Assignments
Instructions for Beer Game
To prepare for the Beer Game, you should:
1. Visit the URL to 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 Monday February 13th (Intro). We’ll finish the game on Monday February 20th.
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.
An Extra Credit of 0.25 points can be earned for completing the steps 1,2 and 3 by Thursday February 9th @ 5:00pm.
Zappos.com Case
MIS 3537
Internet Enabled Supply Chains
Spring 2017
Due Date: February 6, 2017
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 an 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.
Crocs Case
MIS 3537 Internet & Supply Chains
Spring 2017
Due Date: January 30, 2017
Refer to the case “Crocs: Revolutionizing an Industry’s Supply Chain Model for Competitive Advantage” from the Harvard Business Publishing website
Answer the following questions briefly:
- What are Croc’s core competencies?
- How should they exploit these competencies in the future? Consider the following alternatives and comment how each alternative matches / does not match with Crocs core competencies.
- Further vertical acquisition into materials
- Growth by acquisitions
- Growth by product expansion
- What are the drawbacks of having too little or too much inventory?
- Is Crocs a high margin or a low margin company (compared to competitors)? How does a company’s margin impact its inventory decisions? In other words, should a high margin company carry more or less inventory?