Innovation In Global Logistics And Technology Assignment

Background, Aim, Objectives (10%)

Research Aim

The current investigation aims to analyze the role of Industry 4.0 in managing supply chain activities. A study on the UK food industry.

Research Objectives

• To understand the notion of Industry 4.0 in the context of supply chain management.

• To analyze the role of Industry 4.0 in managing supply chain activities in the UK food industry.

• To identify the issues faced by the UK food industry in implementing Industry 4.0 in managing its supply chain activities.

• To propose the ways and alternatives the UK food industry could use to successfully implement Industry 4.0 in managing supply       chain activities.

Research Questions

• What is the notion of Industry 4.0 in the context of supply chain management?

• What is the role of Industry 4.0 in managing supply chain activities in the UK food industry?

• What are the issues faced by the UK food industry in implementing Industry 4.0 in managing its supply chain activities?

• What are the ways and alternatives the UK food industry could use to successfully implement  Industry 4.0 in managing supply         chain activities?

Literature Review (20%)

• The use of Industry 4.0 technologies to assist with decision-making, including big data analytics, blockchain, robots that are autonomous, drones, and the Internet of Things (IoT). 
• The Internet of Items (IoT) represents a significant advancement in the fourth century of technology, as it allows real-time data to be continuously sent and received via a network by internet-connected devices and items including computers, smartphones, and sensors. 
• The companies in a supply chain (SC) benefit from increased visibility, openness, flexibility, and agility as a result of this real-time data interchange. For instance, the Internet of Things (IoT)-connected sensors assist in continually tracking the position and state of a good along the supply chain and provide targeted notifications regarding delays, temperature fluctuations, degradation, damages, etc. 
• The Blockchain is another innovative Industry 4.0 technology that allows real-time information sharing between all trading partners, improving product traceability and decreasing food fraud. 
• If a customer pays for organic food, they may verify its purity by finding out where it came from. Enhanced food traceability facilitates the swift removal of contaminated food from a supply chain by identifying its source and location, hence mitigating health risks.
• Industry 4.0 seeks to deliver immediate data on production, machinery, and component flow by combining smart manufacturing, smart goods, and the Internet of Things (IoT). 

Research Ethics (5%)

When doing primary research, the research team must adhere to all ethical guidelines in order to safeguard participant rights, integrity, and welfare, all of which enhance the validity and reliability of the findings. In doing so, the investigator must limit harm, preserve privacy and secrecy, and get informed permission. Each of them helps to increase the result's authenticity. With the investigator's assistance, the research project's correct integrity is readily maintained, yielding dependable results and enhancing the study's reputation. 

Potential Contributions of Research to Theory & Practice (5%)

By controlling waste and adapting production processes, Industry 4.0 technology integration aims to improve supply chain efficiency. Essentially, it also encompasses a range of cutting-edge technologies that assist the food industry in managing product scheduling and optimizing stock levels, including artificial intelligence, computer programs, automation, and the Internet of Things. Because of this, it also cuts down on additional time and improves overall efficiency, which helps businesses become more profitable in a cutthroat market. In addition, the application of technology from Industry 4.0 concentrates on enhancing the food's quality, safety, and appeal, which draws an increasing number of patrons to watch services.

Research Methodology (20%)

For carrying out the research activities, quantitative research choice will be the most suitable method that focuses on collecting authentic and measurable information about the role of Industry 4.0 in managing supply chain activities in the UK food Sector.
For collecting fresh data, the primary method of data collection will be taken into consideration through which the investigator will create a structured questionnaire that includes various close-ended questions asked from the selected participants.
90 participants will be the sample size for the current investigation to collect authentic data. 

Conclusions (10%)

One of the key advantages of using this kind of technology is that it helps the business to have proper transparency in the operations that lets customers obtain or obtain comprehensive information about the product, which will increase customer loyalty and interest in the business and its offerings. Thus, it has been determined that the food industry may more quickly adopt new business models and sustain its brand competitive edge by utilizing industry 4.0 technology, which aids in achieving a successful brand image within a dynamic food sector.