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Dissecting the frog: What to do first, what to do

next (Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics
Management – CARDIFF VERSION )

The aim is to guide students in answering the assignment questions presented.

This should ensure that all areas are covered in the discussions required.
Some examples are given also. Students are free to adopt their own style or
include other points that they think can add value to the assignment.

See link below :

supply chain additional reading

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Feedback

First things first :

Assignment Task : Read the following Scenario, and prepare a report with the
guidelines provided.

Scenario: The learner selects an organization, understands and undertakes a full

review of how it manages its supply chain and logistics. They will need to produce
a report that includes how the management of the supply chain impacts on
 business performance, the role of IT in managing the supply chain, the role of
procurement and logistics management. The final part of the report will be a plan
for a strategy to improve the organisation’s supply chain and logistics
management.

The report should include the following:

1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction of the Chosen Organization

Name of the Assessor Paul Gulston

Assessor
Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria (AC)
Feedback
LO 1 TASK-1
1.1 Explain the importance of effective supply chain
Understand the relationship management in achieving organizational objectives
Between supply chain
management (SCM) and POINTERS :
organizational business
Objectives 1. Students can firstly define supply chain
management more on supply chain
management link here : journal on supply chain
management
2. It is encouraged to define the objectives of the
firm you choose here. For example, the long term
objectives. You should also provide a background ...
of firm.
3. Then define the objectives of supply chain
management.

4. As for the importance of supply chain to the

firm’s objective, supply chain management helps
with customer satisfaction when they provide
quality spares to the aircraft at emirates; it helps
improve the firm’s image by ensuring that goods
and services are delivered to the operations on
time. Like catering services for the planes

1.2 Explain the link between supply chain management and

business functions in an organization.

POINTERS :

LO 2
Be able to use information
Technology to optimize
supplier relationships in an
organization
1. Students must describe how supply chain supports the
other business functions and vice versa.
2. For example, the engineering team will advise on the
brand, quality and the time needed for delivery of
spare parts. Supply chain will then advise on what is
available in the marketplace or advise on the best
source or when is the right time to buy
3. HR is linked to supply chain management when it
supports the procurement team at Emirates through its
training and development schemes. Supply chain at
Emirates will in turn advise HR on training
initiatives that can be scheduled for the procurement
team in the coming year or months. These examples
should help
1.3 Discuss the key drivers for achieving an integrated supply
chain strategy in an organization.
POINTERS :
1. For Emirates the drivers would likely be:
competition, consumer awareness. These drivers or
motivators have encouraged firms to integrate their
supply chains and not work in silos so that they can
better meet the needs of the customer and compete to
win.
2. To bring a sense of debate in the discussion, students
must highlight some logical challenges that such a
system or strategy might encounter. For example, as
discussed in the classroom, these strategies could be
exposed to the risk of shutdowns. Integrated software
can impact all users of the enterprise when they no
longer operate in silos. Further, if we are integrated
with strategic suppliers, switching from one vendor
to the other could be costly and time consuming .
2.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of
Strategies used by an organization to maintain supplier
relationships.
POINTERS :
Students must explain several strategies that the firm can use
which will enhance supplier relationship. For example,
partnership sourcing, supplier relationship management and
vendor managed inventory and JIT strategies.

more on supplier relationship management. see link here :

buyer and supplier relationship

Evaluating them can explore the pro and cons. For example,
JIT strategies can increase transport cost since it promotes
delivery in small batches. But it can reduce holding cost and
eliminate Muda

Partnership sourcing strategies

Purchasing consortia

2.2 Use information technology to create strategies to

develop an organization’s relationship with its suppliers.

POINTERS :

IT driven software such as AI has been able to connect

suppliers closer to buyers through big data feeds into
software. With powerful software, Procurement can easily
track, in real-time, the performance of their suppliers. For
example, determining if vendors delivered on time or are
adhering to Service Level Agreement of the contract.Also,
the application of blockchain which will afford seamless
monetary transactions and a platform for trust and
transparency. RFID strategies can also be applied, benefitting
faster payment to vendors. This realised at the receipt end of
goods where accuracy is heightened with the use of the
scanner. Remember, finance will no pay if there are
discrepancies

OTHER POINTS MADE BY CLASS :

● it builds confidence as it can reduce the

misrepresentations. this will make the process easier to
track and fix if any problem is found
● builds an effective SC
 ● promotes transparency
● promotes sustainability by reducing muda
● order accuracy with suppliers
2.3 Develop systems to maintain an
Organization’s relationship with it
Suppliers.

