Module 2 – Case
LOGISTICS PROVIDERS, TRADITIONAL AND VIRTUAL
Case Assignment
After reading the background sources, please write an essay
addressing the following questions.
1. Compare and
contrast the functions normally associated with 4PLs to those of 3PLs.
2. What are the
factors responsible for more and more companies relying on the services of
4PLs?
3. Explain why it
is important to establish metrics that can help determine the “value” a 4PL can
contribute to the supply chain, before entering into these agreements.
4. Would you
consider Unyson’s logistics solutions, as devised for Big Lots, to be
consistent with the role of a 4PL in adding value to a supply chain? (Explain
and illustrate.)
Assignment Expectations
Describe, compare and contrast the roles of traditional
logistics service providers with the roles of virtual logistics service
providers. 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. Skillfully integrate information from previous
logistics courses with information obtained from this course’s readings.
Module 2 – SLP
LOGISTICS PROVIDERS, TRADITIONAL AND VIRTUAL
Each SLP assignment consists of two activities. See SLP 1
for a complete description of each.
Activity 1 (Assessment Phase)
Describe and assess your organization’s experience, if any,
with 4PLs (“virtual” logistics service providers [VLSP]).
Activity 2 (Improvement Phase)
Determine if your organization could more effectively use
the services of 4PLs (VLSP). If your organization has no experience with 4PLs
(VLSP), discuss the major advantages and disadvantages that might result from
using a VLSP for the organization.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Integrate the background materials and previous course work,
to assess the reference organization’s experience, if any, with virtual
logistics service providers. Demonstrate critical thinking, logic, and an
in-depth knowledge of the virtual logistics service concept and how it could
either be introduced, or more effectively utilized, as part of the reference
organization’s supply chain management.
Submit your assignment for grading by the end of the module.
SLP General Expectations
· Since this is
a capstone course, you are expected to make full use of your detailed
understanding of the material covered in this course, as well as earlier
courses (LOG301, LOG302, and LOG401). You should display highly developed
critical, analytical and expository skills.
· Don’t write in
checklist form. Integrate the information you find into a well-constructed
essay.
· You may not
find specific information relating to this assignment. In that case, you will
need to “fill in the gaps,” using your understanding of the company you’re
analyzing, plus the sources listed on the Background Info page.
· Style and
format must comply with the Writing Style Guide. (TUI Guide, n.d.) This is not
an English course; however, errors in spelling, grammar and style will be
penalized.
· Provide
citations and references. Use of APA style is encouraged, but not required.
Please see the TUI Writing Guide, or visit the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL,
2015).
· There is no
page requirement. Write what you need to write, neither more nor less.
· Upload your
SLP before the end of the module.
