Supply Chain Management Case Studies
MSYS111-12B Possible Test Questions Sessions 1-9 * What is a supply chain?
The interconnected businesses that convert raw materials into consumer products via the transfer of materials, information and cash. * Draw a hypothetical milk supply chain * What is supply chain management?
The management of upstream and downstream suppliers working together to create high value products for consumers as efficiently as possible to the benefit of the whole supply chain. It operates on three different levels, Strategic, Tactical an Operational. At a strategic level, the decisions are made regarding long term objectives, company direction and distribution of resources, at a tactical level this revolves around functional decisions, production decisions and short-term forecasting. The operational level of SC management deals with the day to day supply chain functions like inventory management and procurement. * How is supply chain management like a rowing eight?
Like a rowing 8, supply chain management requires all members to give up their own goals and work together in unison for the common good. Timing is critical, and improved with practice. Members are reliant on each other, one person (cox/supply chain manager) keeps the team on task. Communication is vital. All members have similar strengths, and they know each oters weaknesses. To get the best from the whole team, they need to collaborate. * What's wrong with the term ‘supply chain’?
The term is misleading, it suggests a supply chain is linear, when in fact it is a network of inter connected businesses intersecting from various direction. * Why is the term ‘supply chain’ misleading?
Not every business ‘supplies’ some businesses transform, it is a complex network, not a linear process, the focus of the phrase is on SUPPLY when really, it is a DEMAND driven network * What would be a more appropriate term for a ‘supply chain’? Demand Chain? * How is SCM like a chain weakest link
The interconnected businesses that convert raw materials into consumer products via the transfer of materials, information and cash. * Draw a hypothetical milk supply chain * What is supply chain management?
The management of upstream and downstream suppliers working together to create high value products for consumers as efficiently as possible to the benefit of the whole supply chain. It operates on three different levels, Strategic, Tactical an Operational. At a strategic level, the decisions are made regarding long term objectives, company direction and distribution of resources, at a tactical level this revolves around functional decisions, production decisions and short-term forecasting. The operational level of SC management deals with the day to day supply chain functions like inventory management and procurement. * How is supply chain management like a rowing eight?
Like a rowing 8, supply chain management requires all members to give up their own goals and work together in unison for the common good. Timing is critical, and improved with practice. Members are reliant on each other, one person (cox/supply chain manager) keeps the team on task. Communication is vital. All members have similar strengths, and they know each oters weaknesses. To get the best from the whole team, they need to collaborate. * What's wrong with the term ‘supply chain’?
The term is misleading, it suggests a supply chain is linear, when in fact it is a network of inter connected businesses intersecting from various direction. * Why is the term ‘supply chain’ misleading?
Not every business ‘supplies’ some businesses transform, it is a complex network, not a linear process, the focus of the phrase is on SUPPLY when really, it is a DEMAND driven network * What would be a more appropriate term for a ‘supply chain’? Demand Chain? * How is SCM like a chain weakest link