Global supply chain

Task 1

- Make sure you have a good understanding of these two global supply chains and their distinctive characteristics. You can have a brief research on - line about these supply chains and some practical examples. The actual information do not have to be concise, you only need some background information.

· You must understand that you are focusing on two different global supply chains, which have their own difficulties. You are expected to focus on some of these challenges in relation to cost, quality, sustainability and speed and then recommend some strategies, tools or theories to deal with them now and in the future.

· You are better to understand the theories, concepts and strategies that could reduce the supply chain cost (such as Lean, waste reduction, outsourcing…), improve the quality (such as TQM, Six Sigma…), have impact on faster delivery (localisation, lean…) and also promote environmental friendly supply chain (localisation, lean, waste reduction…).

· Then, you must analyse these theories and strategies and critically evaluate how these can interface or clash with each other to promote a more efficient global supply chain.

· You need to look at some examples as potential or actual problems and issues in relation to any of these KPIs in these supply chains and then critically evaluate how the strategies or practices or theories can improve their global supply network now and in the future, and what could be benefits and limitations.

Task 2

- You can look up for some examples of themes in any conferences related to the Global Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Service, Operations Management, International Business Management, Global Logistics to identify the themes. But, these themes must be justified in relation to benefits to GLSCM and must also be substantiated by the support of academic journal articles or literature. You cannot present them based on assumption.

- You can refer to many different discussions in lecture sessions, seminar sessions, any ever – increasing research topic, any popular research area in GLSCM, or any creative idea that you have to present these themes, as long as you justify and substantiate them with up to date journal articles and literature.

Please, note that these are examples and you need to consider broader views and any other possible elements or example