Supply Chain Management Dec 2025 Solved Assignments

Description

Course: Supply Chain Management

NMIMS Centre for Distance and Online Education (NCDOE)
Internal Assignment Applicable for December 2025 Examination

Q1 A national electronics retailer is experiencing rapid growth and is struggling to meet rising customer expectations for faster deliveries and lower shipping costs. Currently, the company operates a centralized warehouse model, resulting in long lead times for customers in distant regions. The executive team is considering a redesign of the distribution network and is evaluating whether to add regional warehouses or invest in advanced technology for route optimization. They must balance operational costs, service levels, and scalability while aligning with the company’s strategic goals. Based on the scenario, how should the company apply a structured network design framework to optimize its distribution network for both cost efficiency and customer responsiveness, considering the trade-offs between centralized and decentralized warehousing?

(10 Marks)

Q2 (A) A global electronics manufacturer is expanding into new markets across Asia and Europe. The company must decide whether to centralize its distribution centers in a few strategic locations or decentralize them closer to key markets. Each option presents different implications for transportation costs, lead times, inventory management, and service levels, especially given varying regulations and demand patterns in each region. Assess the trade-offs faced by a global electronics manufacturer when choosing between centralized and decentralized distribution facilities. Critique how these choices impact transportation costs, lead times, inventory levels, and customer service, especially in the context of fluctuating international demand and regulatory environments. What recommendations would you make to optimize facility location strategy?

Q2 (B) A leading Indian textile manufacturer maintains a constant production rate throughout the year, relying on inventory buildup to meet high demand during wedding and festive seasons. While this approach ensures product availability, it results in high inventory costs and occasional stockouts. The operations manager is considering whether to adopt a more flexible aggregate planning strategy that leverages demand forecasting and variable workforce arrangements. Evaluate the aggregate planning strategy of a textile manufacturer that uses a level production approach to meet seasonal demand spikes during Indian wedding and festive seasons. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this strategy, and how could integrating demand forecasting and flexible workforce management improve outcomes?