Category: Supply Chain

Discussion 1 Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 9: Forecasting.
From Chapter 9, answer Discussion Question 1: Which forecasting techniques do you think should be used in calculating fuel prices? Time series models? Causal models? Qualitative models? In causal modeling, what types of independent variables might be used? Justify your answer.
Discussion 2 Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read the article’s Trickle of Jobs Returning to U.S. Shores Could Soon Become a TorrentLinks to an external site. and Outsourcing Pros and Cons for Your Digital MarketingLinks to an external site., and watch David Weinstein Discusses Factors That Lead to OutsourcingLinks to an external site..
Based on the content presented, discuss some of the pros and cons of outsourcing. Do you think many organizations are experiencing an increase or decrease in their levels of outsourcing? Why?

Quantitative Analysis in Supply Chain Management and Data Analytics
Points Available: 150
Overview: This extra credit opportunity is designed to deepen your understanding and application of quantitative analysis in operations and supply chain management. You will explore the practical implementation of data-driven decisions, leveraging big data analytics and application-based software tools, focusing on optimizing operational efficiencies and supply chain strategies.
Objectives:
Demonstrate Understanding: Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of data-driven decision-making methodologies and their significance in addressing various challenges within operations and supply chain management.
Interpret Real-World Applications: Analyze and discuss case studies showcasing the transformative impact of analytics in business and industry settings.
Develop Analytical Skills: Enhance your proficiency in analyzing and resolving quantitative models using business-oriented computer programs, with a particular emphasis on Microsoft Excel.
Assignment Details:
Research Project: Conduct a detailed study on a company that has successfully integrated big data analytics into its operations and supply chain management processes. Your analysis should cover:
The specific challenges the company faced.
The data-driven strategies implemented to address these challenges.
The outcomes of implementing these strategies, including any quantifiable improvements.
Lessons learned and best practices that can be applied in other contexts.
Practical Application: Utilize Microsoft Excel or other tools to develop a quantitative model related to a common issue in supply chain logistics, such as inventory management, demand forecasting, or transportation optimization. Your submission should include:
A brief description of the problem and the model’s objective.
A step-by-step walkthrough of the model’s development and the rationale behind your chosen approach.
An analysis of the model’s findings and their potential implications for real-world supply chain management.
Submission Requirements:
A written report (minimum 5-7 pages, APA/MLA format) for the research project.
An Excel spreadsheet containing the quantitative model, accompanied by a detailed explanation of your methodology (3-5 pages, APA format).
Textbook and Course Materials: To support your efforts, refer to the required text: Bowersox, Donald J., David J. Closs, M. Bixby Cooper, Supply Chain Logistics Management. 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin. This resource, along with other materials provided through McGraw CONNECT, will offer valuable insights and guidance.
Assessment: Your submission will be evaluated based on the depth of analysis, the practical application of data-driven decision-making concepts, and the clarity and professionalism of your presentation.
No Instructor Approval Needed: You are encouraged to embark on this intellectual endeavor to not only earn extra credit but to also significantly enhance your skills and understanding in a key aspect of business operations. Good luck!
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Alternatives to Microsoft Excel for analyzing and solving quantitative models in business, especially in operations and supply chain management, have several robust options. Each alternative offers unique features that can be advantageous depending on the specific needs of a project. Here are some popular alternatives:
Google Sheets:
Advantages: It’s cloud-based, allowing for real-time collaboration. Google Sheets supports many of Excel’s formulas and functions, making it a convenient alternative for those familiar with Excel. It’s also free to use with a Google account.
Use Cases: Ideal for projects requiring collaboration, such as group assignments or when sharing data with classmates or instructors.
LibreOffice Calc:
Advantages: A free and open-source office suite that provides a strong alternative to Microsoft Excel. Calc supports a wide range of Excel’s functions and has its own unique features, such as the ability to save spreadsheets as PDFs directly.
Use Cases: Suitable for students who prefer a free, open-source solution that can be used offline and is compatible with Excel files.
Apache OpenOffice Calc:
Advantages: Another free, open-source option. It offers a range of features similar to those of Excel and LibreOffice Calc. It’s designed for easy switching for those familiar with Excel.
Use Cases: Good for individuals looking for a cost-effective tool that can handle most of Excel’s functionalities.
Numbers for Mac:
Advantages: Developed by Apple, it offers a seamless experience for Mac users. It has a user-friendly interface and is capable of producing visually appealing documents.
Use Cases: Best suited for Mac users working on individual projects that require both data analysis and high-quality presentation of results.
Zoho Sheet:
Advantages: A cloud-based spreadsheet application that offers collaboration features similar to Google Sheets. It provides a wide range of functions and analytics tools, with the added benefit of integration with other Zoho apps.
Use Cases: Ideal for projects that benefit from integration with CRM or other business tools, and for collaborative work.
Smartsheet:
Advantages: Combines features of spreadsheets with project management tools. It’s particularly useful for managing and automating workflows and projects that require both spreadsheet calculations and project planning.
Use Cases: Excellent for complex projects involving task assignments, timelines, and progress tracking, in addition to data analysis.
Each of these alternatives has its strengths and might be better suited to different types of projects or the student’s preference. Students should consider the specific requirements of their assignment, including collaboration needs, compatibility with other software, and any specific functions they need, before choosing the best tool for their project.

