Understanding Supply Chain And How The Consumer Can Play A R

Understanding Supply Chain And How The Consumer Can Play A Critical Ro

Understanding supply chain and how the consumer can play a critical role in the supply chain is an important part of developing and implementing a strategy. In this assignment you will explore the concept of the supply chain in business and the role of the customer in the supply chain. There are many products and services today where the target customer is part of the supply chain. Wikipedia, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and Craig’s List are just a few examples. Using the module readings, Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, respond to the following: Give an example of a product or service where the target customer is part of the supply chain.

Describe the types of innovations or improvements that have come from involving the target customer in the supply chain. Describe the types of information technology mechanisms that have been used to involve the customer in the supply chain. Write your initial response in approximately 300 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

In preparation for the final course project, prepare the preliminary strategy audit using the tools and framework you have focused on so far including: Analysis of the company value proposition, market position, and competitive advantage. Conduct an external environmental scan/five forces analysis. Identify the most important (5–7) strategic issues facing the organization or business unit, considering multiple perspectives for a comprehensive view. Include a preliminary set of recommended tactics for improving your company’s strategic alignment and operating performance. If suggesting a global strategy, include a supply chain analysis and an assessment of global capabilities. Write as though you are a consultant addressing the company's executive team, ensuring clarity, organization, and proper scholarly attribution. The report should be 7–10 pages in Word format, including cover, executive summary, table of contents, introduction, analysis sections, and recommendations.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective supply chains are integral to modern commerce, especially when the consumer actively participates in the supply process. An exemplary case of a product where the target customer is embedded within the supply chain is Mary Kay Cosmetics. This company leverages its independent beauty consultants—its customers—as both sales agents and brand ambassadors. This unique model transforms consumers into active supply chain participants, allowing direct feedback, customization, and rapid dissemination of new products (McDonough, 2018).

One significant advantage of involving customers directly in the supply chain is the acceleration of innovation and customization. Inspired by customer feedback, Mary Kay continuously develops personalized beauty solutions, which enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, their model fosters co-creation of products, wherein customers suggest improvements or new products based on personal preferences (Frey & Autry, 2019). For example, Mary Kay has introduced tailored skincare lines based on consumer input about skin types and concerns, resulting in more effective and customer-specific offerings.

Modern information technology mechanisms facilitate this participation. Mary Kay offers digital platforms, including mobile apps and online portals, for consultants to interact with the company and customers. These platforms enable real-time communication, order placement, feedback collection, and data analytics—providing insights into consumer preferences and behavior (Chong et al., 2020). The use of customer relationship management (CRM) systems enables targeted marketing and personalized product recommendations, further integrating the customer into the supply chain network. Such technologies foster transparency, engagement, and responsiveness, which are crucial for a customer-centric supply chain (Lyytinen & Sampson, 2018).

Furthermore, innovations such as social media engagement and crowdsourcing initiatives have expanded customer influence. Mary Kay actively involves consumers in product development through online surveys and social media polls, encouraging participative innovation (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2019). This integration of IT tools enhances responsiveness, drives product innovation, and promotes a sense of community among consumers and the company, ultimately strengthening the supply chain’s effectiveness.

In conclusion, involving customers directly in the supply chain via innovative IT mechanisms fosters improved product customization, accelerates innovation, and deepens customer engagement. As exemplified by Mary Kay Cosmetics, technology-enabled customer participation is vital for maintaining competitive advantage in today's dynamic marketplace.

References

• Chong, A. Y. L., Lo, C. K. Y., & Weng, X. (2020). The impact of digital supply chain transformation on customer satisfaction. Journal of Business Logistics, 41(1), 19-31.
• Frey, D., & Autry, C. W. (2019). Customer co-creation: An examination of innovative practices in firms. Journal of Business Research, 98, 388-397.
• Kaplan, A., & Haenlein, M. (2019). Social media marketing: A practitioner’s perspective. Journal of Advertising Research, 59(2), 147-165.
• Lyytinen, K., & Sampson, S. (2018). Information technology and the evolution of supply chains. Information Systems Journal, 28(3), 380-394.
• McDonough, J. (2018). Mary Kay: Beauty in the direct-sales model. Harvard Business Review, 96(4), 102-109.