Research proposal Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Research proposal - Annotated Bibliography Example Apple Inc has been able to capture this market through establishing a department whose role is to market the products through the social media. This source explains the benefits of social media marketing. According to this source, the customers are turning towards companies that are innovative and integrate their ideas in the production process. Besides marketing, social media provides a platform for the company to interact with the customers. According to this source, marketing of the high technological products has changed over times. Due to the dynamic nature of the devices, it has become important to identify a cheaper marketing strategy. This source is important in identifying the impact that social media has been having on the company sales. The tastes and preferences of the current market keep on changing. Different companies are setting up huge amounts of money to conduct research on different aspects that affect the consumption behavior of the market. This source will be significant in identifying other ways that social media can be used to enhance the performance of the company. Social media has improved the performance of the business by making it easy to contact the customers. This source will be significant in identifying how social social media has improved the communication process. Many of the people have focused on leadership of Apple Inc as being the key to success of the company. However, social media has been instrumental in boosting the performance of the business. In addition, it has enabled the company to reach customers who are located in different parts of the

Analyse how effective a change of ownership has been for your chosen Assignment

Analyse how effective a change of ownership has been for your chosen businesses performance - Assignment Example Adidas Company markets the application of constant and updated technological innovation and excellence in generating a powerful competitive advantage. The highest level of orientation of technological development has created the expected value to customers as they provide high performance and quality shoes for the specific needs of the customers. This translates to a competitive advantage in the marketing of its products (Hussey, 2000). Adidas has also another advantage in the market of effective promotional methods for its products by associating them with popular celebrities and sports idols. This marketing strategy has generated a steady source of sales and income for the company. Therefore, the purchase of recognizable brand products safeguards their quality and this creates some extra motivation for their purchase. The company has also sponsored many events as part of its promotional strategy. This step gives the company a good brand recognition and reputation in the world. This is evident in the soccer industry as Adidas has a strong market share. The diversity and variety of products offered on the web such as shirts, bags, shorts, and shoes enables the customers to have a range of products to choose and buy. The firm has good brand recognition and reputation and has attained its stronghold in the soccer industry. This is evident from a stable distribution channel that is well monitored as it has various stores worldwide. Thus, it enables the customers to access their products easily and in good time after ordering. To crown it all, the company has a strong management team which helps to keep it on the right track (Gilgeous.1997). However, Adidas has various disadvantages in the market. The company is one step behind Nike and faces much competition from the Nike products. This is evident in the high quantity and quality of merchandise and products that

Interpersonal Communication Class - Final Paper Essay

Interpersonal Communication Class - Final Paper - Essay Example Culture plays a fundamental role in management and leadership especially in multicultural organizations. Two different approaches have been advanced in exploring the contribution of culture within a working environment. The convergence school of thought asserts that national or institutional culture has no significant influence on the leadership and management practices. The scientists in support of this school of thought argue that management has the same ‘best policies and practice’ that is applicable independent of the institutional and cultural context. The divergence school of thought, on the other hand asserts that best management policies and practices are culturally bounded, hence influenced by cultural and contextual factors. Although globalization has resulted to standardization of best management policies and practices, divergence theory on power distance cannot be overlooked; as confirms organizational literatures and psychology articles. Adler and Bartholemew (1994, p.429) concluded that culture was important management aspect that has the ability to cause a significant difference in the human resource management and organizational behavior. Therefore, it was inevitable to consider cultural aspect in managing human cultural diversity. The differences in the national management practices and the outcomes are indicators of the fact that cultural differences have a substantial influence on the management and leadership. It is on this account of cultural influence on management and leadership practice that this study examines cross-cultural differences with respect to international relationship that exist within the working environment between senior managers and the workforce of the organization. In par ticular, the role of power distance on employee’s participation and horizontal communications are emphasized in many cross-cultural

