Describe how can a firm would optimize the global supply chain to ensure a steady flow of raw materials and components, minimize disruptions, and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical uncertainties, natural disasters, and supplier reliability.

For Further Research (Individual) It is increasingly im- portant for companies to find ways to make their supply chains more sustainable. Find examples of how a company has implemented a sustainable prac- tice within each of the following components of the supply chain: raw materials sourcing, distribution, warehousing, and retailing. For each component a separate company can be selected for use as your example.

State the reason for increasing use of robots and how are they being used in supply chains ?(global supply chains)

Sustainable Supply Chain Scenario and Theory The focus for most companies today is the development of a sustainable supply chain – one that is robust enough to support itself and actually improve the environment. SCM consists of core business processes such as procurement, operations management, logistics and reverse logistics. Sustainable SCM to organisations means that to improve their environmental performance and mitigate risks that could arise from a supplier’s use of toxic materials in their end product, the poor working conditions in a low- cost country or similar challenges. These processes may negatively impact on the environment, and range from diminishing natural resources, air emissions, waste disposal, increases in natural disasters. The increasing pressures from various stakeholders to improve businesses’ environmental sustainability, in turn, businesses recognise that environmental management is a key strategic issue with the potential for achieving sustainable…

Global supply chains are exposed to similar risks as those faced by domestic supply chains and additional risks that are more global. The table provides a non-exhaustive list of the various types of risks faced by multinational companies. Natural disasters, geopolitical events, epidemics, or terrorist attacks can shut down production lines because of a lack of parts inventory. This is exactly what happened to some semiconductors during the recent COVID-19 impact on the global economy.   In the case of semiconductors, they are located in Asia, creating a risk of geographic concentration. Semiconductor components are lightweight, modular, and high-value-added products. This combination lends itself to a heavily traded global value chain. But high barriers to entry also make the industry entrenched. While the United States designs many advanced chips, production is highly concentrated in South Korea and Taiwan. However, the United States, mainland China, and other regions also manufacture…

Sustainability is a concept that has to do with the survival of both present and future generations. As the Supply Chain Manager of your organization, explain how you would ensure this through the supply chain strategy of your company.

Explain supply chain management and its role in business. Provide an example of a company known for its sophisticated supply chain management and briefly explain their use of IT in managing their supply chain.

How will suppliers be selected, managed, and evaluated to improve the sustainability initiatives of global organizations?

With the growing complexity of managing worldwide supply chains, coupled with significant pressures to reduce cost at the firm level, supply managers must learn to manage the inherent risks of global sourcing effectively and efficiently.  Where is the supply chain organization vulnerable to potential risk? Identify at least four risks.  Why is the organization vulnerable?  How will this risk affect the organization if it happens?  How will this risk affect the organization’s customers and suppliers?  What are the causes of the risk?

Discuss strategies for reducing lead time in supply chain management.