LB5230 Managing Strategic Resources and Operations Report 3 Sample

LB5230 Managing Strategic Resources and Operations Report 3

Assignment Details

This assessment aims to apply the fundamental principles and practices of operations and supply chain management from all the sessions. Assuming the role of Strategy and Operations Manager, apply the tasks, tools and underlying principles of operations and supply chain management in the chosen manufacturing or service company to improve their organisational performance.

Context: The CEO of your chosen company asked you to detail the supply chain design of one of the products (pick a product from your chosen company) at their new facility to be built in Townsville Industrial Park: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/4175/Industrial-Zone.pdf

Assessment requirement:

In a group and/or Individual, develop a report for presentation to the CEO and/or Board of Directors of your chosen company, focusing on related issues in operations and supply chain management aspects, such as relocation and re-shoring, technology, operations and supply chain, inventory, quality, sustainable development and circular economy challenges.

1. Develop a supply chain report for the chosen product for manufacturing in Townsville.

2. The report is to address the following:

a. Identify and draw a multi-tier supply chain (SC) and value-adding activities from all suppliers to the end customers (upstream and downstream) domestically and internationally, including:

- Materials, information, and financial flows

- Specific modes of transportation must be identified using appropriate icons, (e.g. if using a train, use a train icon).

- Identification and name of the (real-world) organisations in the SC, where possible.

b. Describe and discuss supply management and logistics issues from suppliers to final customers.

- These decisions MUST be feasible and relevant to the product and customers.

c. Describe and discuss quality issues throughout the SC.

d. Describe and discuss inventory management issues throughout the SC.

e. Critically think about, describe and discuss the potential impacts of disruptive change, emerging Industry 4.0 technologies (i.e. Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, 3D Printing, Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, etc), sustainable development, and shifting geo-political power and alignments on the supply/value chain.

Technical Report Structure:

Use the following Report structure:

1. Title page

2. Executive summary

3. Table of Contents

4. Introduction

5. Discussion and Recommendations

- Addresses each of the requirements shown in Assessment Requirements above at points 2(a)-(e) above.

6. Conclusion and limitations of this report

7. Reference (APA7th style)

8. Appendices (optional)

Solution

1. Introduction

In the quickly advancing universe of innovation, Apple Inc's. iPhone remains as an image of development, quality, and cutting edge plan. Like any tech item, fabricating, disseminating, and selling iPhones include complex cycles. This report expects to reveal insight into basic angles connected with the activities and store network the board of iPhones, explicitly in Townsville.

The focal point of this assessment will be on essential choices concerning the movement and yet again shoring of assembling offices inside Townsville. An inside and out investigation will be made into the ceaseless innovative headways, including Industry 4.0 advances like Man-made consciousness and Large Information Examination. These angles will be surveyed for their impacts on the neighborhood store network, underscoring their significance in improving the creation cycle of the iPhone. Stock administration will be one more key area of concentration. This incorporates the appraisal of systems crucial for on-time conveyance and predictable accessibility of the item in Townsville. Quality control inside the creation interaction will be an ordinary thought, guaranteeing that the town's assembling keeps up with the worldwide principles of the iPhone for MBA assignment expert.

Ultimately, the report will address the developing significance of sustainable development. This relates to Apple's obligation to utilizing assets carefully and making a framework that is feasible in the long term. By looking at these different features, the report expects to introduce a careful and insightful examination of the iPhone store network in Townsville, enveloping an equilibrium of innovation, effectiveness, and supportability. The emphasis on local manufacturing lines not only again worldwide patterns as well as gives an opportunity to Townsville to add to an item that encapsulates current innovation.

a. Multi-Tier Supply Chain & Value-Adding Activities

Materials, Information, and Financial Flows:

The multi-level supply chain for iPhones includes a planned flow of materials, data, and finance. Beginning with raw materials acquisition, suppliers from different regions of the world give fundamental components like semiconductors, cameras, and batteries. Information streams simultaneously with materials, permitting real-time tracking, quality checks, and coordination between suppliers, manufacturers, and wholesalers (Ross & Naoum 2023). Financial exchanges work with each trade, from payment of suppliers to end-client customer sales, guaranteeing the smooth activity of the whole chain.