Competitive analysis and recommendation Research Paper

Competitive analysis and recommendation - Research Paper Example According to the analysis made on the new profitable attraction of â€Å"Despicable Me† ride, it was the latest piece the Universal Studios’ $1.6 billion expansion, which grossed about $1.5 billion.  In other words, the park doubled down as a theme park to rival Disneyland. In fact, Universal Studio Hollywood’s management did this with the aim of luring more visitors by emphasizing on children who are the major revenue contributors in this business. After its success, Universal Studio even increased its competitive potential after an announcement that it is going to use â€Å"Fast and Furious† movie for the new ride in the end of this summer. In this context, the addition of new services and experience in the park will significantly boost the revenue collected and the number of attendees. Morris (2014) validates this statement by saying the introduction of Harry Potter helped Universal Studio’s adventure theme park realize 75% attendance increase in 2011. It translated to 75 percent increase in the park`s total revenue for that period. Similarly, introduction of the minions generated more than $600 million in box office revenue for the company. In the given circumstances, Universal Studio has growing ambition and is expecting to draw 50 million visitors by 2020, which is about 18.5% increase comparing to 42.2 million visitors in 2014 (Martin, 2014). With proposed overhaul of the swaths of the park this year, the Universal Studio Hollywood is destined for greater things; therefore; it can be a major force and competitor in the business. Another competitive advantage of Universal Studio is pricing policy for the new attendants. In general, the context of increasing profits in the business of these two competitors also relies on the increase of price tickets. However, the first entry prices are different. In fact, Disneyland currently

My Ethnic Group Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My Ethnic Group - Assignment Example But one can see that the second or third generation of the Hispanics shows keen interest to socialize with other races. Besides, almost all the Hispanics show the keen interest of life in urban areas. One can see that culture is considered as most important in exile life. This is absolutely true about the Hispanic group from the Caribbean islands. We are Hispanics, basically from the city of Santiago, situated in the Dominican Republic. Our family consists of father (Victor), mother (Elida), elder brother (Jarion), younger brother (Victor Jr.) and myself. As we are away from our motherland, we used to keep close relation with each other. For instance, we were forced to move to Puerto Rico but close relationship with our family helped us to enjoy our life without further problems. Besides, shifting our family from Santiago did not affect the education of younger members of our family. One can see that immigration to a new nation helps the younger generation to grab new opportunities in life. For instance, our family decided to immigrate to America. So, we happened to reach Boston, Massachusetts. Besides, my family gave much more importance to education and career opportunities in America. Our family settled in South End, Massachusetts and I joined Charlestown High School. The scope of education and career opportunities for Hispanics in America is high. For instance, I graduated from Brighton High School and joined Massachusetts Bay Community College for higher studies. So, one can see that immigration helped our family a lot to grab opportunities in the American society. Apart from some initial adjustment problems, our family faced fewer problems related to prejudice, segregation or racism. As pointed out earlier, the multicultural characteristics of American society accepted us to its core. One can see that racial and ethnic diversity in American society is most helpful for immigrants from different parts of the world.

The Summer Song Essay Example for Free

The Summer Song Essay When youre are young, it feels like life will carry on forever, and youre very happy. Immortal is used to reveal the boys inflated egos, as they show off to each other and Linda. Price shell have to pay This is adding to the idea of repaying debts, which is mentioned throughout the play, referring to different characters. It could also be a slight mention of Mrs Johnstone, Mickeys mother who gave birth to them both. She is still attached to both of them, even going so far as to give a locket with her picture to Edward, who is now Mrs Lyons son. What fate the later seasons bring, This is adding to the metaphor of the lambs in spring. It is hinting towards the inevitable fate of the slaughter house that lambs face, which the boys soon will. It is mentioned to worry the audience. The lyrics that fit into the foreshadowing category are: Young, free and innocent, This is to emphasise that the boys are still children. Chippy This tells us that Mickey is nearing the end of his life. In the Its just a game scene, Mickey is threatened by frying in chip shop fat, so this is a signal that the boys he will die soon. Last cigarette Cigarettes are associated with death. Last cigarette is a prisoners last luxury before theyre hanged. Its also an allusion to the biblical last supper. Ferry boat This is the idea that the three are being taken to the land of the dead on the River Styx. Broken bottles in the sand, Broken bottles in the sand are hidden, and when you accidentally stand on them they surprise you. This is referring to how unaware the children are of their futures. Oil in the