Assignment 1: Prepare A 700-1050 Word Paper In Which You Ide

Assignment 1preparea 700 1050 Word Paper In Which You Identify Analy

Assignment 1 Prepare a 700-1,050-word paper in which you identify, analyze, discuss, and recommend the most appropriate solutions to the issues raised in the following case from the perspective of global value chain strategies located in the e-text, Global Operations and Logistics: Text and Cases: Case 6-2: Laura Ashley and Federal Express Strategic Alliance.

Assignment 2:

Select one of the countries that were evaluated that is best suited to meet your organization's needs based on your previous Learning Team assignments. - The Bahamas. Prepare a paper evaluating the forecasting technique(s) available to ensure that you meet customer requirements, and select the most appropriate. Select and describe the most appropriate inventory model (explain why it is the most appropriate). Evaluate manufacturing strategies and the associated inventory model(s) available that would meet your customer requirements, and select and describe the most appropriate inventory model. Determine which supply and demand hedging strategies (commodities futures, vertical/horizontal integration, etc.) would be the most appropriate to meet your customer requirements, based on the country's specific factors.

Paper For Above instruction

The first assignment requires an in-depth analysis of the strategic alliance between Laura Ashley and Federal Express as detailed in the case study from "Global Operations and Logistics." This involves identifying the core issues faced by both companies, analyzing the strategies they implemented, discussing alternative solutions, and recommending the most effective course of action from a global value chain perspective. The analysis should consider elements such as logistics coordination, supply chain integration, transportation management, and the strategic benefits of alliance formation. An effective paper would scrutinize how this partnership enhances operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage while addressing potential challenges like cultural differences, communication barriers, and logistical complexities.

The second assignment involves evaluating forecasting techniques suitable for operations in The Bahamas, chosen based on previous assessments aligning with organizational needs. The evaluation should include an examination of various forecasting methods such as qualitative techniques (Delphi method, market research) and quantitative techniques (time series analysis, causal models). The paper should identify the most appropriate forecasting technique considering The Bahamas' specific market conditions, demand patterns, and data availability. Additionally, selecting an inventory model—such as Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), Just-in-Time (JIT), or ABC analysis—should be justified based on factors like demand variability, lead times, and cost considerations. The discussion must extend to manufacturing strategies (such as lean manufacturing, agile manufacturing, flexible production systems), aligning these strategies with inventory models to optimize supply chain performance. Furthermore, supply and demand hedging strategies like commodities futures or vertical/horizontal integration should be evaluated to mitigate risks associated with fluctuations in demand, price volatility, or supply disruptions, tailored to The Bahamas’ unique economic and logistical environment.

References

  • Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation. Pearson.
  • Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Pearson UK.
  • Heizer, J., Render, B., & Munson, C. (2017). Operations Management. Pearson.
  • Krajewski, L., Malhotra, M., & Ritzman, L. (2019). Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains. Pearson.
  • Mentzer, J. T. (2004). Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management. Sage Publications.
  • Simchi-Levi, D., Kaminsky, P., & Simchi-Levi, E. (2008). Designing and Managing the Supply Chain. McGraw-Hill.
  • Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A., & Burgess, N. (2018). Operations Management. Pearson.
  • Thompson, J., & McElwee, G. (2018). Strategic Supply Chain Management. Routledge.
  • World Bank. (2022). Doing Business in The Bahamas. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org
  • Yen, C., & Wu, K. (2019). Forecasting Techniques and Inventory Management in Small Island Developing States. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 55(2), 34-48.

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