Write a 600–800-word response to a series of questions about the supply chain of an apparel retailer
Zara–Rapid Fire Fulfillment
Write a 600–800-word response to a series of questions about the supply chain of an apparel retailer, based on a library article.
This assessment focuses on the supply chain management process, its importance to the success of a company, and the sequence of events and processes that bring products from manufacturers to consumers.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
Competency 1: Design a supply chain to support an organizational strategy.
Explain why a company’s supply chain strategy is successful.
Describe the importance of a company’s fast response and information infrastructure.
Competency 3: Manage a supply chain in order to satisfy customers.
Describe how a company’s unique replenishment strategy satisfies customers.
Competency 4: Communicate in a professional manner that is consistent with the expectations for supply chain managers and participants.
Exhibit proficiency in writing, critical thinking, and research; adhere to APA style and formatting.
CONTEXT
A supply chain is an interrelationship through which information, physical goods, and services flow back and forth. It consists of business entities that contribute the value-creating activities of supplying necessary materials and transforming various resources into finished goods and services, and distributing the final outputs to the customer.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
What are the implications of a successful supply chain management strategy to a business in today’s competitive global economy?
How can a supply chain help a company reach its strategic goals?
Why do many companies choose to contract with third-party logistics companies?
What are components of a successful supply chain?
Resources:
Ferdows, K., Lewis, M. A., & Machuca, J. A. D. (2004). Rapid-fire fulfillment. Harvard Business Review, 82(11), 104–110.
ASSESSMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Zara is the flagship brand for Europe’s fastest growing apparel retailer and has about 1500 stores in major cities around the globe. After reading the Harvard Business Review article, “Rapid Fire Fulfillment” (linked in the Resources under the Required Resources heading), answer the following four questions about Zara’s supply chain:
Explain why the company’s supply chain strategy is successful. For example, the selection and management of suppliers and determination of information needs and systems.
What advantage does Zara gain against the competition by having a very responsive supply chain?
What advantage does the company gain from replenishing its stores multiple times a week compared to a less frequent schedule? How does the frequency of replenishment affect the improved customer satisfaction?
What information infrastructure does Zara need in order to operate its production, distribution, and fast fashion retail network effectively?
Submit your answer in a Microsoft Word document in 600–800 words. All written assignments should follow APA rules for attributing sources.
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