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Analysis Of Calls Supply Chain Nirvana

Decent Essays

1. Develop a list of about five to eight key principles that management should follow to achieve what the author calls supply chain nirvana. In essence, serve as a supply chain consultant to top management of a firm which has definitely NOT achieved supply chain nirvana. Briefly explain the logic underlying each principle and, if relevant for a given principle, explain why many firms tend to violate that principle or fail to implement it successfully. Perhaps you are familiar with a particular firm. If so then select those five to eight principles that you, as a consultant would recommend the firm focus most intensely on, why, and what they should do initially.

Monitor Changes in the external environment: Although industries change at …show more content…

The planning stage is the research and analysis stage that can facilitate changes that produce competitive advantage. A long-term view is needed to provide reasons for why a change is a smart move, or how it may reduce costs or increase agility.

Prepare Contingency Plans: Supply chain risks must be identified and planned for. It is important to consider supply chain disruptions such as natural disasters, terrorism, security threats, piracy, supplier’s financial collapse, and infrastructure or process failure and there are other risks that all businesses face such as demand volatility and compliance issues. (book, p.241). Developing back up processes and plans takes considerable time yet preparation can be the difference between business continuity and end.

Establish an executive-level leadership: “Creating an organization headed by a c-level executive creates the credibility, organizational imperative, and the financial clout that supply chain transformations need due to their cross-functional and expansive scope” (Book, p.245). Thus, the supply chain c-level executive will oversee the supply chain planning strategy/initiatives and the supply chain management side to integrate a supply chain vision. Alignment, or integration in the supply chain is an evolution that firms must strive for to be successful.

Control and measure efficiency in technology (and all other) investments: The assessment part

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