POINTERS :

Systems can relate to: Audits, monthly meetings, designing

SLAs and KPIs in the contract framework, performance
appraisals and site visits, Customer feedback
LO 3
Understand the role of 3.1 Assess how information technology could assist
information integration of different parts of the supply chain of an
Technology in supply organization
chainManagement
POINTERS :

Here, student should use the opportunity to highlight the

many ways IT has helped the supply chain in bridging the
gap between all the different stakeholders, from inventory
department , logistics and shipping department, to
production and so on. Overall, the creation of such visibility
has impacted positively on customer satisfaction , profit
margins and a more leaner and agile supply chain.
For example ERP software such as SAP and Oracle. See link
here : ERP CLOUD ; G2 CROWD ;SO99 V8.0 AI @
ALIBABA These platforms have facilitated a seamless flow
of data and materials across the globe with information
being shared in real time and shared with accuracy. Students
could speak in general here and not refer to the specific
organisational benefits. Such can be discussed in task 3.2

3.2 Evaluate how information technology has contributed to

the management of the supply chain of an organization

POINTERS :

Here students can highlight the list of more specific

operational benefits IT has brought to the enterprise of
choice. Benefits such as faster customer response time, order
tracking; Just in time deliveries etc can be discussed
 3.3 Assess the effectiveness of information technology in
managing the supply chain of an organization.

POINTERS :

Here students should explore the setbacks of IT

implementation. For example , cost of training, steep learning
curve, constantly needs to be updated which again itself is
costly and requires more training . Also, in some cases, we
try to fit or design IT platforms to suit our needs which might
not serve the objectives of the enterprise at the end. This
might lead to more time, money and resources spent on
customisation.
LO 4
Understand the role of 4.1 Explain the role of logistics in supply chain management
logistics and in an organization.
Procurement in supply
chain POINTERS :
Management
to align objectives with firm’s strategies ; to satisfy customers
internally and externally ; to ensure the customer attains the
best value, ; to negotiate value for money ; to choose the
right incoterms and mode of transport, to ensure a continued
seamless flow, serves as a gatekeeper for quality goods and
services when procured
4.2 Evaluate procurement practices in an organization ;

POINTERS :

here students should review the procurement cycle of their

firm and discuss it in relation to the firm
4.3 Discuss the factors that must be
Considered when improving logistics and procurement
practices in an organization.

POINTERS :

determine affordability ; determine if improvement is in line

with the firm’s objective ; determine the culture of the firm
since it may challenge the change or improvement ;
determine the current competency of the staff prior to
implementation ; if the improvement requires software
change or upgrade then compatibility must not be ignored ;
determine the availability of the mode of transport available
 LO 5
Be able to plan a strategy 5.1 Plan a strategy to improve an organisation’s supply
to improve an chain.
organisation’s supply
chain POINTERS :

PHASE 1 - In planning a strategy, the following points can

be developed : a) Define objective to be achieved ; b)
involve all key stakeholders in the process ; c) develop a
timeline ; d) adopt a change management strategy; e) monitor
the process f) motivating and rewarding persons involved
when milestones are achieved.

PHASE 2 – Implement the strategy: the actual strategy

might involve, outsourcing logistics; engaging in vertically
backward integration or vertically forward integration; you
strategy might be a make or buy strategy (make it yourself
and not buy it) partnership sourcing arrangement; vendor
managed inventory strategy and so on.

PHASE 3 – continue to monitor the progress of the strategy

and highlight lessons learnt during the implementation
process, take feedback. Any other points can be shared

5.2 Assess how a supply chain improvement strategy will

benefit overall business performance in an organization.

