Assignment

 

1) Describe the supply chain in detail and include the five supply-chain strategies. What are advantages and disadvantages of each strategy? What are key factors to success? How is the supply chain especially vulnerable to ethical lapses? How can the “bullwhip” effect be reduced? What are the special requirements of supply chain systems in global environments?

2) Define EDI. For purchasing nonstandard items, what is the advantage of using the Internet over using traditional purchasing systems? List the major variations of e-procurement. List some technological advances that can serve to improve logistics management and also improve shipping security.

3) What is meant by the visual workplace? How does it improve communications? Cite examples and their efficacy. The visual workplace improves communications at three levels: big picture, performance, and housekeeping. Cite an example of each type; explain your examples.

4) Compare and contrast the job design continuum: job enrichment, job enlargement, job rotation, job specialization, self-directed teams and employment empowerment. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. How can each improve an employee’s quality of life? How does each benefit the organization?

5) How does labor specialization assist in reducing labor costs (at least three ways)? List the limitations to job expansion. Explain how job expansion can lead to higher pay rates. It is said that job expansion has both a vertical component and horizontal component. Explain with reference to such terms as job enrichment, job rotation, job enlargement, and employee empowerment. Describe the job design continuum. Specifically, explain how this relates to job expansion.