Reference no: EM132844798

Question 1: What are the identified four major engines driving change in the twenty-first century?

According to the textbook the four major engines driving changes are "e-commerce, globalization, competition and computerization" (Branch, 2008) . In this case, I think that one of the most important major affects is computerization. With the use of technology, the world of business is always changing. The use of technology has allowed companies to be able to expand on the productivity, have connections to the internet, reserve needed information, be more organized, access to more tools, and etc. As we continue to advance the changes will bring on some good and bad.

Question 2: The first key factor in the development of a successful 3PL is the 3PL mission statement. List 3 other factors?

Three other important factors that are important to the development of a successful third-party logistics are market research, tracking the shipment, and creating a plan with the supplier. Market research is done to fully understand the business's market, competitors, and the different tools that can be utilized. Within this third party logistics must understand their place within the market and how to create a profile. Tracking the shipment is important for multiple reasons. When a product is shipped and is at a different location within the process, any damage or delays can be someone else's fault. Meaning that at a certain point, the liability is put on someone else depending on where the shipment is in the process. Creating a plan with the supplier is needed because this is how the businesses will continue to run. Without this, there may be confusion down the line as well as miscommunication.