Transportation Modes:

Various methods of transportation are basic to the iPhone's supply chain, each filling a particular need. Trains are ordinarily utilized for inland transportation, proficiently moving unrefined components to assembling offices. Ships handle the intercontinental mass vehicle of semi-completed items, especially from Asian assembling habitats to the worldwide market. This mode is cost effective for huge quantities yet takes more time. Trucks assume a vital part in final distribution, conveying items to retail locations and straightforwardly to clients, offering flexibility in routing (Russo et al., 2019). Airfreight is held for urgent shipments, giving a quick reaction to fluctuating business demand requests but at a greater expense. Together, these different transportation modes structure a planned organization, adjusting cost, speed, and environmental considerations, lining up with Apple's obligation to proficiency and sustainability.

Organisations in the SC:

The iPhone's multi-level supply chain in Townsville is a complex web that includes major players across different stages. Suppliers, for example, TSMC for chipsets, Sony for cameras, and Samsung for display contribute fundamental parts. Producers like Taiwan-based Foxconn handle most assembly components. Wholesalers and operations suppliers like UPS and FedEx oversee warehousing and transportation, working together with nearby transporters for definite conveyance. Retailers, including Apple Retail locations, approved affiliates, and online stages, make up the last mile, interfacing iPhones to buyers. This complicated arrangement of materials, data, and financial flows guarantees quality production, timely delivery , and competitive pricing in the worldwide market (Aslam et al., 2018).

b. Supply Management and Logistics Issues

Supplier Relationships:

The iPhone's supply chain network rests on key vital providers like TSMC for chipsets and Sony for cameras, among others for different parts. Apple's sourcing strategies incorporate both single and multi-obtaining, depending upon the nature of the component. Different suppliers for critical parts limit risk, while specific parts might rely upon a single source (Aslam et al., 2021). Challenges in these connections envelop keeping up with quality guidelines, ideal conveyance, overseeing international dangers, fluctuating item costs, and adherence to Apple's ethical and environmental standards.

Distribution Network:

The distribution network for iPhones spans across the globe, incorporating different stages from manufacturing to delivery to final clients. It includes the choice of transportation modes like air, ocean, rail, or street, each affecting expenses, conveyance times, and natural impression. Warehousing and stock administration should be decisively arranged, considering various districts and nearby guidelines (Ayman et al.,2021). The last mile conveyance, particularly to distant regions, needs coordination to guarantee opportune delivery and product quality, and oversee possible returns.

Final Customers: Arriving at the worldwide market of iPhone clients comprises of understanding and taking special care of local preferences, guidelines, and economic situations. Each market might introduce exceptional difficulties and opportunities, requiring customized advertising systems, designs of packaging, and after-sales services (Rosca et al., 2019). Apple's results in this space reflects their attention of client needs and the adaptability to adjust to different market elements.

The Townsville City Plan assigns zones for explicit purposes, directing area improvement. Like the iPhone's many-sided coordinated factors, Townsville's zoning requires accuracy, taking into account various regions and neighborhood guidelines. The last-mile conveyance, likened to Apple's client situated procedure, guarantees opportune advancement while sticking to the City Plan's targets. Similarly as Apple adjusts, Townsville should fit intends to suit one of a kind necessities, making an even metropolitan scene that tends to difficulties and supports development..

c. Quality Issues Throughout the Supply Chain

Quality Assurance:

Apple's obligation to quality assurance is clear in its adherence to severe guidelines and fastidious examination methods for iPhones. The organization submits to global quality guidelines, for example, ISO 9001 and utilizes Six Sigma procedures, focusing on constant improvement and reducing defects. Examination systems are completed thoroughly all through the store network (Xing 2020). Approaching materials are carefully analyzed to meet exact details. In-process quality checks are performed at various phases of creation to distinguish and address any varieties from the norms. End result testing guarantees that the completed iPhones are of the greatest quality, completely practical, and liberated from defects. This multi-layered way to deal with quality confirmation ensures a top notch item as well as supports Apple's standing for greatness and dependability in the serious cell phone market.

