Understand this is a mini-SCOR evaluation as discussed in the textbook, lectures, and supplemental materials. No supply chain works exactly the same and often varies between industries and companies. Recognize organizations fundamentally compete by their supply chain (so they are not going to necessarily publicly disclose all their details that could affect their competitive position).
Students will have to research different stages of their supply chain selected (see weekly lessons and understand these stages may represent different industries and companies that you need to combine for this project). This supply chain project should research the raw materials that go into your selected products or services (i.e. cotton used in denim, right to the shovel in the ground). As well as each different echelon or stage that supports the supply chain (i.e. fabric mills, apparel manufacturers). All the way downstream to where the consumer purchases the product or service (i.e. retail, e-commerce) and reverse (i.e. recycle, remanufacturer, or reuse). See research tutorials in the Course Materials and contact the librarian as needed.
This initial phase of critical thinking is a vital skill for growing a strong management career as organizations have to tailor these concepts to their own competitive environment. Being able to substantiate or support ideas for further improvements using key disciplinary concepts, research, analyze data, other industry or company case studies, etc., requires managers to customize and apply resources identifying and addressing problems that drive further supply chain innovations and improvements. Understanding how supply chains function is a very important skill that today’s employers are looking for in their managers with a bachelor degree.
For this submissions, students must:
2. Outline the various potential stages of this supply chain. This description should cover key details regarding how these various stages operate (focus writing on details not included on the graphical diagram or network diagram for your supply chain in Step 4). The lecture in Week 1 describes these details in the audio portion for that example which need to be considered similarly for your selected supply chain.
3. Identify potential geographic locations of these stages in this supply chain (this may be drawn on the graphical diagram or network diagram in Step 4). This should focus on the major locations for each stage of the supply chain. The lecture in Week 1 and 2 provides examples of this portion of the project.
4. Design a graphical diagram(s) or network(s) on how the material, information, and funds flow in your selected supply chain.Students should focus on the main flows. For help on using drawing tools for visual organizers, there are several Microsoft Office programs available (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.). Please see link to tutorials in the Course Materials if unsure on the computer skills needed to create your own visual organizer or go to a computer lab or learning center for help.
5. Explain key supply chain metrics for stages in this supply chain. Performance measures are used to judge a supply chain’s ability to meet (or better yet exceed) customer expectations. There are different categories regarding performance metrics: finance, facilities, inventory, transportation, information, sourcing, and pricing. Students need to research and provide at least three performance measures for their selected supply chain from at least three different categories. These measures should consider different companies or industries that are associated with the different stages for their selected supply chain.
6. Determine which stage of the life cycle this selected supply chain is in, for example whether the product or service is new, innovative/growing, maturing, or declining in its life cycle. Explain your reasoning for this life cycle decision as this should influence supply chain strategies and decisions in the next part of this project.
7. Prioritize at least three current key decisions or characteristics concluded on the selected supply chain that are impacting the overall performance of this supply chain. Students should consider from their research major characteristics or decisions that may be impacting strategic, planning, operating, marketing, financing, performance to draw these conclusions. These supply chain decisions or characteristics should focus on major issues today that are shaping the ability of this product or service selected to compete in the global marketplace.
Students should review the gradingassessmentrubric to further understand the expectations for completing this assignment. For tips on writing Business Reports and How to Summarize Information (i.e. tables, figures), please see the Course Materials Doing Research and Using APA. This is a research paper that requires APA citations and references. This submission should be at least 5 pages (not including cover page and bibliography or reference list). Every source used for this submission should have in-text citations where used and a complete reference list. All figures, tables, or appendices created should be formatted and cited in APA format to your sources.
The selection supply chain is CHEWING GUM
CriteriaAdvanced
3.57 points
Proficienpoints
Developing
1.19 points
Novice
RUBRICS
0 points
2. Supply chain potential stages: research quantity and quality.
Reputable and thorough research (from shovel in the ground to final end user).
3. Potential geographic locations of stages: research quantity and quality.
Reputable and thorough research with top locations for each stage.
4. Graphical diagram(s) or network(s) of supply chain: organized and logical based on research.
Organized, clear, accurate, detailed, and supported by research.
5. Key supply chain performance metrics for stages based on research. Must provide at least 3 specific performance measures (different categories).
Researched and analyzed specific performance metrics for different stages of the supply chain. Provided 3 or more from different categories.
6. Product/service life cycle: evaluation based on research.
Explained assumptions and reasons well.
7. Three key decisions or characteristics concluded across the supply chain that impact overall performance: analysis and evaluation based on research.
Accurately interpreted evidence to draw sound conclusions.
8. Format – considered spelling, grammar, punctuation, citations, reference list, tables/figures, spacing, headings/subsections, introduction, conclusion, etc. (10 pg. max.).
Effectively demonstrated professional format with APA citations and references (<5 minor errors). Nicely organized and communicated project requirements appropriate for the audience level for this scenario.
