Week 5 - Business Operations - Group Case Project - Due by Wed at 8pm CST

Group Case Study Project Discussion

Read the Crocs: Revolutionizing an Industry's Supply Chain Model for Competitive Advantage case study in your course text. For your Group Discussion this week, do the following:

Post by Day 3 a 250- to 350-word response that addresses the following:

• What major supply chain structural improvements has Crocs made since its launch to speed the supply chain and reduce costs?

• How does Crocs manage its purchasing function to assure that sufficient materials are available when they are needed to meet changing demand for their products?

  While you are not required to respond to your colleagues’ individual Discussion posts, you are encouraged to do so. Remember, you are required to also answer this question with your assigned group during the preparation of the Group Case Study Project and include a group response in the appropriate sections of your final Group Case Study Project.

   

   

  Week 5 Learning Resources

  
   

  Required Resources

  Readings

• Schroeder, R. G., Goldstein, S. M., & Rungusanatham, M. J. (2013). Operations management in the supply chain: Decisions and cases(6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
  • Chapter 10, “Supply Chain Management” (pp. 222–250)
    
    Chapter 10 introduces systems thinking as a way to identify how all the elements of the supply chain are interconnected, dependent on each other, and must be carefully coordinated. The chapter also discusses how technology and the Internet have made this process more efficient. The figures and tables in this chapter provide an excellent graphical representation of the supply chain process. Finally, the SCOR model for supply chain management is presented.
    
    Focus on the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapters that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Consider how managers effectively conducted business in the past without today’s technology tools. Now consider how technology and the Internet have created a global marketplace for organizations.

Optional Resources

• McGraw-Hill. (2013). Video clips. In Operations management in the supply chain: Decisions and cases. Retrieved from http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073525243/student_view0/chapter7/video_clips.html