Certain areas within Gotham’s provinces were plunged into civil unrest following protests over another stolen election in that country. The civil unrest began in the Joker Province with angry
citizens blocking off major roads, which abruptly turned violent with widespread looting of shops and burning of trucks, shopping malls and businesses. Thereafter, the wave of unrest spread quickly to some areas in the Two-face Province. The Gotham police force and enforcement authorities were overwhelmed and struggled to timely contain the widespread looting and
destruction of infrastructure.
While the situation seemed to be stabilising since the deployment of the army and the
involvement of some community members, the damage was done. In addition, there were still sporadic incidences in some areas concentrated in the Joker Province, and there is uncertainty as to when the unrest will completely end. The specific costs and implications of the civil unrest for the food and agricultural sectors are still to be accurately determined. Various business players,
including Gotham-based and world- famous car manufacturer Bat-Mobil, have publicly announced that the civil unrest has severely affected their supply chains and that implications will probably continue to unfold into the near future.
Question 1
The transport sector is regarded as a crucial engine for economic growth and social development, as well as a key contributor to Gotham’s competitiveness in global markets.
Discuss any five (5) transport modes that are probably available in Gotham, how they contribute to the economy and how these disruptions could eventually affect Gotham’s economy.
Three (3) marks for an identified and applied discussion of each of the five modes.
Question 2
Before the post-election unrest rocked Gotham, Bat-Mobil was busy writing up a business case on the importance of supplier relationship management (SRM). In the wake of the unrest, it has now approached you for assistance. It has requested that you outline and explain five (5) long-term benefits that come with building long-term relationships with suppliers and how this will possibly protect its manufacturing capabilities in terms of future unrest.
Three (3) marks for an identified and applied discussion of each of the five benefits.
Question 3
The unrest has had major costs for Bat-Mobil and as it strives to stay afloat, it has identified the inbound transportation function as one of the areas it could try to get more savings from.
Discuss any five (5) strategies or steps that Bat-Mobil can adopt to manage its inbound freight optimally while removing waste and costs from the inbound supply chain.
Three (3) marks for an identified and applied discussion of each of the five strategies.
Few things are as destructive to a brand’s good name as a shipment that arrives damaged and late.
Donhodzo Watercoolers, a Harare-based manufacturer of customised office watercoolers, learnt this the hard way when South African-bound shipments would leave its manufacturing centre on time but arrive at their destination late, often with significant breakage. The problem was
exacerbated for Donhodzo Watercoolers since replacement items often had to be rebuilt to custom specifications, a process taking up to six weeks.
As Donhodzo Watercoolers quickly realised, the inefficiency of its transportation company was putting at risk its good name and reputation. In fact, “blaming” a manufacturer or retailer for a
third party’s performance is a common occurrence. Fair or not, ensuring an on-time delivery is an important part of the overall service consumers expect from the businesses with which they
interact. And it is just one part. Other expectations include a convenient returns policy,
knowledgeable customer service representatives, omnichannel purchasing and delivery options, customised solicitations, loyalty programmes, inventory visibility and competitive pricing, among other things. The fact is that good customer service has become a cornerstone of an overall
positive customer experience.
Question 4
Given the challenges experienced by Donhodzo Watercoolers in getting its products delivered to its customers at the right time and in the right condition, the company has decided to select a new transport provider to replace the current one.
What five (5) criteria would you suggest Donhodzo Watercoolers consider when selecting a road transport operator?
Two (2) marks for a detailed and applied discussion of each criterion.
Question 5
The discussion around outsourcing transport activities vs the company using its own fleet of vehicles has become the hot topic at Donhodzo Watercoolers, given the current status quo. It has since called on your consultation services to advise it on what, if any, the advantages are for Donhodzo Watercoolers to use its own fleet of vehicles.
Considering what the company has gone through, discuss five (5) advantages to Donhodzo Watercoolers of owning their own delivery vehicles rather than outsourcing.
Two (2) marks for a detailed and applied discussion of each advantage.
Question 6
Some senior executives at Donhodzo Watercoolers are considering alternative ways of managing inventory, given that some product breakages apparently take place before products are loaded onto delivery vehicles.
Explain any five (5) measures and systems that can be used to improve inventory control at Donhodzo Watercoolers.
Two (2) marks for a stated and applied discussion of each measure.
Answers to Above Case Study Questions
Answer 1: The five (5) transport modes that are probably available in Gotham and the ways in which they affect the economy are discussed as follows:
Get answers to case study questions above from the experts of assignmenthelp.co.za in South Africa at highly affordable prices.
