Roll containers are widely used in transportation and delivery operations due to the high level of flexibility and agility they offer to supply chains. However, there is a negative side to the application of roll containers in industry which can be removed or minimized by proper ergonomic and technical considerations. In this thesis work, the safety problems, economic issues and environmental effects associated with roll containers being used in VGR-WESTMA organization are reviewed in order to come up with alternative solutions to the current way of using old roll containers in their supply chain. The analysis of the problem resulted in ergonomic, safety and technical recommendation on using roll containers within their associated supply chain. The appropriate technical design of roll containers that fits the organization facilities are introduced with the aim of streamlining the supply chain flow within the organization. However, cost is considered as a limiting factor for this organization. Hence, proper ergonomic awareness and use of appropriate accessories to the roll containers are considered as a contemporary alternative solution to replacing roll containers being used in this supply chain.

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Collaboration among hospital supply chain organizations and their internal and external partners has taken many forms partially in response to significant increases in health care costs in the United States while the quality of care delivered has not significantly improved outcomes for patients. An increasingly important factor of this high-cost profile is the cost of supplies including medical/surgical supplies and implants which are the primary focus of this research. The development of new supply chain capabilities alongside internal cost control and process improvement efforts as well as collaborative efforts between hospitals and suppliers have, in many cases, led to incremental efficiencies. However, there has not been a broad study of integration of United States hospital supply chains with their partners, the resulting capabilities, the achievement of supply chain and financial performance outcomes. In a discussion of hospital performance, it is important to note that patient care is critical in decisions made about hospital cost management, thus it is understandable that a specific capability or performance element prioritized in one hospital may be prioritized differently in another. This research examines the relationship between integration capabilities with supply chain and financial performance. Outcomes from multiple studies of this research includes empirical support for a strong link between supply chain capabilities (Study 1) and supply chain performance and directional link between supply chain capabilities as well as supply chain performance and financial outcomes (Studies 2 and 3). Additionally, this research created a practitioner-oriented benchmarking resource intended to aid in the identification of capability/performance gaps and advantages. / Business Administration/Interdisciplinary