Case Analysis: Power of Virtual Integration: An Interview with Dell Computer's Michael Dell

5 page report containing the following (in groups):

- brief summary and introduction of the case (~1-1.5 pages)

- answer the following questions and analyze your results (~4 pages) :

 . What is virtual integration?

 . What are the main challenges for establishing virtual integration?

 . What is the importance of customer segmentation for virtual integration?

 . Is it possible to apply this strategy in other sectors? Discuss two examples other than computer industry: one with a straightforward implementation and another with significant challenges.

October 10, 2019

Answer the following questions in the Textbook  (6th ed) (individual):

p.48: Q4, Q9,         p.72: Q2, Q7

Case Analysis: Seven-Eleven Japan

~10 page report answering the following questions (in groups):

Q1. A convenience store chain attempts to be responsive and provide customers with what they need, when they need it. where they need it. What are some different ways that a convenience store supply chain can be responsive? What are some risks in each case?

Q2. Seven-Eleven's supply chain strategy in Japan can be described as attempting to micro-match supply and demand using rapid replenishment. What are some risks associated with this choice?

Q3. What has Seven-Eleven done in its choice of facility location, inventory management, transportation, and information infrastructure to develop capabilities that support its supply chain strategy in Japan?

Q4. Seven-Eleven does not allow direct store delivery in Japan but has all products flow through its distribution center. What benefit does Seven-Eleven drive from this policy? When is direct store delivery more appropriate?

Q5.  What do you think about the 7dream concept for Seven-Eleven Japan? From a supply chain perspective, is it likely to be more successful in Japan or in the United States? Why?

Q6. Seven-Eleven is attempting to duplicate the supply chain structure that has succeeded in Japan and the United States with the introduction of CDCs. What are the pros and cons of this approach? Keep in mind that stores are also replenished by wholesalers and DSD by manufacturers.

Q7. The United States has food service distributors that also replenish convenience stores. What are the pros and cons to having a distributor replenish convenience stores versus a company like Seven-Eleven managing its own distribution function?

Answer the following questions in the Textbook (6th ed) (individual):

p.114: Q1, Q9,         p.146: Q1, Q2 

November 26, 2019

Case Analysis: Regional Expansion of Kazafekra

~4 page report answering the following questions (in groups):

Q1. What is the cost that Kazafekra will incur if they only kept the showroom in Katameya?

Q2. What supply chain network configuration do you recommend for Kazafekra over the coming four years?

Support you answer with mathematical models and analysis of the optimal solutions.

Answer the following questions in the Textbook (6th ed) (individual):

p.182: Q3, p.183: Q6,        p.218: Q8 

Answer the following questions in the Textbook (6th ed) (individual):

p.239: Ex.1, p. 240: Ex.5,         p.255: Ex.2 

Answer the following questions in the Textbook (6th ed) (individual):

p.318: Ex.4, p. 319: Ex.8,         p.362: Ex.13