Global Supply Chain Management

‘Supply Chains are only of interest to the customers when they go wrong'; the truth of this statement is shown quite clearly in the recent scandal in Europe (see, for example, bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21335872) over horse meat in processed meat products.

The inclusion of horse meat in branded food products without the knowledge of the supermarkets, the processors and their customers has caused significant reputational and financial damage to the industry.

1. Critically discuss what went wrong with the food supply chains to the supermarkets and manufactures of processed beef products.

2. How could the problems with the meat supply chain be repaired? Discuss with reference to supplier relationships, pernicious incentives and quality standards

3. How should purchasers like the supermarkets prepare for breakdowns in their supply chains?

Much of the data for this assignment was ‘live' and the horse meat scandal was reported extensively in the newspapers, on the media and also in parliamentary accounts. You should use these sources for information on what went wrong. Material on the meat industry is easily available also and is included in books and articles.

Theory of supply chains, relationships and response to breakdown is to be found in textbooks and peer review journal articles.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Maximum word count 2500 words

You will need to take the following into account when completing your assignment.

• Quality of executive summary (does it give a brief complete summary of your paper for an executive to read?);

• Establishment of relevant theory (e.g. what do we mean by supplier relationships?)

• Allocation of credit and sources used; (include references and citations to the material used?);

• Clarity of argument and creativity of solution

• Overall report presentation including spelling and grammar;

• Adherence to nominated word limit.

• Word processed (letter size 12, times new roman, 1.5 space), fully referenced (Harvard Referencing System)