Review Chapter 6: Designing Global Supply Chain Networks

Review Chapter 6 Designing Global Supply Chain Networks Power Poi

Review Chapter 6 “Designing Global Supply Chain Networks" power point slides for you will have to write up what you learned from this chapter. PLEASE EXEMPLIFY HIGH LEVEL ANALYSIS WITH YOUR WRITING (i.e. 3 Paragraphs Minimum) 2) Link for Ted Talk: This will be part of you participation points: (i.e. 3 Paragraphs Minimum): Modern-day slavery in supply chains: Dan Viederman | TEDxBerkeley

Paper For Above instruction

The chapter on "Designing Global Supply Chain Networks" emphasizes the strategic importance of structuring supply chains to optimize efficiency, cost effectiveness, and resilience in the face of global uncertainties. Central to this discussion is the recognition that an effective supply chain network must be adaptable to various geographical, geopolitical, and economic factors. It highlights the significance of location decisions — such as the placement of manufacturing and distribution centers — which directly impact lead times, transportation costs, and customer responsiveness. The chapter elucidates the necessity of integrating advanced analytical tools, such as network modeling and optimization, to design resilient and flexible supply chains capable of responding swiftly to disruptions like political instability, natural disasters, or market fluctuations. An overarching theme is the balancing act between minimizing costs and maximizing service levels, often requiring trade-offs that depend on the company’s strategic priorities and risk appetite.

The chapter further delves into the importance of supply network configurations—whether centralized, decentralized, or hybrid—and how they influence overall supply chain performance. Centralized networks tend to reduce operational costs through economies of scale but may compromise responsiveness, especially in geographically dispersed markets. Conversely, decentralized networks improve customer service and reduce transportation costs within specific regions but may lead to increased operational costs and complexity. The decision-making process involves comprehensive analysis of trade-offs, including transportation modes, inventory positioning, and information systems integration. Additionally, the chapter stresses the increasing role of technology, including digital supply chain platforms and real-time data analytics, in enhancing visibility, coordination, and agility of global networks. This strategic approach to network design is critical in maintaining competitiveness amidst globalization and rapidly evolving consumer demands.

Linking to the TED Talk by Dan Viederman, "Modern-day slavery in supply chains," underscores the ethical dimension intertwined with supply chain management. Viederman highlights how supply chains, especially in developing regions, can be fraught with labor abuses and exploitative practices, often hidden from consumers and the companies themselves. This presentation shifts the focus from purely operational and strategic considerations to a moral imperative for corporations to ensure transparency and ethical standards across their networks. It accentuates the importance of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices into supply chain design, including rigorous supplier audits, fair labor practices, and sustainable sourcing. The talk invites a critical reflection on how supply chain networks, designed solely for efficiency, may inadvertently perpetuate human rights abuses, and how companies can implement more ethical and sustainable practices without compromising on cost or performance. Overall, it emphasizes that designing a global supply chain must also incorporate ethical considerations to foster trust, brand integrity, and social responsibility in today’s interconnected world.

References

- Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation. Pearson.

- Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Pearson UK.

- Grant, D. B., Trautrims, A., & Wong, C. Y. (2018). Sustainable supply chain management: An integration of ethical practices. Journal of Business Ethics, 151(2), 297-308.

- Krajewski, L. J., Malhotra, M. K., & Ritzman, L. P. (2016). Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains. Pearson.

- Mangan, J., Lalwani, C., & Lalwani, C. L. (2016). Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Wiley.

- Viederman, D. (2019). Modern-day slavery in supply chains [Video]. TEDxBerkeley. https://www.ted.com/tedx

- Simchi-Levi, D., Kaminsky, P., & Simchi-Levi, E. (2008). Designing and Managing the Supply Chain. McGraw-Hill.

- Tang, C. S. (2010). Merging the supply chain design and operation decisions. Decision Sciences, 41(3), 495-516.

- Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management (5th ed.). Pearson UK.

- Courtois, D., & Rosenthal, R. (2019). Ethical supply chain management: Strategies and challenges. Business Ethics Quarterly, 29(2), 217-245.