You are required to develop a case study for a company or product of your choice evaluating the supply chain. In the case study you will be required to describe (and/or illustrate) the current supply chain for the product and then analyze the supply chain and discuss whether the current supply chain support the business objectives of the company. In your analysis you can identify any weaknesses/or strengths and make recommendation to improve the supply chain.

The case study will be developed in three phases:

Phase 1

Brief general description of the product and company that you have selected for your case study. Include a brief description of the business objectives of the company as well. Typical questions to address:

INTRODUCTION:

A brief introduction of the product and the company you have selected for your case study (what?) and what you intend to do in your report (how?).

COMPANY (apple company)

What core product/service does the company make/sell/distribute?

What is the main objective of the company (re shareholders)?

What strategies do the company employ (or plan to employ) to reach these objectives (e.g. extending markets; cost reduction; focusing on quality or service; innovation; ethical & sustainable issues; etc.)?

PRODUCT/SERVICE (iPhone 4)

What are the current characteristics of the product/service offered by the company (e.g. hi-tech; consumable; low value/high value units; big/small; etc.)?

How do end-consumers experience the current product/service (re price, quality, availability, desirability, service)?

What are the requirements of end-users (and potential new customers) of the product that would increase customer satisfaction (re price, quality, availability, desirability, service)?

What is the state of the industry and how important is this product in the industry (e.g. market share; competitiveness; main competitors; future growth and relevance of the industry)?

What is the strategy used by the company to compete in the industry (e.g. focus on cost; differentiation (quality, service, innovation, etc.); markets (global; niche; specialty)?

Will the current strategy ensures that the company reaches its main objectives (Is it alignedwith what the company wants to achieve)? If not, what other strategy should the company focus on to be competitive with its product/service?