Logistic 4 Assignment
With chapter 4, we begin Part 2 of the text. Part 2 consists of chapters 4 – 7.
Here, the focus is on the centre of our model of logistics: the flow of materials, lead times and the network in a global context. The logistics task ultimately boils down to orchestrating the flow of materials and information in the supply chain
The aim of Chapter 4 is to provide an understanding of the internationalisation of logistics in a constantly changing global environment and what impact this is having on supply networks.
Please select any one of the six short case studies and answer the questions at the end of case description.
Submission should be at least two (2) pages, double spaced, 10pt. Arial or Calibri font. Charts are welcome and valued as supporting resource.
Submissions will be graded based on effort, critical thinking and grammatical structure.
Rubric:
Why did you choose this case
Relevance to the course
Brief Summary of case
Findings and conclusions with support
There are four (4) case studies in Chapter 4. Please select any one of the four for your assignment. All cases should be submitted individually.
Use the text and lecture material to frame the case summary. Each case is tied to a specific section of the chapter.
Case study This case provides the opportunity to explore the enormous challenges of coordinating global supply chains across many national and international obstacles for such an ambitious project
Launching a new aeroplane at Airbus
When Airbus introduced its Airbus A380 double decker superplane in January 2005 to the press and the world it was an impressive show that brought out government leaders and made headlines all over the world. A little while later, however, delays to the actual delivery of the first planes were announced. The causes for this were largely found in the international supply chain and its design. In October 2006, the then Airbus president and CEO Christian Streiff said: ‘This is a very long and complex value chain. While everyone on board was on top of their job, the production process . . . not the aeroplane . . . but the production process has one, big flaw – one weak link in the chain: that of the design of the electrical harnesses installation in the forward and aft fuselage. To be clear: this is the weak link in the manufacturing chain, this is the reason why ramping up the production is hampered. But the electrical harnesses are not the root causes why we at Airbus are in a crisis. The issue of the electrical harnesses is extremely complex, with 530 km of cables, 100,000 wires, and 40,300 connectors.’ This quote clearly points to the supply chain and design as the cause for delays. In addition to the wiring issues there were some further supplier-related challenges as well. A lot of different locations are an inherent aspect of the supply chain, not least because customers and sponsoring countries require a share of the production process to be located in their countries. So many locations, and design and make tasks are involved. This created a lot of challenges that needed detailed coordination. For example, one small component was supposed to be built in a plant in Italy for which a location was selected, but no permit had been granted by local authorities. It turned out that there were some very old olive trees on this site that had protected status. This is just one example of how local considerations can be specific and detailed, hard to predict yet potentially having a big impact on the supply chain. Additionally a Japanese supplier of seats was said to have caused further delivery delays. A complex project such as developing and building a new plane across multiple countries and locations can be very challenging in terms of scale and scope. When Airbus launched the A380, the early signs of supply chain shortfalls already existed, but they were well hidden. Under the paint, screws were missing. Behind the panels, lots of parts were missing. The launch was a great spectacle, but you cannot hide a supply chain that is not working behind some paint for long . . . .
Resources
Textbook
- Harrison, A., & van Hoek, R. (2011). Logistics management & strategy: Competing through the supply chain (4th ed.). Essex, England: Prentice Hall. ISBN: 9780273730224 (print version); ISBN: 9781447915768 (electronic version).
