

In essence, FedEx in enhancing supply chain solutions ensures that its operations are not appreciated from a linear perspective but rather employ an interconnected network that brings together the human capital, technology, and services. The holistic approach assures of better control and the realization of more opportunities for improvement. Conclusion The issues surrounding global logistics companies are primarily as a result of globalization, and thus competition is highly increased. Riverwood Logistics which is a Singaporean logistics company faces the issue of its management and workforce being unable to meet the objectives of the organization in the international market. Essentially, this matter is attributed to several factors surrounding the management and interaction of the leadership and the employees. Poor interaction between the two factions has thus led to the lack of innovativeness in the company, and hence the international scope of the company’s objectives remains stranded.