WWT ClearOrbit Case
MIS 3537
Internet Enabled Supply Chains
Spring 2016
Due Date: February 4, 2016
Refer to the case “World Wide Technology and Clearorbit: Enabling Supply Chain Collaboration” on the HBSP website.
Answer the following questions briefly:
1. What were the main challenges facing the OEM’s MRO purchasing operations?
2. Why did WWT choose ClearOrbit’s POC software?
3. What benefits did the OEM and WWT realize?
4. What steps did OEM/WWT take to convince suppliers to use the new system?
5. What other supply chain collaboration initiatives can OEM/WWT pursue?
New Age Warehousing
Warehouse management is a key challenge for companies selling goods on the internet. As we discussed in class, companies such as Zappos use robots to automate the process. Here are a couple of videos about the Kiva Robots that Zappos uses.
Summarize the benefits of Kiva to Zappos.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvQKGev56qU]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdd6sQ8Cbe0]
100 second reflection for week 3
Think for 100 seconds, and summarize the key things that you learned in the class in week 3 – Electronic Markets and Zappos.com case
Instructions for Beer Game
To prepare for the Beer Game, you should:
1. Visit the URL (https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/import/ptos/46466804) and complete the registration. Note: each group member needs to register separately. Also, this link is different from the one you download case studies.
2. Watch the video after completing the registration.
3. Form groups of exactly 4 (no more, no less – the software only permits groups of size 4) and write the names of your group members as a comment on this post (only one person per group need write).
4. Round 1 of The Beer Game will be held during class hours on Thursday February 4th (Intro) and Thursday February 11th (Round 1).
5. Students without a group can run the simulation as individual players.
Important: The game requires participation from all four members of a group – therefore, if one of your group members is not logged in or absent from class on Thursday Feb 4th or the 11th, your group won’t be able to play the game. Please coordinate with your group members and make sure they are present in class.
A bonus of 0.25 points can be earned for completing the steps 1,2 and 3 by Monday February 1st, 5:00pm.
Q&A: Software in Supply Chains
Here is a diagram (sap scm) showing the different software modules used supply chain management (per a leading I/T supplier SAP).
Based on this, do you think MIS professionals need to understand supply chains? Why or why not?
100 second reflection for week 2
Think for 100 seconds, and summarize the key things that you learned in the class in week 2 – Intro lecture and Crocs case
Zappos.com Case
MIS 3537
Internet Enabled Supply Chains
Spring 2016
Due Date: January 28, 2016
Refer to the case “Zappos.com: Developing a Supply Chain to Deliver WOW!”. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. Is Zappos mainly a pull or a push supply chain? With illustration of Zappos’ current supply chain, show the push-pull boundary of Zappos? Also show the push-pull boundary of Zappos’ Drop Ship model.
2. Show the evolution of Zappos’ supply chain in a diagram. What changes did Zappos make in its supply chain? Do you think that these changes are justified?
3. What are Zappos’ core competencies and sources of competitive advantage? How sustainable are they?
4. How would you expand the business? Would you add more products, more geographies, or by selling private labels?
5. How would you expect the environment of a more cost conscious customers to affect Zappos’ business? What can Zappos’ do to maintain sales in such an environment?
All groups (expect the group making the presentation) are required to submit a printout of their answers to the instructor at the beginning of the class. Also, be prepared to discuss the case in the class.
Reading for Week 1
Online community participation tips
Here are some tips to follow while posting on the course blog:
- Read others’ comments before posting and avoid unnecessary repetitions.
- Write precise to-the-point answers.
- Avoid copy and pasting or quoting verbatim from the internet. Try to paraphrase in your own words.
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Joining the Online Community
To join the online community, simply click on ‘login’ at the top left of this page and use your Accessnet id and password when prompted. When you complete the process, add your name and username as a comment on this post. For example: Ed Beaver (ebeaver)