MBADM 822, Lesson 7: Homework Assignment (Team)

Assignment Overview

As a team, complete the following tasks:

• Review the assigned questions.
• Determine how your team will approach the assignment. Remember that both team members should make equal contributions towards completing the assignment; however, “equal” is defined by each team.
• Develop a response for all of the questions. Note: For problem-based questions, please use Excel as the preferred electronic format for files.
• Submit assignment by the due date. Late submissions are penalized.
• Submission format: Respond to each short, essay-type question with a 1-2 paragraph write-up. Case analysis should be limited to 1-2 pages. Case analysis is worth 20 points, and the remaining 25 points are allocated equally between the essay-type questions if no other point scheme is specified.

This assignment will be graded in three parts.The rubric provided will be used to grade the case analysis portion of the assignment.There is no rubric for the discussion or the problems, although all discussion posts need to be substantive and the problems should be solved using Excel. If you have questions or need clarification, please contact me.

Questions

Respond to each of following questions or critical thinking prompts:

1. Discuss the critical role of inventory for a company and its supply chain.
2. Identify the key metrics organizations use to assess how well their inventories are being managed.
3. Use the ABC classification method to categorize the various items at a local supermarket store. For example, in which category would fresh fruit and vegetables be listed? Why?
4. Briefly explain the bullwhip effect. What steps can organizations take to minimize the bullwhip effect?
5. Analyze Case 15.2 (Custom Chapter 8) Inventory Management in the Age of the Online Shopper using the case analysis format provided in the assessment rubric. Include your responses to the case questions in the critical analysis section.