490CS1
Assignment: After reading the passages below
In an essay of 3 to 4 pages, please answer the following questions:
1. Why have supply chain management issues often been ignored by senior management?
2. Describe the strategy you would employ to sell senior management on the benefits of focusing more attention on supply chain management. (Be sure in addressing the strategy question that you incorporate examples from Abercrombie & Fitchs experience described in Duttons article and the suggestions noted in Rudskis article)
3. Discuss the benefits that might be gained from working closely with 3PLs, 4PLs and vendors in promoting supply chain management initiatives to senior management?
Assignment Expectations
It is anticipated that the paper will demonstrate critical thinking skills, clarity of thought, and breadth of understanding in addressing the placement of logistics in modern organizations and why senior management have often overlooked the importance and centrality of the discipline. Specific expectations for the work focus on demonstrating and evaluating creative solutions and strategies for increasing senior management interest in logistics and assessing the benefits of building alliances with 3PLs and 4PLs. It is also expected that the work presented in the paper will reflect a synthesis of previous course work in logistics and related courses, as well as incorporate new materials presented in the modules background readings.
Dutton, Gail (2009 Sep.) Selling the supply chain upwards, .umi.com/pqdweb?index=21&did=1861781661&SrchMode=3&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1255452896&clientId=29440&aid=1″>World Trade, Troy: Vol. 22, Iss. 9, pg. 34, 3 pgs.
Reading:
490cs2
Assignment: After reading the below passages.
Answer the following questions in a 3 to 4 page paper:
Compare and differentiate the functions normally associated with 4PLs relative to the role of 3PLs.
What are the factors responsible for more and more companies relying on the services of 4PLs?
Explain why it is important to establish metrics that can help determine the value a 4PL can contribute to the supply chain when entering into these agreements?
Would you consider Unysons logistics solutions defined for Big Lots consistent with the role of a 4PL in adding value to a supply chain? (Explain and illustrate)
Assignment Expectations
Expectations are centered on the work displaying comparative analysis skills in differentiating the roles of traditional logistics service provider with virtual logistics service providers. It is expected that the paper will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of why virtual logistics services are important, the reason for increased specialization among third and fourth party service providers, and how these services support collaborative logistics management initiatives. It is also anticipated that the work will demonstrate synthesis skills in incorporating previous course work in assessing the changing roles and character of the decision to outsource logistics to specialized providers.
Alan Win. (2008) The value a 4PL provider can contribute to an organization, .umi.com/pqdweb?index=4&did=1596438011&SrchMode=3&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1272477494&clientId=29440&aid=1″>International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management. Bradford: 2008. Vol. 38, Iss. 9; pg. 674
Reading:
490cs3
Assignment: After reading the below passages
In an essay of three or four pages, please answer the following questions:
1. Explain why a two-stage benchmarking methodology that utilizes performance evaluation metrics followed by continuous improvement metrics could be a useful tool for achieving a competitive advantage.
2. Discuss why the inclusion of the second phase, related to continuous improvement, represents a step forward from traditional benchmarking approaches.
3. Evaluate the general adequacy of the major performance criteria used in the AHP article for assessing logistics applied to other types of organizations. Feel free to suggest additions or modifications in the performance criteria if you believe there are inadequacies in the current criteria.
4. Describe the role a 3PL could play in implementing an effective benchmarking approach
Assignment Expectations
The expectations for the assignment are based on the work displaying an in-depth understanding of the role of benchmarking, the metrics that can be used in benchmarking to assess best practices, and how the benchmarking process is integrated into the strategic management effort. It is anticipated that the work will display a critical assessment of the benefits and limitations of the two phases of a double Analytic Hierarchical Process approach to benchmarking. Critical thinking, clarity of logic, and synthesis of the current course materials with previous courses are expected in assessing the relationship of the AHP approach to a continuous process improvement initiative.
Felix, T.S. Chan, H.K. Chan, Henry C.W. Lau, Ralph W.L. (2006), An AHP approach in benchmarking logistics performance of the postal industry, .umi.com/pqdweb?index=1&did=1143422611&SrchMode=3&sid=30&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1235660065&clientId=29440&aid=36″>Benchmarking, Bradford 2006, Vol. 13, Iss. 6, pg 636
490cs4
Assignments:
After reading the two articles, and the other articles in the assigned readings, in an essay of 3 to 4 pages, please answer the following questions:
Q1. Is a security oriented culture applied to the supply chain just good business? Explain!
Q2. What are the benefits of viewing security issues beyond the individual firm?
Q3. Why is RFID technology viewed by many to be an important tool in securing a supply chain?
Q4. Which of the 10 security competencies discussed in the Closs, Speier, Whipple and Voss article are likely to be the most challenging to implement? Why?
Assignment Expectations
Expectations for the assignment are concerned with the work displaying a contextual understanding of the security implications of logistics management under the threat of domestic and global terrorism. It is anticipated that the work will display in-depth knowledge of the vulnerabilities of logistics systems and creativity in assessing the security competencies that could mitigate the risks. In a broader perspective, it is also expected that the work will demonstrate critical thinking, clarity of logic, and synthesis from previous course work in logistics in assessing the implications of implementing a security oriented culture as a central element of the business equation.
Closs, David, Cheri Speier, Judith Whipple, M. Douglas Voss (2008 Sep) A Framework for Protecting your Supply Chain, .umi.com/pqdweb?index=1&did=1557035641&SrchMode=3&sid=34&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1235660568&clientId=29440&aid=41″>Logistics Management (2002) Highland Ranch: Vol.47, Iss. 9; pg. 45, 1 pgs.
490cs5
Assignment:
Read the article below and answer the following questions in a 3-4 page paper:
1. Is Subway’s effort aimed at “greening” the supply chain compatible with “bottom line” objectives? (Explain)
2. Describe the major logistics strategies and tactics associated with Subway’s approach for aligning logistics operations with environmental initiatives.
3. Assess the transferability of Subway’s logistics plan applied to other businesses within and outside the food sector.
Fitzgerald, Tina, Tim Brown, Elizabeth Stewart (2009 Apr) Subways Journey to Green, .umi.com/pqdweb?index=13&did=1679829881&SrchMode=3&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1248290637&clientId=29440&aid=1″>Logistics Management (2002), Highland Ranch, Vol. 48, Iss. 4, pg. 22.
Assignment Expectations
The expectations for the assignment are focused on the work demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the elements involved in developing comprehensive logistics planning and its implications for achieving environmental and bottom line objectives. It is expected that the work will display clarity of logic and depth in describing how logistics planning can be aligned with economic and environmental objectives. An added expectation is that the work will apply previous course experiences, critical thinking, and creativity in assessing the transferability and adaptability of logistics planning solutions from one organization to other related businesses and organizations.
Reading:
Abstract (Summary)
In 2006, Subway decided to put a stake in the ground and become the greenest quick-serve restaurant in the world by taking waste and inefficiency out of the system in four areas: energy efficiency, resource conservation, waste reduction, and food safety. Today, the company is well on its way to achieving this goal-and a green logistics and transportation strategy has played a vital role.
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Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier, Inc. Apr 2009