Questions:
Question 1
Delivery. Please respond to the following:
• Identify the deployment of delivery logistics of a computer software business, an automotive manufacturer, and a management consulting firm.
• Explain the key issues when deciding how a management consulting service is delivered.
• Describe the continuous development of skills, knowledge, and experience of a professional in supply and purchasing specifically in making decisions on quality, quantity, inventory, and delivery.
Question 2 ( comment )
Identify the deployment of delivery logistics of a computer software business, an automotive manufacturer, and a management consulting firm.
Computer software business - In a computer software business, such as Microsoft, they deploy new technology to a targeted audience by rolling-out test platforms. Before they roll-out new software to the end user, the software must be tested. Software developers are in place in case end users require additional assistance or have questions about the software product. Once the deployment of the software is complete, users are monitored via registered profiles to check the viability of the product.
Automotive manufacturer - The demand for service parts usually come from a car dealership or a repair shop. An automotive manufacturer must have the capability to ship parts wherever they are needed. Another logistical issue is factoring in inclement weather and either changing the shipment method or building in additional time for a part to reach its destination. If the shipment is international, the lead time is higher. They must also factor in the proximity of the part to the assembly plant, dealership or repair shop. Then shipment costs become a factor.
Management consulting firm - A management consulting firm deploys their delivery logistics in a manner to reach a targeted audience. Their method of delivery could be in-person meetings or technology-based such as conference calls or the use of video teleconferencing techniques. Based on a company's needs, the management consulting firm will deliver a plan of action that is used as a strategic tactic to hone in on those areas requiring immediate attention.
Explain the key issues when deciding how a management consulting service is delivered.
Key issues to consider when deciding how a management consulting service is delivered are the intended audience, the cost built in to deliver the service, the location of the consulting service in relation to the company that is being supported, and the method of delivery of the end product.
Describe the continuous development of skills, knowledge, and experience of a professional in supply and purchasing specifically in making decisions on quality, quantity, inventory, and delivery.
Anyone who supports supply and purchasing for a company should continuously develop those needed skills, knowledge and experience to remain effective to their respective stakeholders. In terms of making decisions on quality, quantity, inventory, and delivery a supply and purchasing professional must stay abreast of many aspects. For example, they must educate themselves on what the current market has to offer in terms of which supplier can deliver the best quality for the lowest cost. They must understand their inventory and their limitations in terms of the quantity that they can support. Finally, they must continuously develop experience over time to know what delivery method works and what does not and make improvements along the way that will save the company they support time and money long-term.
Question 3
Penner Medical Products. Please respond to the following:
• Articulate in one to two (1 to 2) sentences Neil's problem from your perspective. Supply evidence from the case to support your statement.
• Create and then prioritize a list of issues that Neil must tackle and would be nice if he could tackle. Identify the issues using these two labels (must and nice to).
• Recommend an ideal action Neil can take and a likely action Neil will have to take. Provide evidence to back up your recommendations.
• Discuss whether or not Neil should consider initiating a penalty against Stinson Distribution Company in upcoming contract talks.
Thoroughly explore the pros and cons.
Question 4
Articulate in one to two (1 to 2) sentences Neil's problem from your perspective. Supply evidence from the case to support your statement.
Neil's problem is directly with the supplier, Stinson Distributing Company. The cost for their services is rising and the quality of service is steadily diminishing. Delivery dates are missed and Penner Medical Products are receiving complaints from their customers, which can negatively affect the company's revenues.
Create and then prioritize a list of issues that Neil must tackle and would be nice if he could tackle. Identify the issues using these two labels (must and nice to).
MUST TACKLE
Missed delivery dates
Penner's only supplier - must research other options
Incomplete orders
Incomplete paperwork for Customs officials
Control Inventory levels
NICE TO
Rising costs
Cost of operating the two-ton truck
Purchase another cost (may be less expensive than using UPS)
Share trips to Ontario
Speed access at the Detroit border crossing
Recommend an ideal action Neil can take and a likely action Neil will have to take. Provide evidence to back up your recommendations.
In this situation, an ideal action that Neil can take is to ensure delivery dates are not missed and orders are complete according to the customer's specifications. The likely action that Neil will have to take is acquiring another supplier. The current supplier is making too many mistakes and the cost of doing business with them is increasing. Therefore, Penner is losing money by continuing this relationship with Stinson.
Discuss whether or not Neil should consider initiating a penalty against Stinson Distribution Company in upcoming contract talks. Thoroughly explore the pros and cons.
Neil should consider initiating a penalty against Stinson Distribution Company in upcoming contract talks. Stinson has to be held accountable for their actions. Once penalties are imposed, Stinson Distribution Company will think long and hard before they arbitrarily miss deadlines and process incomplete orders. The risk of delays must be mitigated in order to avoid mistakes in the future. Otherwise, it will cost them. If they fail to meet the supply schedule, additional funds can be taken from the supplier's account. There is an advantage to imposing penalties. Now Stinson Distribution Company will be held accountable.