Explore our free ultimate guide on QSO 455 4-3 Final Project: Milestone Two and see its solution.
Instructions of QSO 455 4-3 Final Project
Overview
Today’s integrated supply chains require collaboration on purchasing. Supply chain managers are responsible for helping make connections between interested parties both within the organization and within the extended supply chain.
Start by incorporating any feedback you received from your instructor on your Milestone One submission. From there, you will add the following to your document:
Describe the supplier relationship management practices utilized by the organization
Discuss improvements that could be made in this area
Describe the customer relationship management practices utilized by the organization
Discuss improvements that could be made in this area
Present appropriate tools and techniques for measuring key areas such as business risk, capabilities and capacities, workplace conditions, product quality and safety, security, and environmental impact
Discuss how the key areas impact the supply chain
This assignment moves you one step closer to your final project. It continues to build on your previous understanding and helps you explore your new knowledge of integrated SCM concepts.
What to Submit
Submit your two-page paper as a Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins.
Step-By-Step Guide on QSO 455 4-3 Final Project: Milestone Two
Introduction to QSO 455 4-3 Milestone Two
This Owlisdom How-To Guide of QSO 455 4-3 Final Project: Milestone Two provides a structured approach for you to analyse supplier and customer relationship management practices at the company you chose in Milestone One. You will explore how it manages its relationships with suppliers and customers, identify potential areas for improvement, and select appropriate tools for measuring various aspects of business and environmental impact.
Note: I chose Apple for the QSO 455 course project.
Describe supplier relationship management.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
To start QSO 455 4-3 Final Project: Milestone Two, we will discuss the supplier relationship management of the company we chose.
- Overview of Apple’s SRM Practices: Research and summarise how Apple manages its relationships with suppliers. Focus on their collaboration techniques, communication strategies, and contractual obligations.
- Opportunities for Improvement: Critically analyse the current SRM practices to identify potential areas where Apple could enhance these relationships or streamline processes.
Example
Apple Inc.’s approach to Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) exemplifies its commitment to excellence and innovation. The company meticulously manages its supplier relationships through rigorous selection criteria, ensuring that only suppliers who meet its high standards for quality, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices are chosen (Budiono & Ellitan, 2024). Collaboration techniques are heavily emphasised, with Apple providing technical support and development resources to suppliers, fostering mutual growth and innovation. Communication strategies include regular assessments and feedback sessions, which ensure alignment and responsiveness to dynamic market conditions.
However, opportunities for improvement exist. Apple could enhance transparency and increase supplier engagement through more frequent collaboration and communication initiatives, possibly incorporating more joint-development projects. Streamlining processes by integrating more advanced technologies like AI for real-time data analysis could further optimise supply chain responsiveness and efficiency, ensuring Apple remains at the forefront of technology and sustainability in its SRM practices (Lu et al., 2023).
Customer relationship management practices utilised by your selected organisation
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Next, in QSO 455 4-3 Final Project: Milestone Two. We will discuss customer relationship management.
- Overview of Apple’s CRM Practices: Describe how Apple interacts with and manages customer relationships. Include their use of technology for customer engagement and feedback collection.
- Opportunities for Improvement: Assess the effectiveness of these practices and suggest ways Apple might further improve customer satisfaction and retention.
Example
Apple Inc.’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies are centred around creating a seamless, engaging, and responsive customer experience (Liozu & Hinterhuber, 2023). Utilising cutting-edge technology, Apple employs a range of tools from its website, mobile apps, and in-store technologies to facilitate easy browsing, purchasing, and customer support. For example, the Apple Store app integrates directly with customer devices to provide personalised services, product recommendations, and support.
Despite these advanced practices, there are opportunities for improvement. Enhancing customer data analysis could lead to even more personalised marketing and service offerings (Chandra et al., 2022). Additionally, Apple could expand its customer service channels to include more diverse multilingual support and stronger social media engagement, ensuring that customer feedback is more comprehensively gathered and addressed. These improvements could further elevate customer satisfaction and bolster loyalty in an increasingly competitive tech landscape.
Tools and Techniques for Measuring Impact
For this section of QSO 455 4-3 Final Project: Milestone Two, we will explore the tools and techniques for measuring the impact of SRM and CRM.
- Business Risk: Discuss tools like risk assessments and SWOT analysis to evaluate business risks in SRM and CRM.
- Capabilities and Capacities: Explain how to use capacity planning tools to assess the capabilities and capacities of Apple’s supply chain.
