MGT 320: Operations and Supply Chain Management

Week 5 Assignment: Supply Chain Resilience Analysis

Course Context & Instructor Notes

Moving into our fifth week together, we transition from basic logistics theories to the harsh realities of global market volatility. My colleagues in the industry frequently mention that the biggest challenge today involves predicting the unpredictable. Most traditional models assume a level of stability that simply no longer exists in our current economic climate. I want us to look past the textbook definitions and focus on how real companies survive sudden shifts in material availability. Your previous discussions on lean manufacturing showed a great grasp of efficiency, but now we must discuss the trade-offs between being lean and being resilient. I look forward to reading your thoughts on how managers can justify higher inventory costs as a safeguard against total system failure.

Task Description

You need to complete a 1,200–1,500-word case study analysis focused on a recent disruption within a specific industry of your choice. Identify the primary cause of the failure and evaluate how the organization responded in the short term. I want you to propose a long-term strategy that incorporates diversified sourcing and digital tracking technologies. Your report should explain how these changes affect the company’s bottom line and its relationship with secondary suppliers. Please ensure your recommendations remain grounded in the operational theories we covered in our recent lectures.

Specific Guidelines and Requirements

• Length Expectations: Write between 1,200 and 1,500 words. Please place your word count at the end of the document.
• Formatting Standards: Use APA 7th Edition style for all headings, citations, and your reference list. Use double spacing and 12-point font throughout.
• Research Requirements: Cite at least four peer-reviewed articles from the last five years. Academic journals focusing on operations management or international business provide the best data for this task.
• Document Structure:
  • Identify the chosen industry and the specific disruption event in your introduction.
  • Analyze the operational impact on the internal production cycle.
  • Examine the strengths and weaknesses of the immediate corporate response.
  • Detail your strategic plan for building future resilience.
  • Conclude with a summary of how these changes maintain competitive advantage.
• Submission: Post your completed report to the Week 5 Assignment link in the learning portal by Sunday evening. I suggest checking your similarity score before the final deadline to ensure all work is properly attributed.

Grading Rubric / Marking Criteria