strategic logistics management

Question 1

how did logistics develop to value network

Answer 1

logistics was about the physical movement of goods and services in a effective and efficient manner.it has moves to a concept of a value chain where
a value chain describes the full range of activities which are required to bring a product or service from conception, through the different phases of production (involving a combination of physical transformation and the input of various producer services), delivery to final consumers, and final disposal after use.

Question 2

what contribution does supply chain management make to sustainability

Answer 2

a new term has evolved in logistics called supply chain sustainability.it refers to companies efforts to consider the environmental and human impact of their products’ journey through the supply chain, from raw materials sourcing to production, storage, delivery and every transportation link in between.

Question 3

outline two systematic aids to strategic thinking

Answer 3

emi model page 43

Question 4

what is organizational strategy

Answer 4

it is a set of integrated and coordinated long term commitments and actions designed to exploit core competencies and gain competitive advantage.

Question 5

discuss the key steps in the strategic planning
process;

Answer 5

1. what is the organizations mission.what is its purpose
2. who is the customers of the organization.who would want what the organization delivers.
3. what does the customers actually value.
4. what is the results that the organization wants to achieve.what do the need to abandon or strengthen.
5. how will the organization implement its plans.

Question 6

define supply chain strategy, and describe its key drivers;

Answer 6

A supply chain strategy is a company’s plan for managing the flow of goods, information, and finances from suppliers to customers.products can be functional or innovative.
responsiveness: how quickly the supply chain can respond to changes.
reliability: increasing pipeline visibility
resilience: ability to respond to shocks in the supply chain.
relationship.

Question 7

describe the five key supply chain models emerging from research;

Question 8

discuss the resilient organizational structure, behavior and processes to support supply chain strategy implementation in the new economy

Answer 8

hierarchical structure: autocratic leadership styles and rigid functional boundaries.
matrix structure increase networking and communication but decision making can be hampered if employes and managers do not have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
wave structure: organizational functions and processes are seen as seamless waves with most team members being involved from the start to the end to ensure continuity.

Question 9

identify the barriers to the development and implementation of a supply chain strategy

Answer 9

lack of top management commitment.
incompatible corporate culture.
political considerations.
reluctance to share relevant data.
incompatible information systems