All companies utilize global supply chain management strategy in one form or another. Some firms participate in global sourcing when they need to grow their supply bases, develop procurement options, or diversify their products and services portfolio through imports from foreign countries. Many successful companies are also looking to expand the market share for their products through exports sales or manufacture their products overseas and, as a result, formulate their global location plans. All these activities would not be possible without a strong global supply chain strategy. While international expansion creates competitive advantage and lucrative opportunities for any company, these activities also expose firms to additional risks, including international trade barriers, foreign currencies fluctuations, economic, political, and cultural differences, and multiple “red tapes” created by foreign governments, as you learned last week in Chapter 2. Chapter 11 this week adds to that knowledge. If not properly mitigated, these risks may significantly hinder the bottom line and the overall reputation of the company.
In your paper,
Examine a company with a successful global supply chain strategy. First, provide basic background information about the company. Then, discuss the supply chain strategy this company utilizes in order to get their products or services distributed internationally.
Describe the partners and how they help serve customers.
Identify at least two risks discussed in your textbook, as applied to your selected company. Are there any risks involved in the company’s international operations? Briefly describe these risks, and explain how the company mitigates the risks in order to meet business demands.
Summarize how the company manages customer satisfaction and profitability levels and ensures the effectiveness of their global supply chain strategy in terms of quality, time, and costs involved.