POINTERS : This is connected to 5.1 Any strategy for

improvement can boost the company’s profits ; can motivate
staff ; can add value to the supply chain process by
improving quality of suppliers or quality or products that are
purchased by the procurement team ; will help suppliers
improve their quality portfolio
5.3 Explain how barriers will be overcome in an organization
when implementing a supply chain improvement strategy.

POINTERS: firstly you must identify the likely barriers for

your organization in implementing a supply chain
improvement strategy.
They can be - resistance from staff; limited time to
implement strategy; high cost to the organization when
 implementing the strategy; external factors such as inflation
can deter the firm from buying new raw material from a
particular region; environmental factors such as laws might
hinder a new product from entering your country and so on.
So barriers can be both externals and internal.

And now, how can they be overcome? This must be

discussed here. for example, if a vertically backward
integration strategy was considered, to address barriers such
as financial constraints with the buyer’s firm, they can then
partner with an investor to aid in the acquisition. Other
strategies for addressing barriers are : maintaining an honest
and open line of communication and conducting due
diligence on cultural dynamics of such a strategy. The
solutions will vary from strategy to strategy.

Over All Result/Grade PASS/REDO Date:

Summative Feedback:

Overall Feedback on
current work with
emphasis on how the
student can further
improve in future.
 General Guidelines
(Please read the instructions carefully)

1. Complete the title page with all necessary student details and ensure that the signature
of the student is marked in the declaration form.
2. All assignments must be submitted as an electronic document in MS Word to the
LMS (Use 12 Times New Roman script).
3. Assignment that is not submitted to the LMS by the prescribed deadline will be
accepted ONLY under the REDO and RESIT submission policy of Westford.
4. You will PASS the full assignment task only if you achieve “AC Met” in each of the
Assessment Criteria.
5. The results are declared only if the student has met the mandatory attendance
requirement of 75% and/or a minimum of 50% under extenuating circumstances
approved and ratified by the Academic Director. The student has to repeat the module
(with additional fees applicable) if the attendance is below 50%.
6. The assignment should not contain any contents including references cited from
websites like www.ukessays.com, www.studymode.com, www.slideshare.net ,
www.scribd.com.
7. Students can refer Wikipedia as a source of information, but the references cited
in Wikipedia has to be mentioned.
8. Submit the assignment in a MS Word document with the file name being:
First Name Last Name_ abbreviation of the subject.
Example: John Smith_SSCML.

Quick reference Checklist for the students before submitting the assignment:

1. Adherence to the deadline of submission date.

2. Original cover sheet and format retained.
3. Student information and signature intact.
4. Font style and size used as instructed.
5. Harvard Referencing System and Citations are strictly followed.
 Task 1: Report covering LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4& LO5.

Assignment title
Strategic Organizational Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Scope (LOs and ACs) of this assignment:

Learning Outcome 1: Understand the relationship between supply chain management (SCM) and
organizational business objectives.

▪ AC 1.1: explain the importance of effective supply chain management in achieving organisational
objectives
▪ AC 1.2: explain the link between supply chain management and business functions in an
organisation.
▪ AC 1.3: discuss the key drivers for achieving an integrated supply chain strategy in an
organization

Learning Outcome 2: Be able to use information technology to optimise supplier relationships in an

organization

▪ AC 2.1: Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies used by an organisation to maintain supplier

relationships
▪ AC 2.2: Use information technology to create strategies to develop an organisation’s relationship
with its suppliers tactics.
▪ AC 2.3: Develop systems to maintain an organisation’s relationship with its suppliers.

Learning Outcome 3: Understand the role of information technology in supply chain management

▪ AC 3.1: Assess how information technology could assist integration of different parts of the
supply chain of an organisation
▪ AC 3.2: Evaluate how information technology has contributed to the management of the supply
chain of an organisation
▪ AC 3.3: Assess the effectiveness of information technology in managing the supply chain of an
organization

Learning Outcome 4: Understand the role of logistics and procurement in supply chain management
 ▪ AC 4.1: Explain the role of logistics in supply chain management in an organisation
▪ AC 4.2: Evaluate procurement practices in an organisation
▪ AC 4.3: Discuss the factors that must be considered when improving logistics and procurement
practices in an organization

Learning Outcome 5: Be able to plan a strategy to improve an organisation’s supply chain

▪ AC 5.1: Plan a strategy to improve an organisation’s supply chain

▪ AC 5.2: Assess how a supply chain improvement strategy will benefit overall business
performance in an organization
▪ AC 5.3: Explain how barriers will be overcome in an organisation when implementing a supply
chain improvement strategy

Assignment Task : Read the following Scenario, and prepare a report with the guidelines
provided.