Quality Challenges:

Potential Quality Issues: Notwithstanding tough quality assurance, issues might in any case emerge like defective parts from providers, fabricating mistakes, or transportation harms. These issues can cause disappointment in the eventual outcome, requesting careful consideration in each period of creation and transportation (Huang et al., 2019).

Root Causes: The basic reasons for these quality issues may be varieties in provider quality, human errors in manual cycles, or equipment breakdowns during assembling. Recognizing these underlying drivers is fundamental to address them appropriately and keep up with the standard that Apple's items are known for.

Mitigation Strategies: Addressing these difficulties requires complex arrangements. Continuous audit of providers can guarantee reliable quality, while utilizing advancements like AI for quality assessment limits human mistake. Investing into constant labor force preparing can additionally reduce manufacturing mistakes, and improving protocols and dealing with conventions will protect against transportation harms (Huang et al., 2019). These combined endeavors solidify Apple's obligation to greatness in every aspect of their items.

Apple's obligation to quality is clear in its assurance rehearses, however challenges exist in the production network. Perceiving likely quality issues and implementing designated relief techniques is essential to keeping up with the brand's reputation for greatness and guaranteeing consumer loyalty.

d. Inventory Management Issues Throughout the SC

Inventory Levels:

Apple's way to deal with inventory management is fundamental for its consistent inventory network and the capacity to address client issues. By following a lean inventory approach and utilizing Without a moment to spare (JIT) rehearses, the organization successfully limits holding expenses and keeps stock levels low. This strategy, especially essential in the quickly changing cell phone industry, diminishes excess stock, reduces capacity expenses, and guarantees that the items proposed to clients are dependably current and upto date (Shokouhyar et al., 2022)

Challenges & Solutions:

Managing inventory presents various difficulties and requires powerful solution for an organization like Apple. Demand variability, set apart by fluctuating demand because of irregularity and new item launches, may cause stockouts or excess stock. Apple's utilization of artificial intelligence and authentic information for cutting edge request anticipating empowers more precise forecast expectations, assisting with adjusting creation and stock. Supply chain disruptions from unanticipated events, for example, catastrophic events or international strains can be moderated by laying out emergency courses of action and diversifying suppliers topographically (KL & Tan 2019). Component deficiencies can cause production ends, however building cooperative associations with providers and drawing in them right off the bat in item improvement guarantees a consistent part supply. Rapid technological progressions might deliver parts outdated, prompting abundance inventory, yet normal evaluations and proactive replacement of parts can write-offs. The bullwhip impact, where request varieties intensify as they move up the inventory network, may make failures however can be relieved by carrying out request sharing and real-time information to accomplices. At last, inconsistent lead times from providers might upset inventory planning, however solid provider connections and cooperative inventory network advances can decrease changeability (Giovana & Behr 2018). By tending to these difficulties, Apple keeps an effective and responsive stock framework in the dynamic cell phone industry.

While concluding, effective inventory management is vital for Apple's production network effectiveness. By tending to difficulties, for example, demand variability, supply chain , and lead time variability. Apple can accomplish a balanced stock that satisfies client needs while minimizing conveying costs and ensuring functional excellence.

2. Potential Impacts of Disruptive Change and Emerging Technologies

Industry 4.0 Technologies:

The supply chain management for executives for iPhones is being changed by technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D Printing. AI-driven intelligence driven request enhances precision and permits better asset designation, lessening excess inventory. IoT's constant information offers experiences into item execution, prompting prescient support and less margin time (Giovana & Behr 2018). 3D Printing, adaptable and accessible on-demand, reforms lead time and storage costs.

Sustainable Development:

Apple's obligation to sustainable practices and roundabout economy standards is significantly affecting its supply chain. The organization's reception of eco-friendly materials lessens the environmental impression, help brand notoriety, and attract in eco-conscious buyers. Reusing initiatives that include reusing parts decline electronic waste and conserve assets. Sustainable practices, like bringing down fossil fuel byproducts, adjust the organization to worldwide sustainability objectives, improving its corporate picture (Saha 2023).

