(4, 2) - Developing a Strategic Supply Chain Plan

Question 1

What key headings would be used for a strategy plan?

Answer 1

Background (current position)
Vision and Mission (chosen strategic aim for function)
Objectives
Implications for supply chain
Proposed structure for function
Resources needed
Business case
Change management plan

Question 2

What does a business case need to do?

Answer 2

Highlight that supply chains continuously evolve and the need for change
Identify how effective supply chain management can be achieved
Recommend a redesign or reconfiguration of the supply chain
Justify how the recommendations will support improving effectiveness
Identify how performance will be measured

Question 3

What order and activities might be in a Gantt chart for developing a business case?

Answer 3

Identify business objectives
Understand the current situations
Identifying and assess the options available
Identify the recommended strategy
Develop performance measures
Obtain approval for business case and SSCM plan

Question 4

Who might be involved in the team responsible for developing a business case?

Answer 4

A sponsor
Members from supply chain steering groups
Supply chain manager
Inter and intra organisational supply chain experts
Key stakeholders

Question 5

What needs to be done when developing a business case?

Answer 5

Stakeholder engagement strategy
Communication strategy
Use of Gantt Charts

Question 6

What might drive or give ideas to go into a business case?

Answer 6

Competitive advantage
Respond to increased customer demands
Shorter product life cycles
Enable product proliferation and mass customisation
Reduce product costs
ICT developments
Need to protect an organisations IP
Outsourcing non core activities

Question 7

What is supply chain mapping?

Answer 7

Drawing out the supply network including levels of tiered supply chains. Producing a visual representation of the supply chain or supply network, listing all steps and linkages, relationships and flows between them.

Question 8

When describing the current position in a business case, what segments could you break it into?

Answer 8

Products and services (level of functional nature, degree of complexity, innovation)
Customers (PADI)
Markets (Undifferentiated strategy, Differentiated marketing, Concentrated marketing)

Question 9

What should be considered when improvement options are being assessed?

Answer 9

Benefits to be delivered
Resources available to implement the strategy
Skills and knowledge development needs
Implementation costs
Level of collaboration needed within the supply chain
Selection criteria