1 Critical Thinking The purpose of this assignment is to identify and apply Logistics and Supply Chain Management concepts/tools to suggest logistics performance priorities. Use Saudi digital Library (SDL) search engine. Search Title: New Approaches to Supply Chain Management Concept. Logistics Integration of “Hub and Spoke” Model. Authors Name: MINCULETE, Gheorghe; OLAR, Polixenia Source: Valahian Journal of Economic Studies. 2014, Vol. 5 Issue 2, p21-32. 12p. Read out the research paper carefully and based on your understanding you should answer the following questions. Questions: 1. A supply chain consists of all parties involved, directly or indirectly, in fulfilling a customer’s request. Explain with an imaginary Saudi manufacturing company. (400-500 words)- (3 Marks) 2. Why in the current modern business, the integration of economic affairs from design to completion is an important priority for every Manufacturing company? (400-500 words)- (3 Marks) 3. Define the parties involved directly and indirectly in the supply chain and their role in the smooth running of the business. (400-500 words) -(3 Marks) • APA Reference should be included. -(1 Marks) Answers 1. Answer- 2. Answer3. Answer- 2 Learning Outcomes: Knowledge: 1.1: Identify and evaluate the significant trade agreements affecting global commerce 1.3: Explain the forces driving and evaluating the impact of globalization. Skills: 2.1: Analyse the effects of culture, politics and economic systems in the context of international business Case study Please read Case 2: “The Decline of Zimbabwe” available in your book (International business: Competing in the global marketplace (13th ed.), at page no.627, and answer the following questions: Case study Question(s): 1. Why has Zimbabwe’s economic performance been so poor? Discuss. (minimum words: 400, marks: 3) 2. Do you think Zimbabwe’s economic performance would have been better under a different system of government? Which one? Explain your reasoning. (minimum words: 500, marks: 4) 3. Discuss the steps needed to be taken now to improve the economic outlook for Zimbabwe? (minimum words: 400, marks: 3) Important Notes: • This is an individual assignment. • All references must be cited using APA format. This includes both in-text citations and the reference list at the end of the document. • Originality, Similarity and Plagiarism Check: Your work must be original. All papers will be submitted through SafeAssign software to check for similarity and plagiarism. Any instance of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. No exceptions and no second chances! Answers 4. Answer5. Answer6. Answer- 3 Case Study Assignment Question: (Marks 10) Please read the Case-4.2 “The Home Improvement Project.” from Chapter 4 “Defining the Project” given in your textbook – Project Management: The Managerial Process 8th edition by Larson and Gray page no: 132 also refer to specific concepts you have learned from the chapter to support your answers. Answer the following questions with 500 Words limit. 1. What factors and forces contributed to scope creep in this case? (3 Marks) 2. Is this an example of good or bad scope creep? Explain. (3 Marks) 3. How could scope creep have been better managed by the Nelsons? (4 Marks) Answers: 1. 2. 3. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs): 1. 2. 3. Recognize the basic concepts and terminology used in Strategic Management (CLO1) Describe the different issues related to environmental scanning, strategy formulation, and strategy implementation in diversified organizations- CLO2 Explain the contribution of functional, business, and corporate strategies to the competitive advantage of the organization-CLO3. Case study Read carefully case No. 5 from your textbook (entitled ‘Starbucks Coffee Company) and answer briefly the following questions: (1 mark each question) 1. 2. 3. 4. Draw the SWOT matrix of the new Starbucks company. Provide examples of the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). What is the competitive strategy used by this company? Justify. Use the five forces of the M. Porter matrix to describe the Starbucks industry, particularly, in Japan. 5. Describe the relationship of Starbucks with its primary stakeholders. 6. Describe the core competency of Starbucks company. 7. What kinds of strategic alliances are used by Starbucks in China? 8. What are the main challenges that this company faces in the Indian market? 9. Assess the competitive advantage of Starbucks in the global market. 10. Recommend solutions for Starbucks to improve its competitive advantage in both Japan and China.