PDE4910 Logistics and Supply Chains - Middlesex University, London, UK

Supply Chain Management Individual Report Assignment

Scope - The food industry and its associated supply chain system has long been of strategic interest worldwide. In more recent times, global markets have forced the food industry to become internationally relocated to be able to satisfy customers.

To achieve a higher rate of customer satisfaction one of the important factors that has to be considered is the supply chain infrastructure (including logistics), which needs be designed to meet objectives such as costs, quality, and responsiveness.

For this assignment, provide an analytical review of the supply chain system of ONE major food industry player. What is the approach of this company in channels of distribution? How has it benefited them?

Then provide an analytical review of the supply chain system adopted in ONE other industry. For example, the oil and gas industry or the fashion industry, but you can select other industries.

Then compare the specifics of the supply chain systems of the two organisations.

Note choose only TWO organisations to illustrate your answer. Please let your tutor know the two organisations that you have chosen - ideally every student selects two organisations that differ from the selections of the other students.

Assignment Questions - Your essay should include the following requirements for each organisation:-

1) Explain the importance of effective supply chain management in achieving the organisation's business objectives.

2) Explain the link between supply chain management and business functions in the organisation.

3) Discuss the key drivers for achieving an integrated supply chain strategy within this organisation. How can you use key drivers to achieve efficiency and responsiveness?

4) Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies used by the organisation to maintain supplier relationships.

5) Assess how information technology could assist/assists in integrating different parts of the supply chain of this organisation, and how information technology has contributed to the management of the supply chain for this organisation.

Then:

6) Compare the supply chains of the two organisations. How are they similar and how do they differ?

Note - The Two Organization chosen to write on are Nissan and Heineken.