Maintaining supply chain relationships
Management detailing strategies for maintaining supply chain relationships and achieving efficient inventory management throughout the product life cycle (PLC) for a global manufacturing company.
Scenario
For this assessment, choose either Option 1 or Option 2. You do not need to do both. You will apply one of these scenarios in the Requirements below. Both options will be graded using the same scoring guide.
Option 1
Now that you have selected a vendor and an alternative vendor and you have a relationship plan, it is time to determine how and when you will implement relationship building strategies for JM Manufacturing.
You must also consider several factors when examining the push inventory model or a pull inventory model, and an optional template is linked below, if needed. Deciding which model is best depends on what phase you are in with regard to the product life cycle. For this scenario, your product is in the Introduction Phase and you can assume it will have a 5–7 year life cycle, so you will start an inventory plan.
Optional Template [DOC].
Option 2
Select a company of your choosing. Note: It is recommended that you use the same company for each assessment in this course. Before choosing a company, read all four of the assessments thoroughly to ensure the following:
The company fits the assessment requirements and you have access to the information needed to complete the assessment.
The company information is disclosed in the assessment for faculty’s reference.
You can distribute the company data without disclosing confidential information.
Contact faculty with questions.
Your Role
Option 1
You are a supply chain manager for JM Manufacturing and you need to create a plan to implement business relationship strategies with the selected vendor and alternative vendor. Since one vendor will be used primarily, it is expected that your plan and strategies will differ. In your presentation to the organization’s senior leadership, you will also be recommending an inventory model to manage each phase of the product life cycle.
Option 2
Your boss has tasked you with a presentation project. As the supply chain manager, you need to create a plan to implement business relationship strategies with the selected vendor and alternative vendor. Since one vendor will be used primarily, it is expected that your plan and strategies will differ. She is relying on you to prepare a PowerPoint presentation for senior leadership with your recommendation for an inventory model to manage each phase of the product life cycle.
Requirements
Develop timelines for building the selected supply chain vendor relationships. Be sure to differentiate the differences in your relationship strategies and timelines with the primary vendor and the alternative vendor.
Articulate the pros and cons of the push inventory model for each product life cycle phase. All phases should be covered in depth and in great detail.
Articulate the pros and cons of the pull inventory model for each product life cycle phase. All phases should be covered in depth and in great detail.
Recommend an inventory model for the manufacturing company. Justify why the selected inventory model is the best choice for supporting your organization through each product life cycle phase. What ethical and legal principles did you consider in this recommendation?
Evaluation
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies through corresponding scoring guide criteria:
Competency 3: Apply inventory management strategies that achieve quality and efficiency throughout the product life cycle.
Articulate the pros and cons of the push inventory model for each product life cycle phase.
Articulate the pros and cons of the pull inventory model for each product life cycle phase.
Competency 4: Develop strategies to establish and maintain effective supplier relationships.
Develop timelines for building the selected supply chain vendor relationships.
Competency 5: Apply ethical and legal principles to supply chain sourcing practices.
Recommend an inventory model for the manufacturing company.
Competency 6: Communicate in a manner that is professional and consistent with expectations for members of the business professions.
Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a business professional.
