Supply chain is the movement of inputs and outputs from source to the consumer. The APA paper will address the design, benefit, and SCOR model in supply chain management. The paper will also show how I will procure and transport all the equipment and ingredients to the stadium.
According to Jacoby (2009) the inputs in a supply chain are any raw material required from the supplier by the consumer. Outputs are the final product provided by a supplier to the consumer. The inputs in my case are burgers and fixings, raw ribs, and brats. The outputs are the cooked brats, ribs and burgers. The barbeque can be classified as either an output or input. This is because it is used to cook (input) and the coal cannot be used without it (output).
In referring to Blanchard (2010), a supply chain should link the inputs to the outputs. This helps to, reduce cost, ensure just-in-time (JIT) delivery, and minimize transportation expenses. The above supply chain will be able to satisfy these requirements. The current supermarkets usually have all goods in place. This will help reduce cost of procuring items. To reduce the transportation cost, I will use the university cafeteria to store all our ingredients. Since the stadium is located at the campus, the cafeteria will ensure all the ingredients are available when needed. The coal used in the barbeque will also help reduce cost. This is because coal last for long and I will bring it.
A supply chain should ensure a smooth flow of resource (Sustainable Supply Chain, 2012). To achieve this one should have assurance of supply, information of cost/price, and consolidate purchases to gain discounts. Enforcing contracts with the supplies is the best method to ensure smooth supply of resources (Sustainable Supply Chain, 2012). I will sign a contract with a supermarket that operates 24/7 and has delivery services. This will help to consolidate purchases and have information on the price. To ensure systematic flow of goods from the cafeteria, I will employ four workers to help us that night. The supply of coal will not be of great concern as I have held many barbeques parties.
Although my supply chain is effective, research has shown that challenges may arise as argued by Anna (2006). Anna (2006) continues to argue that lack of a “Plan-B” in case some of the links do not flow as anticipated is the biggest challenge. One of my challenges is to ensure smooth flow of ingredients. However, I can easily overcome it through involving the cafeteria staff. The staffs are used to hold such parties and have connections with various supplies. This will help estimate the amount of ingredients well and have access to other suppliers if the flow from the supermarket is affected. I will also involve some of my friends in planning the event. My friends will also help estimate the consumption as they will give me their eating habits. Furthermore, the success of an event cannot be influenced by one person. The staffs are also a key to the success of the event. To ensure the staff works with moral, I will encourage my friends to give the tips as they serve us. I will also carry thrice the amount of coal to be used.
Hudson (2004) refers SCOR model as management tool used by suppliers and consumers to address, communicate, and improve a supply chain. The SCOR has five common steps; planning, sourcing, delivering, making, and returning (Hudson, 2004). I will use the planning stage to balance the resources and determine the contracts to apply with the supermarket. The cafeteria will be my source point, it will be used to store the inventory purchased. Delivering is the most critical part of my supply chain. To adhere to the principles of SCOR, I will make sure the staff and supermarket are comfortable to achieve a good delivery system. The chain has return arrows to both the supermarket and cafeteria. This is to help return any defects.
References
Anna N. (2006). Supply Chain Network Analysis: Dynamics of Prices, Flows, and Profits. Boston: Edward Elgar Publishers.
Blanchard, D. (2010). Supply Chain Management best Practices, 2nd Edition. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Hudson, S. (2004). The SCOR Model for Supply Chain strategic Decisions. Web. 27 Oct 2004. Web
Jacoby D. (2009). Guide to Supply Chain Management: How Getting It Right Boost Corporate Performance. MA: Bloomberg Press.
Sustainable Supply Chain (2012). Retrieved from