water This brings ideas of pollution, and corruption and spreading fate. Oil and water dont mix, they will always separate. This is like Mickey and Edwards friendship. The use of we in the final paragraph reminds us that we are powerless, and it is the narrator letting us know that hes in the same situation as us, unable to let the characters know of their fate. We do not know whether he is being sarcastic, or would actually like to let them know. Predict no changes in the weather, This reminds us that this happy summer will come to an end. The song is made up of rhyming couplets, which make it sound childish, and adds a sense of finality, so after the last rhyme, you know its over. For young, free and innocent, theres one word for each child. It also makes them seem vulnerable. You know that the innocence will be lost after the song. dreams and fifteen. Have a jarring Para rhyme which interrupts quickly, like what will happen to their lives. The tune of the Summer Song is the first and the last song, Tell me its not true repeated in different themes. Our minds are taken back throughout the previous moments of the play and the first scene when we see Mrs Johnstone with the two dead boys. This connects the audience more to the characters, making it feel harder when the boys die. It suggests that this has happened before, and will happen again. After the first verse there is a pause in the music, to emphasise the narrators last words, The price shell have to pay for just being there. The audience dwells on the idea of the debt that Linda will have to repay, to make up for Mrs Johnstones debt. The line after the pause: But leave them alone, let them go and play, implies that summer is the peak of the year, when everything is at its best, and by the end of it everything is fully developed. It makes you think of leisure, fun, warmth and life. Unfortunately its fleeting, and is soon over, giving way to autumn when everything is wasting away, withering. Some of the lyrics could be portrayed as sarcastic. The song starts in Paradise, and then goes to a chip shop, then darkness, then a filthy beach. The environment seems to get worse and worse. It makes you wonder where they will be next. The first verse is played with a guitar and fairground music and the second is a sleazy saxophone, which clashes with what the narrator is telling us about them being innocent. The last verse is said in a wishful tone, which makes us regretful because we know that these innocent, promising children will soon be dead. At the start of the song, when the children rush on, it gives you an idea of their carefree nature. The narrator interacts with the children throughout the scene. When he is the rifle range man in the first verse, he offers the gun to the children, as if he is slyly hinting at their future. When Linda takes it and misses all three shots, we realise how they have changed, because when they were younger Linda was an excellent shot. The narrator throws them a coconut, and they begin a game of piggy-in-the-middle and Linda gets caught in the middle, at which point they freeze. This is when the narrator talks about the girl in the middle of the pair, the price shell pay just for being there. It emphasises and foreshadows that she will have to choose between the two. The theme of debt shows through here, with the debt transferring to Linda. In the next verse we see them lighting a cigarette, leaning on the lamppost, and suiting their actions to the words. It has a much more grown up feel than the previous verse. In the fourth verse they are at the beach, taking pictures, the first of the two boys, the second of Edward and Linda and the third of Mickey and Linda. Edward and Lindas seem much more genuine and well matched. Then the narrator takes a picture of the three. This makes the audience wish that the children knew of their futures and it makes the picture look empty, and meaningless. When the three exit he says, and only if the three of them could stay like that forever, As if the picture he took could have been more than just a snapshot. It makes you wish time could have stopped. The music of the song is matched to the actions and words. The narrator is always hovering in the background, waiting for a chance to become part of the scene. He is a constant presence throughout so the audience are never relaxed. They are always waiting for him to introduce another twist in the story. Before the Summer Song, he is quite far away, usually in a corner. During it though, he is allowed to come closer to them, and his threats become much more dangerous. The devils got your number hes staring through your window changes to Hes screaming right inside you. The proximity of the narrator to the characters affects the tension of the scene. The overall message of the play is that the inequality of classes is very bad thing, which is enforced as we watch the brothers grow from babies to men, and watch them die. We become attached to them, and regret their death, almost as if its our own fault. The song is when they make the transition from boys to men, and when they become their own people and their true feelings begin to show. Mickey represents the lower class, and Edward the higher. Linda is temptation and the narrator is fate. We see the lower class and the upper class tear each other apart. The second act is darker, as the dream world of child hood, which is reflected in the first half of the summer song, becomes the cold harsh reality of the 80s. I think that the message that Russell wanted to imprint upon the audience is: class is a cruel thing, tearing family and friends apart. The play made me feel sad, and shocked by how Mickey was driven mad enough to shoot his own brother.

