Week 3dq

Wk 3 Discussion Question 1

Post your response not later than Friday [Day 4] of Week 1 to the following "Discussion Question" in the  Forum where we can use your replies for classroom discussion. Remember to replace the Subject-Line with, "Wk 3/Individual DQ 1/Your Initials or Name". 

The readings this week discuss important background information about the Supply Chain [SC] and Operations Management [OM]. However, they do not describe in any detail the construction and components of a SC organization. Perhaps this is because each operating organization needs to build a unique structure based on its individual situation. 

This DQ asks you to: 

1.      Study the readings, and perform outside research on the topic of ‘components of a supply chain’. [Report the references you have found and used.]

2.      Look at your work organization, study its supply chain, and determine its components. [Except for those who may be unemployed, I assure you that every organization has a supply chain. All you have to do it search for it.]

3.      Describe the organizational functions in your work supply chain for class discussion.

4.      Submit for class discussion your concept of a standardized supply chain.

A supply chain is a system of organizations, people, technology, activities, information and resources involved in moving a product or service from supplier to customer. The activities of a supply chain transform natural resources, raw materials and other components into a finished product that is delivered to the customer at the end. In advanced supply chain systems, used products may have a chance to penetrate the supply chain where value can be recycled.

A supply chain is usually composed of a number of businesses who organize activities in order to differentiate themselves from their competitors. The article “Recapturing your supply chain data” describes the supply chain as having four distinctive types; Fashion, engineered, stable, and commodity.

A supply...