Supply Issues in Supply Chain Management
This assignment will assess your knowledge based on the following Outcome:
MT433-2: Evaluate supply issues in supply chain management.
In this assignment, you are going to analyze the supply strategy of an organization. Preferably, you will select the organization where you currently work or one where you previously worked. If this is not possible, you may select a well-known company on which you will be able to gather significant supply chain information.
However, if you need to choose this route, you must communicate with your instructor through email first- explain why you are not able to use your personal work experience and propose a company on which you will write your paper. Your instructor will let you know how to proceed. You need to do this early in the week so you have time to agree on a company. Failing to do this on time is not an excuse for submitting your assignment late, or using a company without approval.
In order to complete this assignment, you may need to first collect information from your organization. Start this process early in the week so to ensure you have all the information you need.
There are many supply issues that will impact a company’s operation. Supply management professionals must be able to recognize these, evaluate their importance and prioritize them. Based on these priorities they must ensure the right suppliers are selected and managed.
Instructions:
For this assignment, answer the following questions:
What are the top three supplier performance dimensions that your organization is most concerned about? You may use table 3.1 for a list of relevant factors. Explain why your company prioritizes each of these. Do you think they are using the right ones?
How does your organization manage its relationship with its key suppliers? Is there an established program, is it based on personal connections, or something else? Should they change the way they do this? Explain.
How does your organization use forecasting? Explain.
a. What do they forecast and how frequently do they generate new forecasts?
b. Where do they get their data and any issues with data collection?
c. Which methodology do they use?
d. How do they evaluate the performance of their forecasts? Are the error metrics (MAD, MSE, etc.) good? Would you recommend using a different methodology?
*Please note: Professors do have academic freedom to modify assignments and requirements to mitigate against cheating and plagiarism, and help with student learning.
Respond using the critical elements below:
Compose your original response in Standard English, paying special attention to grammar, style, and mechanics.
Respond to the questions in a thorough manner, following the prescribed format and citing your sources using the current APA guidelines.
Ensure that your viewpoint and purpose are clearly stated.
Demonstrate logical and appropriate transitions from one idea to another.
Your paper should be highly organized, logical, and focused.