- Workplace Conditions: Include methods like audits and employee surveys to gauge workplace conditions.
- Product Quality and Safety: Outline the use of quality management systems and safety checks to maintain product standards.
- Security and Environmental Impact: Review how environmental assessment tools and security protocols are used to measure Apple’s footprint and safeguard operations.
Example
Business Risk: To evaluate business risks in Supplier and Customer Relationship Management (SRM and CRM), tools like risk assessments and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis are essential (Pacana et al., 2021). These tools help Apple identify potential risks and opportunities in supplier and customer interactions, enabling proactive management and strategic decision-making.
Capabilities and Capacities: Capacity planning tools are crucial for assessing the capabilities and capacities of Apple’s supply chain. These tools allow the company to predict demand more accurately, optimise resource allocation, and ensure that production levels are sufficient to meet customer requirements without excess.
Workplace Conditions: Apple uses audits and employee surveys to monitor and improve workplace conditions within its supply chain. These methods provide transparency and ensure compliance with labour laws and Apple’s standards for a safe and equitable working environment, enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity.
Product Quality and Safety: Quality management systems and regular safety checks are integral to maintaining high product standards at Apple (Podolny & Hansen, 2020). These systems ensure that all products meet quality benchmarks consistently, reducing the risk of defects and enhancing customer trust and loyalty.
Security and Environmental Impact: Environmental assessment tools and strict security protocols are employed to minimise Apple’s environmental footprint and protect its operations. These measures assess and mitigate the impact of Apple’s activities on the environment while ensuring that both data and physical assets are secure against threats.
Impact on Supply Chain
For the last section of QSO 455 4-3 Final Project: Milestone Two, we will discuss the impact of SRM and CRM on the Supply Chain of our chosen company.
- Discuss how effective SRM and CRM, along with the strategic use of measurement tools, influence Apple’s overall supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
Example
Apple Inc.’s strategic implementation of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) significantly enhances its supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and resilience (Pacana et al., 2021). By effectively managing supplier relationships, Apple ensures a steady and ethical supply of high-quality materials, which is crucial for maintaining production efficiency and meeting market demands. This efficiency is further supported by robust CRM practices, which foster strong customer loyalty through exceptional service and engagement, ensuring sustained demand for Apple products.
The integration of advanced measurement tools in both SRM and CRM allows Apple to monitor and optimise these relationships continuously. These tools help identify areas of risk and opportunity, allowing Apple to make informed decisions that enhance supply chain resilience against disruptions and improve sustainability practices (Liozu & Hinterhuber, 2023). Consequently, these efforts not only streamline operations but also contribute to the company’s reputation as a leader in corporate responsibility and customer satisfaction. This holistic approach underpins Apple’s competitive advantage in the tech industry, driving its ongoing success.
Closing
Analysing a company’s supplier and customer relationship management practices offers insights into the foundational elements that support its business model. By identifying improvement opportunities and implementing rigorous measurement tools, firms can continue to refine their operations and maintain their leadership in the tech industry. The QSO 455 4-3 Final Project: Milestone Two not only deepens your understanding of practical supply chain management but also prepares you for strategic decision-making in real-world scenarios. You can also read QSO-455, the next module, 5-1 Discussion: Sales and Operations Planning.
References
Budiono, K., & Ellitan, L. (2024). The Efficiency and Performance of Apple’s Supply Chain Management. ULIL ALBAB : Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin, 3(5), 46–67. https://doi.org/10.56799/jim.v3i5.3337
Chandra, S., Verma, S., Lim, W. M., Kumar, S., & Donthu, N. (2022). Personalisation in personalised marketing: Trends and ways forward. Psychology & Marketing, 39(8), 1529–1562. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.21670
Liozu, S. M., & Hinterhuber, A. (2023). Digital Pricing Strategy: Capturing Value from Digital Innovations. Taylor & Francis.
Lu, W.-M., Kweh, Q. L., Ting, I. W. K., & Ren, C. (2023). How does stakeholder engagement through environmental, social, and governance affect eco‐efficiency and profitability efficiency? Zooming into Apple Inc.’s counterparts. Business Strategy and the Environment, 32(1), 587–601.
Pacana, A., Czerwińska, K., & Zwolenik, P. (2021). Risk management elements in the production of a selected automotive product. Zeszyty Naukowe. Organizacja i Zarządzanie / Politechnika Śląska, z. 151. https://doi.org/10.29119/1641-3466.2021.151.37
Podolny, J. M., & Hansen, M. T. (2020). How Apple Is Organized for Innovation.
