Assignment 4. Module Question Responses (10%)
Assignment 4. Module Question Responses (10%)
Instructions
Save this document to your computer and complete responses to each of the questions directly into it. When you are finished with all your responses, send the document to the Open Learning Faculty Member for grading.
Module 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Module Question
Supply chain management has emerged as a highly popular field of study and practice over the last two decades. What are the factors that contributed to the growth of supply chain management area? Starting with the origin of supply chain, research and list the major catalysts and driving forces that contributed to the growth of this area. What is the status-quo in supply chain and what does the future hold for supply chain area?
Limit your write-up to about 800 words (+- 200 words i.e. 25% deviation allowed).
Module 2: Supply Chain Strategy
Module Question
Consider the example of a subject company of your choice (say a manufacturer). How can this manufacturer utilize the full set of logistical and cross-functional drivers to achieve a strategic fit for both price conscious as well as time-sensitive customers?
Limit your write-up to about 800 words (+- 200 words i.e. 25% deviation allowed).
Module 3: Demand Management
Module Question
Your manager believes that since forecasts are never 100% perfect, they are useless. Thus, there is no point in creating a forecast. Analyze his argument and provide evidence for your agreement or disagreement with his position.
On the other hand, your director has asked for your help in developing a forecast. She is trying to forecast demand for the coming year, and wants to use last years sales data as part of the forecast. What is the problem if your director uses last years sales data instead of last years demand to forecast demand for the coming year?
Limit your write-up to about 400 to 500 words.
Module 4: Inventory Management
Module Question
Inventory is a double-edged sword. Too much inventory and too little inventory both may create a problem for a firm. By exploring some real life examples from your research, discuss the instances where too much inventory led to financial hardship for a company and has pushed a company towards bankruptcy, and where too little inventory led to lost sales or lower customer demand.
Limit your write-up to about 800 words (+- 200 words i.e. 25% deviation allowed).
Module 5: Location and Network Design
Module Question
A distribution company operating several warehouses in Canada is contemplating moving from a decentralized distribution network to a centralized one by operating one or two central warehouses. How will the transportation, inventory and facility costs be affected?
Limit your write-up to about 800 to 1000 words.
Module 6: Warehouse Management
Module Question
Research some of the common warehousing mistakes made by public companies. Describe four or more of these mistakes and their impact on a manufacturing or a wholesale company of your choosing. Limit your write-up to about 800 to 1000 words.
Module 7: Transportation Management
Module Question
Choose between the following two topics (a or b). Limit your write-up to about 800 to 1000 words.
Write a brief report after researching the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) is having on transportation e.g., self-driving vehicles, automated route planning based on weather and traffic conditions etc. You should assess the impact in information sharing, supply chain risk and future potential of AI in transportation.
A couple of links are provided here, but you are expected to explore more articles through your research.
TechemergencePrescouterWrite a brief report after researching the topic on how environmental regulation and sustainability in supply chain has led to changes in preferred transportation modes.
Grading
Review this rubric prior to writing your responses. The rubric shows how marks will be distributed for each response. Total marks available is 7 x 14 = 98Exemplary Proficient Needs Improvement Not Evident Max. Value
Comprehension
Develops a post with an organized, clear point of view or idea using rich and significant detail.
(4 marks) Develops a post with a point of view or idea using appropriate detail
(3 marks) Develops a post with a point of view or idea but with some gaps in organization and detail.
(1 mark) Does not develop a post with an organized point of view or idea.
(0 marks) 4
Research Post draws insight from more than 3 external sources that are referenced.
(4 marks) Post draws insight from 3 external sources that are referenced.
(3 marks) Post draws insight from 2 external sources that are referenced.
(1 mark) Post draws insight from one or no external sources that are referenced.
(0 marks) 4
Critical Thinking Draws insightful conclusions that are thoroughly defended with evidence and examples.
(4 marks) Draws informed conclusions that are justified with evidence.
(3 marks) Draws conclusions that are not justified with evidence.
(1 mark) Does not draw logical conclusions and does not support with evidence.
(0 marks) 4
Writing (Mechanics) Post is easily understood, clear, and concise using proper citation methods where applicable with no errors in citations.
(2 marks) Post is easily understood using proper citation methods where applicable with few errors in citations.
(1.5 marks) Post is understandable using proper citation methods where applicable with a number of errors in citations.
(1 mark) Post is not understandable and does not use proper citation methods where applicable.
(0 marks) 2
