QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process

Step-By-Step Guide on QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process

Introduction to QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise

This assignment revolves around integrative learning exercises about the supply chain and the operations planning of a company. I will provide brief and descriptive guidelines for each section to solve the 1-2 Exercise post and a dummy solution. This Owlisdom How-To Guide will equip you with guidelines to tackle all the queries related to the QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process. Let us begin with the guide.

Identify a company in your region.

Introduction to Walmart

I am choosing Walmart for this assignment. You can choose any company you see fit.

• Briefly introduce Walmart, noting its status as a leading global retailer and its role in the supply chain industry.

Example

Walmart, a titan in the global retail industry, stands as a critical player in the supply chain sector. Headquartered in the United States, it operates a vast network of stores worldwide. Known for its commitment to low prices and customer satisfaction, Walmart’s innovative supply chain management practices have set industry standards, ensuring efficient operations and sustainability while serving millions of customers daily (Jawad, n.d.).

Research the company’s supply chain and operations planning process.

Researching Walmart’s Supply Chain

In this section of QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process, we will research the company’s supply chain functions.

• Utilize company reports, reputable business news sources, and academic journals to gather data on Walmart’s supply chain practices.

Identify the company’s strategic plan and mission.

Strategic Plan and Mission

In this section of QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process. We will discuss the company’s strategic plan and mission.

• Summarize Walmart’s strategic plan and mission from its official website or annual reports, focusing on its commitment to low prices and customer service.

Example

Walmart’s supply chain epitomizes efficiency and innovation (Phadnis, 2024), with state-of-the-art distribution centers, inventory systems, and strategic partnerships, all underpinned by technology for real-time tracking and swift market adaptation. Its strategic mission to save people money drives its operations, blending operational excellence, tech innovation, and customer-centricity (Jawad, n.d.). This strategy extends to employee investment, sustainability, and community engagement, embodying a comprehensive approach to value creation and reinforcing Walmart’s commitment to affordability and quality service.

What are the company’s core competencies?

Core Competencies

In this section of the QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process, we will explore the core competencies of our selected company.

• Identify Walmart’s core competencies, such as cost leadership, extensive distribution system, and efficient supply chain management.

Example

Walmart’s core competencies lie in its exceptional cost leadership, an extensive and efficient distribution system, and robust supply chain management (Blanchard et al., 2008). These competencies enable Walmart to offer low prices while maintaining a high availability of products. Its global network of suppliers and advanced logistics operations allow for effective inventory management and rapid distribution, ensuring shelves are consistently stocked. (Febriana et al., 2020) Moreover, Walmart leverages technology for supply chain optimization and customer engagement, further enhancing its market competitiveness.

How does the company integrate the voice of the customer and the voice of the market into its company strategy?

Integration of Customer and Market Voices

Next, we will explore the integration of customer and market voices of our selected company in QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process.

• Explain how Walmart uses customer feedback and market trends to inform its strategy, possibly through surveys, market research, and social media.

Example

Through various channels, Walmart integrates the customer’s voice and market trends into its company strategy. The company employs customer feedback mechanisms, including surveys and direct feedback at points of sale, to understand consumer needs and preferences. Market research and analysis of social media trends also play a crucial role, enabling Walmart to anticipate and react to changing consumer behaviors and preferences.

Identify at least three function area sub-plans (e.g., finance, supply chain operations, information technology, marketing, human resources).

Function Area Sub-Plans

This section will explore the function area sub-plans of the company we selected for the QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process.

Research and describe at least three functional area sub-plans:

• Finance: Budgeting and investment in supply chain innovation.
• Supply Chain Operations: Inventory management, logistics, and distribution.
• Information Technology: Data analytics and inventory tracking systems.
• Marketing: Customer engagement and promotion strategies.
• Human Resources: Employee training and development focused on efficiency.

Note: I am selecting Supply Chain, Marketing, and Human Resources.

How do the sub-plans support the corporate strategy?

Supporting Corporate Strategy

Next, we will briefly explore how the sub-plans we selected in the previous section support the corporate strategy of the company we have selected for the QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process.

• Discuss how each sub-plan supports Walmart’s mission of delivering low prices and good customer service, emphasizing their synergy.

Example

Walmart’s Supply Chain Operations, Marketing, and Human Resources sub-plans synergistically support its mission of delivering low prices and excellent customer service. The Supply Chain Operations plan ensures efficient inventory and logistics management, directly contributing to cost savings that enable low pricing. Marketing strategies focus on engaging customers and understanding their needs, promoting products effectively to enhance satisfaction. Human Resources initiatives ensure employees are well-trained and motivated, improving customer service quality. Together, these plans uphold Walmart’s commitment to affordability and service excellence, fostering a competitive advantage and driving customer loyalty.

How does the company create, foster, and maintain essential business plans?

Creating and Maintaining Business Plans

We will briefly discuss creating and maintaining business plans for our selected company.

• Describe Walmart’s approach to planning, including regular review cycles, adaptation to market changes, and stakeholder engagement.

Example

Walmart’s strategic planning involves regular reviews, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement (Olaniyi et al., 2023). This ensures agility and alignment with evolving market demands, reinforcing its retail leadership.

Also, describe the benefits to the company of using the SCOR (Supply et al. model) within their operations. 

Benefits of the SCOR Model

In the last section of QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process, we will discuss the benefits of the Supply Chain Operational Reference Model within the operations of the company we have selected for this assignment.

• Outline the benefits of using the SCOR model, such as improved supply chain efficiency, standardized processes, and enhanced performance measurement. 
• Explain how adopting SCOR can help Walmart maintain its industry-leading position by optimizing supply chain operations.

Example

The SCOR model enhances Walmart’s supply chain through efficiency, process standardization, and performance measurement. This enables continuous improvement, consistency across operations, and sustained industry leadership (Zhou, 2022).

Conclusion:

Provide critical findings and summary of QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process.

Example

Our analysis of Walmart’s supply chain and strategic planning reveals its commitment to operational excellence and strategic focus, highlighted by its core competencies in cost leadership and efficient management. Integrating customer and market insights, alongside the strategic sub-plans in operations, marketing, and HR, plays a crucial role in upholding Walmart’s affordability and superior service mission. The implementation of the SCOR model further demonstrates Walmart’s dedication to continuous improvement and operational efficiency, securing its position as a global retail leader. This case study showcases Walmart’s effective supply chain management strategies as a benchmark for the industry.

Closing

By following this guide of QSO 455 1-2 Integrative Learning Exercise: Supply Chain and Operations Planning Process, students can methodically research and understand the complexity and efficiency of Walmart’s supply chain and operations planning process. Remember to communicate clearly, using simple language to make your findings accessible to all readers.

You can also read  QSO-455 next module  2-1, Discussion on Retail vs Manufacturing.