Case Study : A Supply Chain Essay

Recognized as one of the leading computer manufacturers, Dell uses an astonishing supply chain through pull-to-order procurement and just-in-time inventory management. Their strategy is highly efficient and drives costs to a minimum while allowing for minimal lead times and production times of under 4 hours for each order as their suppliers maintain levels of inventory based on forecasts within Dell warehouses near Dell assembly

In order for IKEA to achieve design and sustainability objectives, they follow and balance four dimensions of design. The four different dimensions followed are form, function, quality, sustainability, and low price (Rafiq Elmansy, 2014). IKEA has already made changes by using cotton and water from sources that can be renewed. IKEA did this while posting strong sales figures. In 2014, its sales increased 5.9 percent from 2013 to $32.1 billion (Pantsios, 2015).

Supply chain management is a practice that involves the planning, supervision, and implementation of strategies and controls to direct the movement of goods and services provided to customers. The intent of this essay is to incorporate a synopsis of existing literature and to provide the reader with a general understanding of how supply chain management correlates with the organizational design and structure of modern firms. The essay comprehensively reviews the components of supply chain management and their integration with functional areas within an organization. The information presented in this essay

Cisco not only failed to forecast a market downturn and also reportedly its problems were largely caused by inherent defects in the company systems. Below are some of the reasons why Cisco landed in financial trouble in early 2001. There were several factors that play a part for Cisco’s crisis in early 2001. But the main culprit was the misalignment of Cisco’s interest with this of its contract manufacturers which leaded to communication breakdown in the overall supply chain process. Stanley et al., (p.10, 2007) mentioned that “a supply chain is made up of a series of linked company-level value chains where communication up and down the supply chain can help build processes that enable the entire chain to make and deliver winning products and services”.

us all their manufacturing defects of existing L.L.Bean products at an agreed upon reduced rate,

Since E-Commerce and technology evolves every day, developing a team or process to stay on top of potential business risks associated to security.

The benefits of communication in a Supply Chain are variable and depend on many factors other than enhanced clarity and efficiency. Benefits not only come from effective communication but from coordination and the decisions derived from useful information. Every node in a supply chain network has a significant influence over the decisions made by others pertaining to real demand. These decisions, in turn, affect the entire supply chain and distort the information as it travels vertically through the supply chain resulting in what is known as the “bull whip effect”.

In order to response to the loss of market leader status in current competitive market environment, Sir Peter Davis, CEO of the Sainsbury's Group, decided to commence a project called "7-in-3" supply chain management project in late 2000. Company's Supply Chain Director, Martin White, summarized the 4 key principles of "7-in-3" supply chain strategy.

There is a lot of talk in the media about collaborative supply chain networks, but to get the most out of these networks, businesses need to understand which suppliers it makes sense to collaborate with. However, organizations still have significant issues of trust when it comes to their suppliers, despite the tremendous efficiency and productivity gains companies acquire from collaborating with trading partners. Supply chain collaboration is a shared benefit for buyers and sellers when done correctly and with a win-win attitude. Often though, executives believe that sharing cost information and other internal data with trading partners breeds risk. The solution is to certify suppliers to ensure these trading partners bring your business a return on investment that you

To start, it is vital to clarify the concept of a supply chain. It consists basically of all the process that the materials suffer as they flow from the source to the final customer. There are many concepts linked to this term, purchasing, warehousing, manufacturing, etc. Or more precisely: “a supply chain is a system of business enterprises that link together to satisfy consumer demand. The elements of a supply chain can be contained in the same business or be part of different companies” (Riddalls et Al., 2000)

Information sharing has been implemented since 1980 (EDI system, then forecasting, planning, replenishing, shipping application and huge investments in the Retail Link System). For them Wal-Mart remained the only source of real time data. This permitted Wal-Mart to have an exclusive relationship with suppliers (which eventually can increase Wal-Mart power). The IT system provides many information which helps Wal-Mart reduce stock outs and overstocking; so even suppliers are able to schedule manufacturing more efficiently. Moreover Wal-Mart is saving lots of money by developing cross-border suppliers (first of all China).

While Amazon may be the one in the limelight, there is a lot going on behind-the-scenes that creates their success story. Amazon early on recognized the importance of good relationships and predictably its collaboration with its manufacturers and suppliers plays a key role in their success today. Some of the main drivers that have led to successful collaborative relationships between Amazon and its suppliers are:

Supply chain is one of the critical aspects that can make or break any company. The research will also concentrate on aspects of supply chain.

In addition, the chain supply organizations must consider a few other policies that would enhance its information security and cybersecurity programs. For example, organizations must be more diligent with the third party, vendor management process and implement the policies that require the organization to vet vendors. Auditing process are becoming more stringent, especially with third party organizations being the cause of some hacking incidents, having a third party, vendor management policy in place will assist in APT matters. Ultimately, an organization should want to make sure that the vendor in which business is conducted with is a viable company and the necessary

including distributors and suppliers. From the person who gets original wood from a tree to the