International Supply Chain Management, Individual Report Assessment Brief | University Salford Manchester

Assessment task details and instructions

The international supply chain evolution driven by globalisation, market dynamics and customer preferences changes, and the incremental technological improvement over decades presents many challenges.

On one hand, building ethical supply chains on an international scale is becoming a complex issue that necessitates collaboration between companies and suppliers. Furthermore, companies are looking at global supply chain strategies that lead to improving the overall efficiency by reducing total costs while at the same time increasing supply chain responsiveness by improving customer service level. This makes the call for the integration of the appropriate global supply chain strategies and emerging technologies to become more robust, efficient, and sustainable.

On the other hand, international supply chains have been exposed to numerous risks in recent times. These risks have led to disruptions that affected both businesses and customers. Building a resilient supply chain became a necessity for companies to better prepare for unexpected events and lower the effect of disruptions on the smooth running of operations.

Assessment context

The international supply chain evolution driven by globalisation, market dynamics and customer preferences changes, and the incremental technological improvement over decades presents many challenges.

On one hand, building ethical supply chains on an international scale is becoming a complex issue that necessitates collaboration between companies and suppliers. Furthermore, companies are looking at global supply chain strategies that lead to improving the overall efficiency by reducing total costs while at the same time increasing supply chain responsiveness by improving customer service level. This makes the call for the integration of the appropriate global supply chain strategies and emerging technologies to become more robust, efficient, and sustainable.
On the other hand, international supply chains have been exposed to numerous risks in recent times. These risks have led to disruptions that affected both businesses and customers. Building a resilient supply chain became a necessity for companies to better prepare for unexpected events and lower the effect of disruptions on the smooth running of operations.

Assessment Tasks

Based on the above, you are asked to choose a large company, and attempt to critically:

(a)  Discuss the drivers for the evolution of the company’s supply chain management within the global context in which it operates.

(b)   Examine the ethical challenges in managing international supply chains and identify the approaches the company is implementing to address them.

(c)   Discuss the supply chain strategies adopted by the company and evaluate how they are connected to the company’s wider strategy and in turn to their success.

(d)  Analyse the impact of supply chain digitalisation on the company and propose ways on how it can integrate emerging technologies to gain competitive advantage.

(e)  Consider the level of risk exposure for the company and recommend how the company can manage vulnerability and build resilience within the context of international supply chains.

Assessed intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of key international supply chain concepts and practices and their application across a range of organisations and sectors globally.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the ethical challenges firms face in managing their international supply chains and the approaches that can be used to responsibly address these challenges.
3. Critically evaluate different international supply chain strategies and the socio-economic and environmental impacts such strategies may have.
4. Critically evaluate the impact of Industry 4.0 on international supply chain management.
5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the challenges of managing vulnerability within, and building resilience into, international supply chains

Practical, Professional or Subject Specific Skills

• Critically apply conceptual and theoretical frameworks relevant to international business management and practice.
• Locate, synthesise, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate digital tools.
•  Effectively use digital and non-digital means to present ideas, analyse problems and develop and communicate clear and concise insights, conclusions, and recommendations