JNB330 Supply Chain Management
Questions:
Answering the discussion questions will require students to understand the content specified in the question text. Appropriate answers will focus on the application of the theoretical concepts into the case. This will not require students to re-iterate facts and other content included in the podcast.
Question 1
Understanding the concept of supply chains requires much more than the reiteration of established definitions. In the case of the "Sell me your climate bombs" podcast, describe the existing supply chain. Please limit your answer to 500 words or less.
Question 2
Melnyk et al. 2014 states: "We now recognize that ‘ one size’ does not fit all when it comes to supply chain design. What works well in one setting may not work well in another. For example, supply-driven supply chains, such as those encountered in the energy/petroleum industries, require different practices if they are to be deployed most effectively and that practices that work well in demand-driven supply chains (e.g., Wal-Mart and Toyota) will not necessarily be appropriate when deployed in supply-driven environments."
The "Sell me your bombs" podcast highlights a uncommon configuration of a supply chain. Provide an argument as to whether the "Sell me your bombs" supply chain is 'supply-driven' or 'demand-driven'. Please limit your answer to 500 words or less.
Melnyk et al. 2014 also describes how supply chain design is driven by three levels of decision making (Influencers, Design Decisions, and Building Blocks). Furthermore, cite examples of the (i) Influencers, (ii) Design Decisions, and (iii) Building blocks present in this supply chain.
Question 3
Stevens (1989) states: “For many companies the need to react to market changes is paramount; the role of the supply chain is crucial”. In examining the 'Sell me your bombs' supply chain, it is important to consider that much of the supply chain itself is able to operate due to the current regulatory framework. Imagine that there is a sudden, unexpected change in regulation and it becomes no longer viable to incinerate the refrigerants. Consider how the current configuration of the Sell me your bombs supply chain is able to react to changes. Please limit your answer to 500 words or less.
Question 4
The MacCarthy et al. 2016 paper states: "Supply chains are not static – they evolve and change in size, shape and configuration, and in how they are coordinated, controlled and managed. New supply chains may emerge for many reasons." and "Not only are economic and technology drivers affecting supply chains but regulatory frameworks, sustainability agendas, political factors, and strategic choices are affecting the structure and configuration of supply chains."
The podcast episode refers to a Cap-and-Trade system (a form of emissions trading). Discuss how this system has influenced the formation of the supply chain described in the "Sell me your climate bombs" podcast. Please limit your answer to 500 words or less.
