Arab Open University Faculty of Business Studies Business Functions in Context I B203A -- First Semester 2015-2016 Tutor Marked Assessment I. TMA Topic overview: Supply Chain Management A supply chain consists of all parties involved, directly or ind

Arab Open University
Faculty of Business Studies
Business Functions in Context I
B203A -- First Semester 2015-2016
Tutor Marked Assessment
I. TMA Topic overview: Supply Chain Management

A supply chain consists of all parties involved, directly or indirectly, in fulfilling a customer request. The supply chain not only includes the manufacturers and suppliers, but also transporters, warehouses, retailers and customers themselves. Within each organization, such as manufacturing, the supply chain includes all functions involved in receiving and filling a customer request. These functions include, but are not limited to, new product development, marketing, operations, distribution, finance, and customer service.
The objective of every supply chain is to maximize the overall value generated. The value of a supply chain generates is the difference between what the final product is worth to the customer and the effort the supply chain expends in filling the customer’s request.

II. Discussion Question: Essay paper (100 marks out of 100) (1500 words)

Think about a product of a specific brand that you have recently bought. Write an essay to discuss the supply network of this product from raw material until it arrives to the consumers. You are required to cover the following points in your essay/presentation:
1. Industry overview, company overview, product overview, major competitors.
2. Stages of the product supply chain or network design, location of raw material in relation to the manufacturer, distributor, retailer and consumer, etc.
3. The relationship between suppliers and customers (first tier, second tier, etc.., horizontal or vertical integration (if any), levels of inventory and where it’s held.
4. The overall cost structure of the product, average profit margins, etc.
5. Explanation of any problems and suggestions for further improvements of the supply chain.

General instructions for students:
This TMA should be written by students individually.
TMA weight: 20% of total course grade.
Cut-off date: December 15, 2015.
Plagiarism: It’s imperative that you write your answer using your own words. Plagiarism will be penalized depending on its severity and according to AOU plagiarism policy.
Format: you are expected to write your answer in an essay format: introduction, body paragraph(s) and a conclusion. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks from your total TMA mark.
Word count: your answer is expected to be within the specified word count range. Not adhering to specified word count could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your total TMA mark.
Referencing: You are expected to use the Harvard referencing style for in-text referencing and list of reference at the end. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your total TMA mark.
E-library: You are expected to use E-library sources to support your answers. A minimum of 3 sources is required. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your total TMA mark.