Geo-Political Power:

Moving geo-political power and arrangements fundamentally influence the iPhone store network. Changes in exchange guidelines and taxes can modify material sourcing, creation expenses, and appropriation organizations. Political instability in supplier regio could disturb component accessibility, influencing producing courses of events. Geo-political movements can likewise open or close business sectors, affecting interest, and requiring versatile promoting procedures. By exploring these complex elements, Apple can guarantee a tough and versatile iPhone store network, immediately seizing new opportunities and tackling uncertainties (Saha 2023).

Conclusion

The iPhone store network in Townsville highlights a delicate equilibrium in different functional viewpoints for progress. Key discoveries show Apple's greatness around here because of alliances with providers, stock control, and quality measures. The utilization of advancements like computer based intelligence, IoT, and 3D Printing helps proficiency and client experience. Proposals incorporate reinforcing provider connections, putting resources into mechanical coordination, and advancing manageability in accordance with worldwide worries. Townsville's assembling center guarantees that the fate of iPhones depends on development and a pledge to maintainability, requiring an adaptable inventory network. Offsetting state of the art innovation with manageable practices will be Apple's benefit. The journey of an iPhone in Townsville, from unrefined components to the client, needs a very much arranged blend of systems, advances, and moral contemplations. Focusing on these perspectives and using sound judgment will empower Apple to upgrade tasks and encourage a future that consolidates development with maintainability.

References

Aslam, H., Blome, C., Roscoe, S., & Azhar, T. M. (2018). Dynamic supply chain capabilities: How market sensing, supply chain agility and adaptability affect supply chain ambidexterity. [Dynamic supply chain capabilities] International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 38(12), 2266-2285. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-09-2017-0555

Ayman, B. A., Alfar, N. A., & Alhyari, S. (2021). The effect of supply chain quality management on supply chain performance: the indirect roles of supply chain agility and innovation. [Effect of supply chain quality management] International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 51(7), 785-812. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-01-2020-0011

Giovana, S. S., & Behr, A. (2018). Emerging technologies and new business models: a review on disruptive business models. Innovation & Management Review, 15(4), 338-355. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/emerging-technologies-new-business-models/docview/2169105111/se-2

H, H. J. K. L., & Tan, K. H. (2019). Transformative innovation: turning commoditised products into radically high-valued products. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 30(7), 2645-2658. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-016-1293-z

Huang, B., Saaty, T. L., & Li, Y. (2019). Collaborative R&D and Pricing Policy of Supply Chain under the Selection Behavior of Heterogeneous Customer. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2019, 9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2573142

Rosca, E., Möllering, G., Rijal, A., & Bendul, J. C. (2019). Supply chain inclusion in base of the pyramid markets: A cluster analysis and implications for global supply chains. [Supply chain inclusion] International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 49(5), 575-598. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-01-2018-0042

Ross, L & Naoum, K.D. (2023). How the Apple Supply Chain Stays Top Ranked in the World. Retrieved from: https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/apple-supply-chain/

Russo, I., Confente, I., Gligor, D., & Cobelli, N. (2019). A roadmap for applying qualitative comparative analysis in supply chain research: The reverse supply chain case. [QCA in supply chain research] International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 49(1), 99-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-02-2018-0056

Saha, N. (2023). A Study into Apple Sustainability, How Sustainable & Ethical is Apple?. Retrieved from: https://yoursustainableguide.com/apple-sustainability/#:~:text=What%20is%20Apple's%20sustainability%3F,on%20product%20recycling%20and%20reuse.

Shokouhyar, S., Dehkhodaei, A., & Amiri, B. (2022). A mixed-method approach for modelling customer-centric mobile phone reverse logistics: application of social media data. Journal of Modelling in Management, 17(2), 655-696. https://doi.org/10.1108/JM2-07-2020-0191

Xing, Y. (2020). How the iPhone Widens the U.S. Trade Deficit with China: The Case of the iPhone X. Frontiers of Economics in China, 15(4), 642-658. https://doi.org/10.3868/s060-011-020-0026-8