Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Management: Alligator Case Study

This case study analyzes Alligator's supply chain management, focusing on strategic sourcing, demand forecasting, and risk management. The response addresses key issues such as transportation challenges, outsourcing methodologies, and supplier arrangements, emphasizing the need for cost reduction and hazard minimization. The analysis explores demand forecasting precision, recommending partnerships for improved accuracy. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of evaluating supply sources, developing strategic plans, and fostering collaborative processes. Finally, it proposes strategies to combat illegal stock production by contract makers, including patent protection and supply chain leadership changes. The paper references several academic sources to support its arguments.

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Integrated Supply Chain Management: Alligator Case Study
Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Course
Date

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Question One Response
The motivation that is set behind strategic sourcing is based on the need for
accomplishing the extensive reduction of cost as well as minimization of the hazards in the
supply chain. Therefore, the assignment of all the vital planning is not performed regularly
despite the manner in which the forms of supply chain management contributing to the
general objective. In this case, the following might be the most likely issues affecting
Alligator on the global scale, which are significant in the area of strategic sourcing. However,
before determining the issues, it might be relevant to understand all the relevance affected by
the risk factors like the political risks, the trade risks, the economic risk, operations risks as
well as geographical risk [1]. In fact, when all these are considered then the primary global
issues affecting the company in the sector of strategic sourcing my include:
 Transportation; this has become a major issue in the global n business environment. In
fact, the lead-time ranges from four to twelve month because of the manner in which
organizations experience restraints in the global scale on transportation like the stock-
outs. Therefore, when this factor is considered, then the re-evaluation of the supplier
relationship might be quite necessary.
 The situation that is created while picking the outsourcing methodology, which is
based on make or purchase.
 The company might happen to confront the confinement in dealing with each item as
well as material classification depending on the supply along with qualities spends.
 The problem of attaining the ideal supplier’s arrangement, which could fulfil the
supplier’s prerequisites for each classification of an item.
 Allegation Problems: In case the allegation issues are solved, the organization might
be in a position to attain the reduction of cost along with minimization of supply chain
hazard.

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Question 2 Response
Most of the demand forecasts can be considered less than perfect. Hence, the situation
cannot be considered unique to Alligators. While considering the quadrant strategy, it is clear
that the company could be desired as a low value but with the focus in the high-profit product
[2]. In this case, there is a higher chance that the risks would be low in short term and higher
on the long-term basis. Hence, the products of Alligator are supposed to be in stock in order
to realize the highest level of profits. This would exceed the extra cost of generating the
additional inventory. Therefore, the functioning, as well as the design of the supply chain,
must focus on ensuring that there is sufficient product that is available in order to meet the
possible demand hence minimization of the chances of stock outs [1]. Besides the precise and
opportune request, conjecture is essential to the development of the supply chain. Therefore,
the conjecture precision is termed as the background of legitimate assignment of assets. In
addition to the solution above, a partnership between the suppliers and the customers would
increase the precision of the gauge. Furthermore, supplier fast reactions to changes in
requests would reduce the effect as well as the cost of the mistakes on the gauge.
Question 3 Response
It is imperative to note that all strategic sourcing elements are essential; however, I do
believe that the ones noted below are more relevant as well as critical for the Alligator
improvement. The company has to evaluate the supply sources. This is essential in making
sure that the quality of the product is maintained. In this case, the company is in a position
to audit all the commercial centers of the suppliers for dangers and opening [3]. The second
element is the development of a strategic plan. In this case, the top management or rather an
administration is at liberty to direct gatherings and discuss the relevancy of minimizing the
expenses and hazards [4]. Furthermore, the main strategist might be in a position to
investigate the aggressiveness of the suppliers. Finally, improvement of the collaborative

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process. This can be done through benchmarking as well as tracking of results [5]. In fact, it
is the most vital component of the sourcing process that must be focused on. This will offer
the administrators the current classification.
Question 4 Response
In order to handle the production of all the illegal stock done by the contract makers,
the following strategies must be put in place. The company should employ a new president of
the supply chain who will assess the essential sourcing process hence attempting to reduce all
the mistakes. Besides this, the idea of pursuing a legal alternative might be considered, but it
is hard to control the manufacturers of illegal or fake products. The only solution is for
Alligator to patent protect its production to reduce the risk of illegal products getting to the
market [6].

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References
[1] Jia, F., Orzes, G., Sartor, M. and Nassimbeni, G., 2017. Global sourcing strategy and
structure: towards a conceptual framework. International Journal of Operations &
Production Management, 37(7), pp.840-864.
[2] Sandberg, E. (2017). Introducing the paradox theory in logistics and SCM research–
examples from a global sourcing context. International Journal of Logistics Research
and Applications, 20(5), 459-474.
[3] Presley, A., Meade, L. and Sarkis, J., 2016, July. A strategic sourcing evaluation
methodology for reshoring decisions. In Supply Chain Forum: An International
Journal (Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 156-169). Taylor & Francis.
[4] Stevens, G.C. and Johnson, M., 2016. