ASAP!!

Journal 1

Based on your readings in this unit, answer the following questions, with explanations (do not simply name concepts and move on):

1) Among the concepts you have learned, which do you think is most useful to you or your organization?

2) Which concept(s) caused the most confusion in this unit?

3) Which concept(s) did you wish went into further detail, either because you are interested or because it’s too complex for the coverage it received?

Db 2

Barriers to Integration

Chapter 4 has a major focus on “integration,” which is defined as “the process of incorporating or bringing together different groups, functions, or organizations, either formally or informally, physically or by information technology, to work jointly and often concurrently on a common business related assignment or purpose.” This sounds wonderful, but in reality it is difficult to achieve due to many barriers.

What are some barriers that you can think of which may interfere with integrating the purchasing process with the rest of the organizational effort?

1. Provide a real example, from your work experience if possible or from research.

2. Conclude by describing how you think this barrier may be removed so efforts to integrate stand a better chance of success.

Journal 2

Based on your readings in this unit, answer the following questions, with explanations (do not simply name concepts and move on):

1) Among the concepts you have learned, which do you think is most useful to you or your organization?

2) Which concept(s) caused the most confusion in this unit?

3) Which concept(s) did you wish went into further detail, either because you are interested or because it’s too complex for the coverage it received?

DB 3

Matching the Supply Strategy to that of the Organization

It is critical that the supply strategy of the company supports the overall competitive strategies. It would not make sense for someone who competes in their market by being a premium brand to have a supply strategy that focuses on cheap, interchangeable suppliers.

For this Discussion, research news articles and provide an example of a company where there is a very good or a very bad match between their goals and their supply strategy. Provide the following details:

1. Who is the company and how would you characterize their strategy of competing in their marketplace?

2. Which of the goals listed on page 197 do you think they are pursuing?

3. Explain their supplier situation and why you think they have a good/bad match with their goals

Journal 3

Based on your readings in this unit, answer the following questions, with explanations (do not simply name concepts and move on):

1) Among the concepts you have learned, which do you think is most useful to you or your organization?

2) Which concept(s) caused the most confusion in this unit?

3) Which concept(s) did you wish went into further detail, either because you are interested or because it’s too complex for the coverage it received?

Journal 1

With the ever increasing numbers of world-class competitors, domestically and internationally, that are forcing organizations to improve their internal processes to stay competitive, purchasing and supply management has come to the forefront as much more than a supporting function. You begin with an overview of purchasing and supply management.

Read the following chapters in your book.

· Chapter 1: “Introduction to Purchasing and Supply Chain Management”

· Chapter 2: “The Purchasing Process”

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the topic of purchasing and supply management, including a historical overview of the field. Chapter 2 covers the major types of activities and responsibilities that supply managers follow in conducting their duties. Other topics included are: purchasing objectives, purchasing responsibilities, e-procurement and the procure-to-pay process, types of purchases, and purchasing process improvements.

Journal 2

Well-formulated policies and procedures support efficient, effective, and consistent purchasing operations. On the other hand, policies and procedures that are out of date, require unnecessary actions, or do not address current issues or topics will not support effective purchasing operations. Another point of emphasis needs to be integration with various groups to improve efficiencies.

Read the following chapters in your book.

·
Chapter 3: “Purchasing Policy and Procedures”

·
Chapter 4: “Supply Management Integration for Competitive Advantage”

Chapter 3 focuses on purchasing policies and mechanisms and the impact they have on effectiveness.

Chapter 4 discusses the need for supply management to develop closer relations with internal and external groups. To accomplish this, supply management professionals must develop a working knowledge of the principles of engineering, manufacturing, cost-based accounting, quality assurance, and team dynamics.

Journal 3

Careful attention to assessing and selecting the structure and formal systems of communication, division of labor, coordination, control, authority, and responsibility will make the attainment of supply management objectives more likely.

Read the following chapters in your book.

·
Chapter 5: “Purchasing and Supply Management Organization”

·
Chapter 6: “Category Strategy Development”

Chapter 5 is all about having a properly designed organizational structure along with the right people, systems, and performance measures in place is critical to purchasing success.

Chapter 6 focuses on category management, which is perhaps one of the most important ways that supply managers create value for their stakeholders. Effective category strategies also create the foundation for cost management, contract frameworks, and ongoing supplier performance management metrics and relationships.