Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The retail industry is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key enabler of innovation. This thesis explores the impact of AI on supply chain management within the retail sector, aiming to provide insights into how AI technologies are transforming traditional supply chain practices and optimizing operations. The study delves into the benefits and challenges associated with the integration of AI in supply chain management, focusing on its implications for inventory management, demand forecasting, logistics, and customer service. The research begins with an introduction to the topic, providing a background of the study and highlighting the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. A comprehensive literature review in Chapter Two examines existing studies on the application of AI in supply chain management, identifying key trends, best practices, and research gaps. The review encompasses ten critical areas, including AI technologies, supply chain optimization, data analytics, automation, and the impact on retail operations. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in the study, detailing the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The chapter also discusses the ethical considerations and limitations of the research methodology, ensuring the validity and reliability of the findings. The research methodology section includes eight key components, such as research approach, data sources, and data analysis techniques. In Chapter Four, the findings of the study are presented and discussed in detail, highlighting the transformative effects of AI on supply chain management practices in the retail industry. The chapter analyzes the implications of AI technologies on inventory optimization, demand forecasting accuracy, warehouse operations, transportation efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The discussion incorporates real-world case studies and examples to illustrate the practical applications of AI in enhancing supply chain performance and competitiveness. Finally, Chapter Five offers a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, implications, and contributions of the study. The conclusion highlights the significance of AI in revolutionizing supply chain management practices and outlines recommendations for future research and industry practitioners. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the role of AI in reshaping supply chain management in the retail sector, providing valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to leverage AI technologies for sustainable competitive advantage.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Supply Chain Management in the Retail Industry" aims to investigate the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on supply chain management practices within the retail sector. In recent years, AI technologies have gained significant traction across various industries, revolutionizing traditional business operations and processes. Within the retail industry, the integration of AI in supply chain management has the potential to enhance efficiency, optimize decision-making processes, and improve overall operational performance. The research will delve into the various applications of AI in supply chain management within the retail industry, focusing on areas such as demand forecasting, inventory management, logistics optimization, and customer service. By analyzing the implementation of AI-driven solutions in these key areas, the study seeks to identify the specific benefits and challenges associated with adopting AI technologies in retail supply chain operations. Furthermore, the research will explore how AI can enable retailers to gain a competitive advantage by streamlining processes, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and real-world examples, the study will provide insights into best practices and strategies for effectively integrating AI into supply chain management practices. Overall, the project aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of AI on supply chain management in the retail industry, offering valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. By examining the implications of AI technologies on retail supply chains, the research seeks to inform decision-makers about the opportunities and challenges presented by this rapidly evolving technological landscape.