Assessment 1: Individual essay Weighting: Total 30% Length: Maximum world count 2500 words Due: 11pm (AEST) 8TH of August 2014 (Friday of Week 3). The essay is to be submitted via Turnitin. (Note: Adelade students will need to allow for the time zone difference for submission of this assessment). Late submission Possible: Penalties apply for late submissions. Feedback: Comments and a mark will be returned to you within two weeks of submission. Description: Working individually to evaluate the impact of globalisation on the value chain. Please see the following details: While globalisation has been a major driver of industry economics for the last few decades, it does not explain all of the pressures and challenges facing companies in the early 21st century — general changes in industry structure and competition, the rapid rate of technological and cultural change, the need for environmental sustainability and changes in demographics have also had huge impacts. The growth in global sourcing and supply often levels the playing field for adding worldwide value. Companies need at least to consider, if not implement, global value chains as their predominant mode of business. The reality of globalisation and the accompanying increase in competition has forced most companies into making efficient gains. Value chain structures are essentially virtual organisations with flexibility to meet changes in customer value expectation and in the way in which value is delivered. Evaluate the impact of globalisation on the value chain based upon your own experience and the knowledge you gained from reading the required resources. Support and justify your evaluation of the impact of globalisation on the value chain by including information related to: • competitive advantage considerations • corporate social responsibility considerations • cultural considerations • financial considerations • human resource considerations • political and economic considerations • technological considerations. Support your responses with at least one (1) reference from the Week 1 reading materials.