Scenario: The learner selects an organization, understands and undertakes a full review of how
it manages its supply chain and logistics. They will need to produce a report that includes how
the management of the supply chain impacts on business performance, the role of IT in
managing the supply chain, the role of procurement and logistics management. The final part of
the report will be a plan for a strategy to improve the organisation’s supply chain and logistics
management.

The report should include the following:

1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction of the Chosen Organization
3. Explain the importance of effectiveness of supply chain management in achieving
organizational objectives and the link between supply chain management and business
functions in the organization. What is the supply chain strategy of the organization and
discuss the key drivers for achieving an integrated supply chain strategy ? (AC 1.1, 1.2,
1.3)
4. Assess and evaluate how information technology has contributed in effective management
and integration of various parts of the supply chain management. Explain the strategies
employed by the organization to establish relationship with the suppliers and evaluate
them. Discuss how IT can be used to develop systems and strategies to enhance and
maintain the relationship with suppliers. (AC 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)

5. Evaluate the procurement practices in the organization and the role of logistics in
effectively managing the supply chain management in the organization. Also, discuss the
factors to be considered to help improve the logistics and procurement practices in the
organization. (AC 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
 6. Propose a plan with a strategy to improve the organization’s supply chain and assess how
the proposed strategy will benefit the overall business performance of the organzation.
Identify the internal and external barriers and explain how the barriers would be
overcome when the proposed strategy is being implemented. (AC 5.1, 5.2, 5.3)

7. Findings, conclusions and recommendations.

8. References (Adhering to Harvard Referencing Format)

The report shall not exceed 10,000 words and should include relevant examples and
illustrations.

Recommended guidelines for learners and assessors:

The report should address the essence of the ACs within the guidelines provided below:

For AC1.1, learners need to explain the importance of effective supply chain management in
achieving organisational objectives. To illustrate this, they could relate this explanation to the
achievement of objectives in their own organisation.

For AC1.2, learners need to explain the link between supply chain management and business
functions in their own/chosen organisation. To illustrate these links, the explanation needs to contain
real examples from their chosen organisation.

For AC1.3, learners need to discuss the key drivers that are moving their chosen organisation
towards implementing an integrated supply chain.

For AC2.1, learners need to describe the strategies used in their chosen organisation to
maintain relationships with suppliers before evaluating the effectiveness of these
strategies.

For AC2.2, learners need to demonstrate how they have used IT to create strategies to develop
their chosen organisation’s relationship with its suppliers. From this, they need to develop
systems to maintain these relationships (AC2.3).

To demonstrate their understanding of the role of IT in supply chain management for their chosen
organisation, they need to assess the effectiveness of IT in managing the supply chain, (AC3.3),
evaluate how IT has contributed to the management of the supply chain (AC3.2) and assess how
IT could assist in the integration of different parts of the supply chain (AC3.1).

For AC4.1, learners need to explain the role of logistics in the management of the supply chain in
their chosen organisation and then evaluate procurement practices (AC4.2). Having examined both
procurement and logistics management, learners need to discuss the factors that must be
considered when looking at making improvements to both procurement practices and logistics in
the organisation (AC4.3).

For AC5.1, having reviewed their chosen organisations’ supply chain and logistics activity, learners
need to plan a strategy to improve the management of the supply chain.

For AC5.2, learners need to assess how their improvement strategy from AC5.1 will benefit overall
business performance in their chosen organisation.

For AC5.3, learners need to identify any current or potential barriers that could prevent or hinder
their improvement strategy from being implemented successfully in their chosen organisation.
Learners need to explain clearly how these barriers
will be overcome.