Coca Cola Bonite Bottlers Moshi

Coca Cola Bonite Bottlers Moshi Bonite Bottling Limited (BBL) is Franchise Company operates under lances of Coca Cola Company in USA it deals with bottles and distributes twelve (12) Coca Cola brands of drinks. A subsidiary of the IPP Group of companies, Bonites main plant is located in Moshi in the Kilimanjaro region of northern Tanzania. BBL also bottles its own brand of bottled water: Kilimanjaro Drinking Water. The company operates in 4 major regions of Northern Tanzania Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Manyara and Singida. BBL has over 450 permanent employees, most of them men with only 18 women. Over 300 of the employees are based at the main plant. BBL also employs casual employees, some of whom are employed for periods of up to 6 months. In the peak season (August to Jan/February), there are approximately 400 casual employees and in the low season the number declines to about 200. COCA COLA BRANDS Varieties of Coca Cola brands produced by BBL company such as Fanta Orange, Fanta Passion, Spaleta Pinute, Spaleta Citrus, Stoney Tangawizi, Coca cola, Light Coke, Sprite, Bitter Lemon, Seven Up, Fanta Black Currant, Kilimanjaro Drinking Water, Crystal, Club soda, Ginger ale, Tonic. BBL REQUIREMENT Strategy Global partners but supplying locally, including local content market Considering BBL as a preferred customers when giving access to innovation. Transparency in terms of cost and strategy Develop Complete system supplier where it adds value. Technical skills / innovation skills. Residential chemist when required Referenced definitions of supplier development (or customer development or SC development) A supplier development should function at establishing suppliers network performance, not browbeating them into charging less or simply auditing and rewarding them. Instead, supplier development is all about on condition that suppliers with what they need to be successful in the supply chain. There some of the most important functions of a supplier development program should be aimed at achieving as following: Lower supply chain total cost A firm might be able to reduce total cost to serve a customer as a result of spending more for faster, dependable transportation because the overall cost of inventory associated with the process may be reduced by an amount greater than that being spent for premium transportation Increased profitability for all supply chain participants Increase the profit is the main objective of supply chain management the firm should focus on how can earn much profit by supply their product in the location / place where there is advantage competition. This will come out when the management will consider distributing the product in the place where it seems that demand are always increase regards to the influenced factors of that area/ place. Therefore when demand of that product having a tendency of grow up, the firm should distribute the products at a large amount to ensure the supply are always mach with demand this will lead to generate and increase profit when the supplier will sell their product at surplus cost compare general cost of the product Increased product quality Increase production quality are normally considered as strong point can support supply development because supply develop it may happen depend on the responsiveness of the consumer behavior, any consumer make consideration on the quality of the product when he/she thinking on buying product. The consumer will always motivated to buy product seems having desirable quality without fear how much expensive cost it is. Therefore for the case of firm to develop supply of their product should consider increasing quality in product or services compare to other competitors in the market. Near-perfect on-time-delivery at each point in the supply chain The presence of the product or services once its needed on time within a market it always make consumer having confidence of utilize that product and after being common to them it became very hard for another product to replace the uses of this product among consumers. The supply development also influenced with the behavior of delivery product/services into the market, Providing information about products, expected sales growth, etc. Presence of communication about product/ services is one of the biggest factor influenced developed of the supply chain network. Lack of information translates into additional costs (usually in the form of just-in-case inventory). Suppliers need to become extensions of their customers. Training in the application of lean and quality tools. Asking suppliers to drop their price without giving them the know-how to lower their costs through lean implementation is not sustainable long-term. In other words, this will drive suppliers out of business, which goes against the purpose of supplier development SUPPLY CHAIN According to John, J.J et al (2009) Efficient and Effective supply chain can free up valuable resources and improve customer fulfillment system so as to increase return on investment or assets and improve shareholder value. The performance of supply chain must be measured in team of overall corporate goal for success. Supply chain need to focus on the customer at the end of the supply chain and be flexible and responsive. Supply chain can be determined with capital consumption since they impact working capital, Inventory level, and other assets such as warehouse The foundations needed for successful development Dignified process for selecting items for supplier integration Supply management should focus on determine the kinds of the services and material used for the implementation and successful of the new product. Supply management should make estimation of the total costs of the materials and services which will help on making right decision either to implement and authorized in the new product develop process. Supply management should also control and monitor all actions that will be involved in the supply market to prepare and fixed cost of the product in the market. Also supply