Vol. 2, No. 1, Fall 2006
| Supply Chain & Channel Management (beta) The focus of our new Supply Chain and Channel Management simulation is on demand and supply integration. It deals with both the logistical activities of demand fulfillment and the behavioral aspects of supply chain management. Student teams compete in this Marketplace simulation as either resellers or suppliers. Each party will have to negotiate both short-term supply contracts and long-term relationship agreements in order to thrive within this industry. Clearly, the teams will have to work together to accomplish their organizational goals. The management of supply chains and distribution channels involves much more than the logistical activities related to the ordering, production, storage and transfer of inventory to meet customer demand. It also involves a great deal of coordination, investment, trust and relationship development. The focus of this simulation is on demand and supply integration. It will deal with both the logistical activities of demand fulfillment and the behavioral aspects of supply chain management. Student teams compete in this Marketplace simulation as either resellers or suppliers. The reseller teams will focus on the marketing and distribution of microcomputers to end users. They will outsource production to other firms that specialize in production. The supplier teams will focus on achieving economical and reliable production of microcomputers. They will outsource the marketing and distribution activities to the resellers that specialize in the creation of market demand. Clearly, resellers and suppliers will have to work together to accomplish their organizational goals. Each party will have to negotiate both short-term supply contracts and long term relationship agreements in order to thrive within this industry. There will be many opportunities to experience the challenges of finding win/win relationships that allow all parties to succeed. Trust, dependence, power, influence, and conflict will be part of everyday life within this simulation. This simulation should provide students with considerable insight into the management of supply chains and distribution channels. They will develop a mental discipline that will facilitate their success in a world where demand/supply integration is one of the cornerstones of modern business. The simulation is available in January for beta testing and widespread adoption in June 2007.
Marketplace Community Newsletter, issued quarterly. www.marketplace-simulation.com |
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