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Running Head: Integration of faith and learning
BUSI613 Supply Chain Management
Integration of faith and learning
Betzaida Aponte
Liberty University
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Running Head: Integration of faith and learning
Bible Verse on Supply Chain
The story of Moses in Exodus, chapter 5 verse 10 -14 gives an excellent example of
supply chain management gone wrong. The scripture reads as follows, “10 Then the slave drivers
and the overseers went out and said to the people, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I will not give
you any more straw. 11 Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it, but your work will
not be reduced at all.’” 12 So the people scattered all over Egypt to gather stubble to use for straw.
13 The slave drivers kept pressing them, saying, “Complete the work required of you for each day,
just as when you had straw.” 14 And Pharaoh’s slave drivers beat the Israelite overseers they had
appointed, demanding, “Why haven’t you met your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as
before?” (Exodus, ch5, vs. 10-14). Pharaoh punished the slave workers by removing a key
component or process in order to make their work harder. Pharaoh’s decision to remove the
supply chain of Egyptians providing straw for making bricks, broke the chain in the process thus
leading to unwanted results and impacting the process end to end.
Pharaoh expected the same results as before when the process included the supply of
straw in order to make the bricks. Removing this process impacted the value of the work thus
resulting in not meeting the quota needed. In order to add value to an organization supply chain
managers need to understand that demand planning and tactical planning impact each other
(Young, 2014). It is necessary to identify an iterative process and identify the impact of
deviations from forcast demands and impact of changes in supply chain lead time (Young, 2014,
pg. 49). In this case we see that the disruption caused a triple effect that is quite significant.
Logistics is the primary conduit of product and service flow within the supply chain (Young,
2014). In order to effectively manage the demand, collaboration is important as forecasting is not
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Running Head: Integration of faith and learning
an actual demand, it requires having a vision of information and manufacturing flow of the end
to end process (Evrard-Samuel, 2008).
Pharaoh’s decision showed evidence that he did not vision the management of all
activities involved in the process of making bricks. Supply chain management integrates the
management of all processes including the coordination and collaboration with other cross areas
or partners which in this case was the straw suppliers. Supply chain management integrates all
functions and responsibilities for a high performance business model (Moberg, Vitsek, Stank &
Plenaar, 2008). The results of tampering with the supply chain process impacted the demand
from Pharaoh for the Israelites to continue to produce the same amount of bricks. Another area of
impact is removing the collaboration of Egyptians providing the Israelites with the straw they
needed in order to keep with the demand. The decision of the Pharaoh yielded unwanted results,
supply chain managers do not want to ever be in this kind of position. It is important that
managers understand the impacts of change management within the supply chain process.
Supply chain managers wear many hats and are responsible to ensure the process is like a
well-oiled machine and that it flows smoothly. Managers need to manage with integrity and trust.
Scripture teaches in Colossians 4:1, “Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that
you also have a Master in heaven.” Pharaoh did not manage the situation and the change
management with integrity or fairly, and the consequence of his decision was a total failure from
broken processes to broken collaborations. There is always the possibility of a change process
not being successful, however managers can re assess and make changes as necessary. Scripture
also teaches in Corinthians 10:31, “31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to
the glory of God.” This Bible verse is so important in all job roles and relationships. If you do all
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Running Head: Integration of faith and learning
things to the glory of God as a supply chain manager your decisions and your collaboration with
your team will be to the highest standard because it is not to please men but to please the Lord.
In conclusion, the story of Pharaoh is a great example of what to avoid as a supply chain
manager, firstly treating people as you want to be treated and your integrity is what people look
up to in a leader. Also being aware of the end to end process in order to ensure there is no impact
during change management is critical to the success of the organization and above all things
doing all things to the glory of God is imperative in all roles and walks of life. As supply chain
managers we lead to please God and not men.
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Running Head: Integration of faith and learning
References
Evrard-Samuel, K. (2008). Sharing Demand Signals: A New Challenge to Improve Collaboration
within Supply Chains. Supply Chain Forum: International Journal, 9(2), 16-27. Retrieved
from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=bth&AN=43323542&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Moberg, C.R, Vitsek, K., Stank, T.P., Plenaar, A. (2008). Time to Remodel, Supply Chain
Quarterly. Retrieved from
http://www.supplychainquarterly.com/topics/Strategy/scq200803scmmodel/
Young, G. (2014). Supply chain management, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY.
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