management has responsibility of examine and invite new technology innovation that could help to increase supply development. Use of cross-function team for supplier evaluation and selection Evaluation and selection by using cross-function team to formulate supplier team contribute much on the how supply chain could be developed, supply management has responsibility on evaluate and select a team which could uses to achieving the target objectives. These teams must building by selecting those suppliers who are creative and innovator who can be able to survive on the market. Early supplier selection for both design work and full volume production The early supplier selection helping on formulating team which will be used to eliminate obstacles could being faced supply management by putting effort and consideration in the following: Targets, This will involved in ensure that the supply can achieve on target regarding quality of the product, cost and other performance criteria. Timing, the supplier should be able to deliver their products/ services on time and before deadline. Innovation Technical: The supplier should acquire expertise and physical factor to develop an adequate output and solve the problem when they occur. Supplier membership and participation on the buying companys project team. The membership and association of the supplier members with the buying product companys team should increase availability of efficient of the services agreement between them. Direct cross-function intercompany communication during the project Co-location of buyer and supplier company personnel. Formal business unit trust development efforts Sharing of technology between buyer and supplier companies. The ability of sharing technology between buyer and supplier increase assurance of supply development when the buyer explain to the suppliers how could they being satisfied when the new technology will be involved on making and increase quality on the products. Joint education/training effort between buyer and supplier companies. The training and education about product supplied should be implemented between buyer and suppliers, this well helping on increase supply development when the buyer will be aware of about product quality and improvement which could What it seeks to achieve (its objectives): The Objectives for BBL Company The target of BBL objectives of supply chain is about to maximize the overall value generated. The value a supply chain generates is the difference between what the final product is worth to the customers and the cost of supply chain incurs in fillings the customers request. Supply chain value: difference between what the final products is worth to the customer and the effort the supply chain expends in filling the customers request Value is correlated to supply chain profitability (difference between revenue generated from the customer and the overall cost across the supply chain) To improve technology is the among of the objective for supply chain management of the BBL that should always examined to ensure the goal of attaining profit has implemented To control and promote total quality supply management, this is also objective of the Suppliers chain strategic of BBL, they are focus on arrange and prepare guides which will be suitable for the whole process of controlling supply and ensure the acquire profit. Logistics (just time practice) this is another objective of the BBL supply development to ensure that the material and all items needed for the making product to be available prepare on time. The assurance of availability of material once it needed it will help on making products at on time there therefore it reduce tendency of delay in the market. Another objective is to determined and establishing pricing policy of the products, this will be done after the market researcher make analysis and survey in the all place where targeted for supply process for product, The pricing will involved the general cost for product include the cost for supply and targeted profit which will also totalized and forming product price for the last consumer Sources of supply chain revenue: Source of supply chain revenue is also considered by BBL as objective for supply development. This objective are conducted by the supplier team to ensure they achieved on generate revenue at resulted on implementation of the Sources of supply chain cost: flows of information, products, or funds between stages of the supply chain The reason and driving forces for suppliers (or customer or SC) development actually to take place According to Chopra, S. and Meindl, (2007) The strategic fit requires that a company supply chain achieves the balance between responsiveness and efficiency that best meets the needs of the companys competitive strategy, this involves drivers of supply chain performance. Facilities: physical location in the supply chain network where products is stored, assembly or fabricated. Facilities are categorized into two parts which is production sites and storage sites. Inventory: raw materials, work in process and finished goods within a supply chain Transportation: is the means of moving inventory from point to point in supply chain.. Information: is potentially the biggest driver of supply chain performance because it directly affects each of the other drives. Data and analysis concerning facilities, inventory, transportation, costs, price, and customer throughout the supply chain responsive and more efficient. Pricing: This determines how much a firm will charge for goods and services that it makes available in the supply chain. It affects the behavior of the buyer of the goods or services, thus affects supply chain performance. Sourcing: Is the choice of who will perfume a particular supply chain activity such as production, storage, transportation or the management of information. What supplier (or customer or SC) development actually is in real life. Supply development has been examined by the real life example of the company which used her has case study. The survey has been taken which could help to develop