Global Supply Chain Management – Research Project

Weeks 7-9 (Week 8 is a Spring Break), you are going to read, research, and work on the Global Supply Chain Management book written by Hult, Closs, and Frayer. You will be using additional sources as well to complete this assignment.

The topic of the global supply chain has become even more significant during the pandemic. What is the future of the global supply chain? What changes have been happening; and will be happening as we move to a “new normal” in life and global business? Before attempting to answer these and some other questions, I ask you to review the book and get acquainted (or reacquainted) with the basic terminology and lingua in this field.

Chapter 1 acts as an introduction to the four basic functions of global supply chain management; so just scan it. Each function will be discussed in detail in Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Chapter 8 – is a summary of the book or “How to put it all together”. Scan it, it might be helpful as you write your summary/recommendation section.

To help with your time management, submit *draft answers to Chapters 1-4 material by 11:59 pm, Sunday, February 27. A completed research project is due by 11:59 pm, Sunday, March 13. Only the final draft (Chapters 1-8) will be graded. Failure to submit 1st draft (Chapters 1-4) will result in an automatic 15% grade reduction.

Now let’s dive into actual research material and questions. I strongly encourage you to use additional valid sources (valid internet sources and UM Library sources) in your research project, as the book does not have all the answers to the questions below. Let’s say 8-16 valid sources plus the book.

ALL QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED. NONE OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW ARE OPTIONAL.

Chapters 1 and 2 – a) How did the pandemic affect the industry globalization drivers? Any changes? Give examples. b) Which of the four industry globalization drivers is the most significant as we go through the pandemic? Why? Give examples. c) Which one will become more crucial in 3-5 years? Why? Give examples.

Chapters 1 and 3 – a) What are the components of the global supply chain infrastructure? What role does each component play in the global supply chain infrastructure? Elaborate. Is it possible to rank each (most/least important)? Or… Do they work in tandem only? Explain. b) What is the difference between SIC and NAICS? Why and where are they used? c) What is the role of INCOTERMS? Why and where are they used?

Chapters 1 and 4 – a) What are the components of logistics as a global supply chain function? What are some of the problems that could emerge here? Where do problems in logistics happen more often? Why? How do these problems get fixed? Is there only one method? Explain. Are there any examples of “best practices”? Discuss. b) What does the future hold for this function (logistics)? What do experts in the industry say?

Chapters 1 and 5 – a) What are the components of purchasing as a global supply chain function? What are some of the problems that could emerge here? Why? How do these problems get fixed? Is there only one method? Explain. Are there any examples of “best practices”? Discuss. b) Assess the global supply selection scorecard. Form and present your opinion using facts. c) What does the future hold for this function (purchasing)? What do experts in the industry say? What are some of the changes, as a result of COVID, in this function?

Chapters 1 and 6 – a) What are the components of operations as a global supply chain function? What are some of the problems that could emerge here? Why? How do these problems get fixed? Is there only one method? Explain. Are there any examples of “best practices”? Discuss. b) What are the key factors in “make or buy” decisions? What role does each factor play? Why? c) What does the future hold for this function (operations)? What do experts in the industry say? What are some of the changes, as a result of COVID, in this function?

Chapters 1 and 7 – a) What are the components of market channels as a global supply chain function? What are some of the problems that could emerge here? Why? How do these problems get fixed? Is there only one method? Explain. Are there any examples of “best practices”? Discuss. b) What foreign market entry modes are discussed in the book? Also research: turnkey projects and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Present in a Table (in the APA format) a list of cons and pros for each entry mode. c) What are the options for a global company when it comes to export/import providers? Do we have any in Mobile, AL? What/Who are they? Name at least two. What kind of services does each one provide? d) What does the future hold for this function (market channels)? What do experts in the industry say? What are some of the changes, as a result of COVID, in this function?

Chapters 1-8 – a) What are your key takeaways from this research project? b) What struggles does this industry experience currently? c) What developments do you project for this industry in 3-5 years? Explain (avoid generalizations).

*first draft (Chapters 1-4) – should be fully completed; yet might require further minor ‘polishing’ or touches. Will not be graded separately.

The format:

Upload to Canvas on the dates assigned above. The plagiarism check is embedded in the assignment. The final plagiarism score should be below 10%.
Follow the APA style – this is a requirement
Title page – APA style
Reference page – follow the APA style to cite your references; don’t forget to include the book itself
Length of a paper – 8-10 pages (excluding Title and Reference pages), double-spaced
Page number – upper right corner of a page
Font – Times New Romans, 12
Use additional sources – (8-16 additional sources)