Date of Graduation
12-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Supply Chain Management
Advisor/Mentor
Sparks Cummings, Shaughan
Abstract
Despite acknowledging crisis, the United States Postal Service (USPS) can remain relevant in the United States by relying on foundational logistical values to guide the implementation of their current supply chain strategies.
The idea of intentional focus dedicated to the advancement of the postal service’s supply chain is an underlying reason why USPS was able to be so successful at its formation. From its founding, the national postal service focused on many logistical values, as the success of executing these values was necessary to the nation's establishment and survival. Three of the most prominent logistical values from creating the national postal service include connectivity, flexibility, and reliability.
These values still apply to USPS. A potential “north star” whenever the postal service needs revitalization. For it seems that losing focus on these three supply chain strategies allows crisis to disrupt USPS’s model.
For USPS, much of its present day crisis stems from internal issues such as financial unsustainability, and lack of service excellence. If evaluated in light of the foundational logistical values, connectivity, flexibility, and reliability, these challenges could potentially become sources of competitive advantages. And, while much of USPS’s present crisis is due to internal issues, many such issues have been exacerbated by external factors. Such as the COVID-19 pandemic, indirect competitors, and direct competitors.
Both internal and external factors contribute to USPS’s current challenging climate. So, whether these disruptions come in the form of internal issues, competitors, changing economic climates, or a combination of factors, all threaten the relevance of USPS. As such, an intentional focus on advancing USPS’s supply chain strategies, specifically relating to connectivity, flexibility, and reliability, may restore the postal service’s relevance.
Keywords
supply chain management, postal service, USPS
Citation
Skrivanos Oliver, S. (2022). Renewed Relevance for the United States Postal Service: A Return to Supply Chain Values. Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/scmtuht/37