suppliers together with the problems to successes of the suppliers development strategic of the company. The benchmarking survey has been focused on the critical strategic of the supply chain management and procurement. The results of the response rate for the supplier development from BBL include the following indication: Industry product (78%), Service (7%), Consumer non-durable products (13%), capital goods (2%), Consumer durable product (5%) The survey of this indications help to study targets areas after make research and interviews with purchasing executive, quality managers and operation market managers in the BBL company. It help on making comparison of the other competitors of the same products manufacture The different types (or categories) of cross-company improvement initiatives that take place (eg. Manufacturing quality/cost/delivery, process, design, communication, knowledge sharing and learning, infrastructure improvement etc The, Company purchases sweeteners, carbon dioxide, plastic bottles, cans, closures, other containers and other packaging materials as well as equipment for the production, distribution and marketing of soft drinks. Except for sweeteners, cans, carbon dioxide and plastic bottles, the Company purchases its raw materials from multiple suppliers. Cross Company is the situation where by the manufactured company complete the whole procedure of manufacture product by intermediate with other company which supplied the initial materials which will be assembled together and forming products from origin company. Cross company involve the presence of other manufactured products which will combined together from different company and manufacture the product, this working as interlinking between companies where the communication are made and agreement established Who is involved in making it happen? Supplier relationship at BBL happened when involves the different level and types of intellectual persons who will evaluate and control the whole process of supply in order to achieve the targeted result. Any supplier who wishes to be BBL supplier needed to understand and accept BBL core values. Evaluation: BBL evaluates the request application for supplier membership in order to select the potential suppliers who can perform well in their position. Selection: After evaluation complete, source committees decide on the suppliers to be awarded as their requesting The supply chain management for BBL company has categories their distribution process at different levels as indicated from above cycle view, the cycle view of supply chains gives detail on how distribution taking place and the stage where products should passed and reached to consumer The first phase Supplier- manufacture:In this phase the process of procurement has been involved, suppliers are distribute materials and other facilities which are used to produce and manufacture product, Company purchases sweeteners, carbon dioxide, plastic bottles, cans, closures, other containers and other packaging materials as well as equipment for the production, distribution and marketing of soft drinks. Except for sweeteners, cans, carbon dioxide and plastic bottles, the Company purchases its raw materials from multiple suppliers. As describe by Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated(2006) The Company purchases substantially all of its plastic bottles (20-ounce, half liter, 390 ml and 2 liter sizes) from manufacturing plants which are owned and operated by two cooperatives of Coca-Cola bottlers, including the Company. None of the materials or supplies used by the Company are in short supply, although the supply of specific materials (including plastic bottles, which are formulated using petroleum-based products) could be adversely affected by strikes, weather conditions, governmental controls or national emergency conditions. Second phase, Manufacture-Distributer, After manufactured products by BBL company then it taking by the distribute/ supplier team who are arranged on how to conduct the all process of distributing in the place where having a duties to supply softness drinking, this distributors located and having distribution centre known as depot which is in each region where the company deal with. This involve the process of manufacture cycle where until manufacture process of the products will be completed, then the movement of products to the distributer will follower, the department of supply management take responsibility of known to whom, when and how the distribution will take place just in time without delay for update and motivate supply development. Third phase, Distributer- Retailer: the BBL company also introduces this system of supply where the retailers are invited to working together as agent for BBL company, after agreement between company, they will operate as agent and will be given discount when they buying products which will help them to survive in the market Fourth phase, Retailer Consumer: this is last stage where the products come to the hand of last consumer where BBL company intended to produce and manufacturing product to became consumed by the last consumer and the BBL supply management has read estimate the price where should paying by consumer to generate profit of suppliers. According to Ramsey ( 2001) Unique purchasing activities that are strategically oriented toward accomplishing firms goal, help the firm to sustain its competitive advantage As describe by Carr and Pearson (2002) The purchasing functions capabilities indicate that the activities performed by purchasing as well as the other functional areas, contribute to a firms total capabilities. How is it achieved (e.g. the various approaches that are used) using real life examples where possible. To establishing and maintaining to achieve Supply Development for BBL company considered the different aspect related with supply chain management There various approaches have been used to achieve Supply Development for BBL company the real life examples as also being involved. How its achieved has indicated by three stage where have been involved