Conduct a case study analysis and write 5-6 pages on the different characteristics of the supply chain strategy, including transportation, for a selected company.

Introduction

In this assessment, you will research a selected company and develop a case study analysis. All operational activities begin with an estimate of what customer demands will be. Production schedules, modes of transportation, warehouse space, and other supply chain activities are all dependent on the accuracy of the company’s demand forecasting. The information management system must provide thorough, accurate, and timely information so that supply chain managers can prepare and execute short- and long-term plans. Satisfying the customer is the number one challenge for all demand forecasters.

Overview

In this assessment, you will research a selected company and develop a case study analysis on forecasting and planning a supply chain. 

Instructions

Consider that you work for a company that develops and sells case studies and case study analyses. Your company’s primary customers are colleges and universities wanting to use them within their courses, but your company also has customers using them for management training and development. Your manager asked you to conduct research and develop a case study analysis on the company’s supply chain strategy, including transportation. She’s specifically interested in you doing the analysis on one of the companies from this list:

• Amazon.
• Apple.
• L. L. Bean.
• Starbucks.
• Walmart.

Research and write about the company that you have selected from the above list.

You and your manager discussed the high-level outline of your analysis and agreed you should address the following items:

• Describe the company’s business model and illustrate the business model through the use of a diagram or visual.
• Compare and contrast the company’s supply chain strategy with another organization’s strategies and summarize key findings of areas the other organization excels in.
  • Use another company from the list to determine which supply chain areas the company excels at compared to your selected company.
• Analyze the transportation strategy of the company using examples of the various transportation modes to support the effectiveness of moving products from factories to customers. 
• Analyze the global challenges that the company faces in its supply chain and discuss risks and associated strategies to minimize the risks.
• Analyze the economic and political factors that can impact the company’s transportation network and relate to future improvements.  
• Analyze the role demand forecasting plays in the company’s supply chain strategy and support the analysis with ways to manage challenges of forecasting in times of uncertainty. 
• Analyze how pricing promotions are used to change demand through relevant examples that demonstrate this strategy.

Submission Requirements

Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:

• Format: Based on the intended audience, your report should be well organized and written in clear, succinct language.
• Length: 5–6 double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
• APA format: Use current APA style and formatting for in-text citations and references. See Evidence and APA for help if you need it.
• References: 3–4 sources are required. As the basis for your research, you can use any of the resources noted in this course, in the Capella library, and on the Internet.
  • Include at least one reference from The Wall Street Journal.
  • Note: Use of additional resources will assist in achieving distinguished level ratings.

Before submission, refer to the scoring guide for insight into the grading criteria for this assessment.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

• Competency 1: Examine how a supply chain supports an organizational strategy.
  • Describe the company’s business model.
  • Compare and contrast the company’s supply chain strategy with another company’s strategy.
  • Explain the transportation strategy of the company.
• Competency 2: Assess how to improve supply chain efficiencies.
  • Analyze the global challenges the company faces in its supply chain.
  • Analyze the economic and political factors that can impact the company’s transportation network.
  • Analyze the role demand forecasting plays in the company’s supply chain strategy.
• Competency 3: Analyze supply chain systems to meet customer demands.
  • Explain how pricing promotions are used to change demand.
• Competency 4: Communicate in a professional manner that is consistent with the expectations for supply chain managers and participants.
  • Convey purpose in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.