Hello!
Happy to work with you again.
I have previously worked on the project, we need to complete 2nd phase by adding some of details , numbers or graphs to demonstrate the advantage of this projects in terms of SCM , Environmental ,Sustainability & Governance (ESG). I’ve made some improvements to the draft you, see attached. Also we have selected two cities where the train will pass by, Jubail Industrial city & Dammam Port in Saudi Arabia to transport goods, travelers and even employees. The project is already under progress and its very close to getting started. You can readofficial articles and local news related to this project or via the website of both companies that are working on it now ( SAR| Home & SABIC – SABIC homepage).
Phase-2 Application of Knowledge
The student implements his/her gained knowledge by identifying, analyzing, and solving the real world SCM problem related to the environment understudy. Student writes a 5 page (2500 words ) of his/her understanding then meets with the advisor to discuss the way forward.
All References should be listed in an acceptable format (for example APA style).
Plagiarism and AI reports should be shared.

In module 5, you played a simulation game called the Beer
Game. After completion of the game, results were displayed in the form of
various graphs and downloadable Excel files.  There was a lot of data
generated from your team and other competing teams.   Data of
interest are:
Demand
and Order History of all supply chain players.
Inventory
level (negative values indicate backorders) of all supply chain players.
Inventory
costs of all supply chain players and total supply chain cost
Now, consider yourself as the Supply Chain Manager.
You need to write a report for your organization based on what you have
learned from this simulated event. Not everyone in your organization has a
background in supply chain management. Your report should be understandable to
all audiences in your organization.
The report should be written answering following
questions. For each question describe
What
you have observed,
What
you can conclude, and
How
you should improve. 
Each of these three (3) aspects should be supported by
data and analysis. You can include graphs and tables as
necessary. You can be creative and further analyze the data in order to
generate meaningful statistics that support your findings.
NOTE: The purpose of analysis is not to overcrowd
the report with large data sets, graphs, and tables and have the reader
interpret and infer from those graphs. Interpretation and inference are
your task, and your report should make that explicit. Keep
in mind the most important rule, which is this – do not include graphs,
tables, and data if you are not making any inferences (conclusions) from them.
All graphs and tables should be numbered and should refer in
context by number. Include tables and graphs in the text where you are
referring them not at the end.
Questions:
Compare
weekly order and demand history of all supply chain players. What
observations can you make from them?
Compare
weekly inventory levels of all supply chain players. What observations can
you make from them?
Compare
weekly costs of all supply chain players. What observations can you make
from them?
Identify
decisions/situations where your team could have performed better. Use
graphs or data as necessary to convey this point.
As a
Supply Chain Manager, what initiatives will you undertake to meet customer
demand at minimum cost? Justify your initiatives with data.  
Formatting Instructions:
This REPORT / ANALYSIS is an individual assignment.
Submit answers to the above questions in one word document.
There is no template for this Module Assignment.
Simply write the question and the
corresponding answer, using the required format. Answers to each
question should be clearly specified. 
Use a suitable font with 1 inch margin on all sides and
single spacing. Your assignment should be between 6 to 8 pages excluding
graphs, tables, or data.