Reference no: EM133232636 , Length: Word Count: 1300 Words

Assessment Task Details and Instructions -

"Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought to light the fact that supply chains function as the veins of our economy and society. Societies and businesses across the world have faced unprecedented challenges due to the disruptions that the coronavirus outbreak, and the consequent great lockdown, have caused. Individuals, for instance, have dealt with a range of changes in their lives, from self-isolation to difficulties stocking up on essentials.

Based on the above statement, you are asked to choose a sector/industry (e.g., food, steel, healthcare, retail, services, automotive (AUTOMOTIVE is my area of choice) and critically:

i. Appraise how the supply chain structure has been changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

ii. Evaluate how the industry/sector has managed (or still manages) to tackle inventory management related issues that arose after the COVID-19 breakout.

iii. Discuss how advanced technologies (e.g., Big Data analytics, Internet of Things, Omni channel) may help the industry/sector to recover and improve its overall supply chain performance.

For each question above, you should support your arguments by bringing into the discussion 1-2 examples of companies that belong to the selected sector/industry. You will also need to consider the following when completing your assignment:

-Quality of executive summary (does it give a brief complete summary of your paper for an executive to read?)

-Establishment of relevant theory (e.g. how supply chain environments are differentiated from region to region?)

-Allocation of credit and sources used (have I included references and citations to the material I have used?)

-Clarity of argument

-Overall report presentation including spelling and grammar

-Fully referenced (Harvard Referencing System). Please refer to the reading list in the Overview section of the syllabus.

Assessed intended learning outcomes - On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Critically analyse the theory, concepts, and models of global supply chain management to interpret and understand complex and ambiguous risks in global logistics and supply chain environments.

2. Synthesise facts and ideas in support of an argument when evolving alternative solutions and concepts such as lean and agile supply

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of global lead-time management and time-compression.

4. Critically evaluate the role of national and regional distribution centres (NDC/RDC) and warehouse management systems (WMS)in the strategic development of international supply chains

5. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and importance of an integrated and responsible approach in shaping managerial attitudes and actions, and in the establishment and maintenance of cross-functional teams and longer-term stakeholder relationships

Practical, Professional or Subject Specific Skills

1. Leads by example - as high levels of self-awareness, emotional and social intelligence, empathy, and compassion, and able to identify mental well-being in others. Work collaboratively enabling empowerment and delegation - acts with humility and authenticity, is credible, confident, and resilient.

2. Judgement and Challenge - Takes personal accountability aligned to clear values. Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to challenge when making decisions and solving problems - instils confidence demonstrating honesty, integrity, openness, and trust.

3. Courage & Curiosity - is confident and brave, willing to innovate, seeks new ideas and looks for contingencies. Manages complexity and ambiguity, comfortable in uncertainty, and is pragmatic.

4. Valuing Difference - engaging with all, is ethical and demonstrates inclusivity, recognising diversity, championing, and enabling cultural inclusion. Empowers and motivates to inspire and support others.

5. Professional Reflects on own performance, demonstrates professional standards in relation behaviour and ongoing development. Advocates the use of good practice within and outside the organisation.

Transferable Skills and other Attributes

1. Identify and utilise appropriate methods for collecting and analysing data related to global supply chain management issues.

2. Locate, summarise, and synthesise a range of information from published literature and electronic sources on global supply chain management.

3. Work on their own and with others in analysing and presenting solutions to complex supply chain issues in a range of diverse environments.

4. Manage their time to meet deadlines in both group discussions and in preparation of in-class activities

Module Aims -

1. To enable students to develop an in-depth understanding of the critical nature and meaning of global supply chain management and its application across a range of organisations and sectors internationally.

2. To provide students with an analytical framework for global procurement, logistics and supply chain systems, their design, monitoring, and control

3. To facilitate a critical evaluation of the contribution of global logistics and supply chain to an organisation's competitive advantage

4. To enable students to recognise and implement responsible and sustainable approaches to supply chain management.