Supply Chain Evolution Eras - Assignment Example

Question a) Supply chain evolution eras Industrial revolution (1776-1912), In the 1800s, the era was the industrial revolution era. During industrial revolution, the management and supply strategies were different depending on the innovation level in that time. Many factories came into existence and work was done through the division and specialization of labor. The development and implementation of electricity, roads, rails, and communications systems provided ways in which supply was done. People and goods could be moved from their homes into factories. The mass production era (1913-1973) During mass production era, the innovations were aimed at increasing the production of the production. During this era, people used equipments to improve production operations. Scientific management methods and mass-production moving assembly lines were the innovation at that time. The supply chains at that time were suited to move the many products that were being produced. The lean manufacturing/quality control era (1974-1995) In the early 1970s, many manufacturers were good producers, but they were challenged by other firms that made higher quality products at lower costs. Therefore, the era was named lean manufacturing/quality control era, where many manufacturers mainly focused their attention on improving quality of their products. They also improved their supply chains. The information-engineering era (1996-today) In the beginning of the year 1996, the information-engineering era began. Communication became the most important component in any business. The businesses have come up with effectively information technologies. In this era, the supply chains involve use the Internet and new information and communications technologies. This supply chains are faster compared to the others. Other dates and labels that could be used to describe the evolution of supply chain management Creation era The development and implementation of electricity, roads, rails, and communications systems provided ways in which supply was done. People and goods could be moved from their homes into factories. The supply chains at that time were suited to move the many products that were being produced. Integration era Therefore, the era was named lean manufacturing/quality control era, where many manufacturers mainly focused their attention on improving quality of their products. They also improved their supply chains Globalization era The businesses have come up with effectively information technologies. In this era, the supply chains involve use the Internet and new information and communications technologies. (b) China and India and other low-cost providers in other nations that are responsible for increased outsourcing and off shoring fit into what is being said in this paper in that they develop competitive advantages. They make effective use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide high quality products at lower prices. They provide competition to other firms making them even more vigilant. This improves the global competitiveness among firms. (c) Technology is a solution to almost all the supply chain management issues thought not all. Information along the supply chain can be made possible by use new information and communications technologies. It enables better decisions regarding inventory storage and movement of products. The new technologies will improve all the four channels of supply chain, which include production, inventory, distribution and payments. The effective implementation of the new technologies will allow firms to monitoring demand to ensure that the supply does not exceed the demand of vice versa. The technology will ensure that the stock in the warehouses does not exceed certain level. The new technologies will also ensure that the products are delivered in time. The distribution of goods is made faster and effective. The payment for the goods by the consumers has also been made easier. The consumers do no have to travel and make payment. They can purchase goods online among other ways. However, the technologies have also brought problems in the supply chain management. For example, the transport sector is negatively affected the people do not travel to make payments. (d) The general themes in the paper still applicable today. The 2008 Great Recession proved that the ideas in the paper are right. Though, work was moved to nations that can perform tasks cheaper. The country should also aim at improving their skills. For example, United States of America, needed to develop greater skills for more people. It could also reduce regulatory burdens on entrepreneurs. The need to embrace competition was a way to be more productive. It would also keep prices lower and productivity higher. Question 2 Perfect competition New information technologies may have affected the nature of the firm today in the perfect competition market structure. There is free entry of the firms in the industry. The new technologies will ensure that there are more firms operating in the market due to the low production and transaction costs. This will increase the competition in the market to ensure quality goods. The customers will also enjoy variety of goods and services depending on the way each firm implement the new technologies. Monopolistic competition New information technologies may have influenced the nature of the firm today in the monopolistic competition market structure. The few firms will enjoy the low production costs due to the few technologies. This will increase the competition in the market among the few firms. The customers will also enjoy variety of goods and services depending on the way each firm implement the new technologies. Oligopoly New information technologies may have influenced the nature of the firm today in the oligopoly market structure. The few firms will enjoy the low production costs due to the few technologies. This will increase the competition in the market among the few firms. The customers will also enjoy variety of goods and services depending on the way each firm implement the new technologies. The firms will also have increased profit margin. Monopoly The firm will enjoy the low production costs due to the few technologies. This will increase the production of the monopolistic firm. The new technologies will increase the profit margin of the firm. Question 3 The sales cycle as stated by Randy Kennedy involves three levels. The first level was present. The seller is supposed to present the product to the consumer to purchase. The seller can present the product to the customer in different packaging and quantities. For example, the seller can present their products in cartons or bottles. The second level is qualified. At this stage the seller must know the demand of the consumers. The sellers should present a product the consumer is willing to buy. The consumer will buy the product if it is price effective, his or her taste among other reasons. The seller should present the products at the fair price so that the customers will be willing and able to buy. Close is the last stage of sales cycle. The seller will sell the product to the consumer if the product fits the consumer needs. This is the last stage in the sales cycle after the products is qualified to meet the consumers needs. References Andreas Wieland, Carl Marcus Wallenburg (2011): Supply-Chain-Management in stürmischen Zeiten. Berlin. David Jacoby (2009), Guide to Supply Chain Management, Bloomberg Press; David Blanchard (2010), Supply Chain Management Best Practices, 2nd. Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Harland, C.M. (1996) Supply Chain Management, Purchasing and Supply Management, Logistics, Blackwell Encyclopedic Dictionary of Operations Management. UK: Blackwell. Marshall, Alfred, and Mary Paley Marshall (1879). The Economics of Industry, Macmillan, p. 2. Robbins, Lionel (1932). An Essay on the Nature and Significance of Economic Science, p. 16 Paul H. Selden (1997). Sales Process Engineering: A Personal Workshop. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press. p. 23. William H. McNeese and Robert A. Klein (1991). Statistical Methods For The Process Industries. Milwaukee, WI: ASQC Quality Press. Read More