to make positive result of supply development. These three stages as following: PART 1. ANALYSIS The role of purchasing and supply chain Industrial buying behavior (Decision making in purchasing) Purchasing management process Purchasing and facilities management Buying business services Public procurement Market structure and supply market research PART 2. STRATEGY AND PLANNING Outsourcing and Risk management Purchasing and business strategy Category sourcing: Getting better result from supplier Purchasing, innovation and quality control Purchasing and supply chain management Getting organized for purchasing Purchasing Performance Management PART 3 PRACTISES Supplier assessment and supplier Development Supplies/ Buying for retailer company Purchasing, social responsibilities and ethics The risks, costs and benefits to each party, and if/how they are measured. Risk According to Bowerson, D.J ed al (2010) Risks that have substantial supply chain include: Production Complexity refers to the number of the product design variation that the firm decides to offer and corresponding support. The required activities include all actions related to product development, sourcing, manufacture, delivery, and aftermarket support. Complexity management is the collective set of decisions, supporting process, value systems and initiative pertaining to the most effective product portfolio such as the mix of product variants, features sets, and component choices Benefits for Production Complexity: Better product development Improved product quality and reliability Improved demand/ forecasting/ Customer Services Lower sales support cost/ resource Increased flexibility and reduce lead time Regulatory Supply chain management involve many interactions with external parties such as consumer, supplier, government, and competitors, As a result, supply chain management is increasingly subject to regulation protecting individual, commerce, and the environment. A promotional law may proved financial or tax advantages for completing supply chain activity in a specific country or region. National, regional, and local taxes can impact supply chain design in multiple ways including property, Income and value added taxes (VAT) Resource Availability While global supply chain operations can significantly increase firm opportunities in term of resource availability, technology, and market access, they also substantially increase dependence on critical resources including expertise and transport capability. Significant changes in the availability or cost of these resource can dramatically change supply chain design and operations. The main part considered when discussed on resource availability as following: Supply chain expertise Most important, Supply Chain Management professional should have experience in multiple supply chain functions and must be able to lead or direct the design, implementation, and management of cross-functional supply chain solutions Dischinger et al. have suggested that a true supply chain management executive must have skills and capabilities in five areas (1) Functional Skills (2) Technical Skill (3) Leadership Skills (4) Global Management (5) Experience and Credibility Transport capability The result of dramatic fluctuation in fuel and resulting transportation cost is that supply chain must be regularly reassessed to determine what network structure and strategy are best for a firm Outsourcing Another means that firms are using to manage risk is the use of logistics and supply chain outsourcing to third- party logistic (3PL) firms or Logistics intergrators. Security Cost The cost which has been involved in the supply chain of the products including the costs of acquired warehouse, transport, capital for storage. The supply developed will be sustain and continues if the warehouse will be allocated in the place where its targeted as point for develop supply chain network. Where by lease or by building new warehouse but in any way the cost will be involved Transport cost also are the cost which are always involved in the process of the supply development, this cost normally involved in the cost of the product when suppliers or supply management estimate on the price of the products. Benefits 10. What targets and measures are used to justify undertaking the development activity. To produce a large volume of BBL products and develop its internal and external market share through distribution and supply a large and wider range of products. To promote ability of the manufacture PET performs will also need for the presence of strategic for supply chain management this will help to measure and justify the development activities which has been undertaking by the BBL company. The way of communication between suppliers and buyer will also provide in which extent the development activities has been achieved. This may result for the The collection of performance measures, characteristics, and information describing the current supply environment is called the situation analysis. There some of the topics frequently covered during an internal review. The purpose of the internal review is not detailed data collection but rather a diagnostic look at current logistic processes and procedures as well as probe to determine what type of data are available. The market assessment is review of the trend and service demands required by customers. The market assessment objective is to document and formalized customers perceptions and desires with regard to potential changes in the firms supply capabilities. Any lessons learnt or mistake made. There are Common Supply Chain Problems Do BBL Face Regardless of the Economic Situation? The BBL company has been always working on establishing the performance of the supply chain network but there some mistakes has been done which remain has hindrance of achieving some of the objectives. For example, they know that they cant tread water on developing their people, while their competitors maintain focus. They know the time will never be better to address the strategic issues they face: The mistakes which have being involved that should be addressed and finding for solutions are: Too Much Slow-Moving and Obsolete Inventory Companies struggle with stepping up to the problem of disposing of obsolete product in a timely manner. There is always the resistance to reduce price. Unfortunately, this product never gets more valuable. It sits there month after month consuming cash, and incurring inventory holding costs until it is finally scrapped or sold at a steep discount, sometimes literally years afterward. Its a classic case of pay me nowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.or pay me more later. Supply Chain Considerations Not Part of the Product Design Process When product design engineers develop a new product, they rarely consider inventory, transportation, or warehousing issues. Sometimes small changes in a product configuration  can yield big logistics savings. This applies to retailers as well as manufacturers. Retailers should not ignore the new product development process in their suppliers. No Supply Chain Strategy It is surprising that few firms have a documented supply chain strategy. Such a strategy starts with assessing the future needs of their customers. The strategy development process then determines the new supply chain capabilities the company will need in the future to meet its customers needs. Eventually specific initiatives need to be chartered to deliver these capabilities. Unfortunately most supply chain organizations are so consumed with the daily battles of cutting cost, managing inventory, and delivering good customer service that that they dont plan properly for the future, sometimes with disastrous results. Ineffective Matching of Supply with Demand This problem stems from the classic struggle among functional silos in most companies. On an overly simplistic basis, Sales is driven by revenue generation, while Operations strives to cut cost. Often these goals conflict with each other. Leading firms address this issue by establishing a Sales and Operations Planning process to align the various corporate functions around a plan that matches supply capabilities with demand requirements. Most firms attempt to do this, but most would acknowledge that they still have a long way to go. Physical Network Problems Where should warehouses be placed in this era of incredibly volatile transportation costs? This question is a very prominent topic today. Just a few months ago it seems, transportation cost were being driven up rapidly driven by the cost of fuel, driver shortages and other factors. Now everyone expects that situation to return, but who knows when? Logisticians are confused to say the least; and the old answers dont work anymore. One thing is certain however. All firms should question their physical network configuration under a wide range of future fuel prices. Global Issues and Outsourcing Problems The global arena offers an even more confusing picture. Many firms are re-thinking the mad rush to outsource outside the United States. The long supply lines, incredibly volatile fuel costs, exchange rates, the geopolitical risks have all come home to roust. Yet few firms consider the total cost of an outsourcing decision, and even fewer incorporate the additional risk of a global source in their analysis. Conclusion Since almost all companies face some combination of these seven issues, a rich database of best practices exists that can be transferred across highly diverse industries. It is critical that all firms engage in outreach activities such as forum participation and benchmarking to make sure they understand these best practices. Once they see how other companies address these issues; they need to develop an urgent action plan to implement the essential changes. Supply chain is the frontier of competition. Only by aggressively addressing challenges like those listed above can firms effectively compete in the increasingly intense global environment of the future Future trends in this subject area. Designing Distribution Networks The Role of Distribution in the Supply Chain of the BBLs products Distribution: the steps taken to move and store a product from the manufacture/supplier stage to the customer stage in a supply chain. Distribution done by BBLs product conducted in two different ways, first way by one to one door and secondly by distributers directly affects cost and the customer experience and therefore drives profitability Choice of distribution network can achieve supply chain objectives from low cost to high responsiveness Factors Influencing Distribution Network Design Design Options for a Distribution Network BBL manage the warehouse depots as distributer centre for their products at Arusha, Kilimanjaro Singida and Manyara the plant warehouse currently has total of 150,000 tons The following is the estimation of BBL distribution cost for 2011 Region Quantity demand (Create) Transportation cost per create Tsh Kilimanjaro 470,000 200 Arusha 600,000 300 Manyara 450,000 350 Singida 500,000 350 The cost of a warehousing solution is a function of or the total cost of transport cost, holding (inventory) cost, and warehousing (leasing) cost. For this year 2011 , the constraint from the 4 regions is given as (470,000, 600,000, 450,000, 500,000). Thus, the total demand is 2,120,000 creates which is less than the 2,000,000 time limit of one small warehouse. For one warehouse the lease expense is 500,000; the total inventory expense is =70,110,125. The Transport expense for the year 2011 is calculated as follows: (320,000*200+200,000*300+160,000*350+220,000*350) = Total distribution costs are 505,000+710,125+4432500-4275000=1372625. According to Cousins, P en al (2008) supplier Collaboration module will help to ensure that future supplier capacity requirement will be in place to meet future demand requirement for new products and services. In effect, this linked system would enable a single view of the entire supply chain. Managers could analyses the factors and the supply chain simultaneously and synchronize demand and supply. Distribution centre would act as a s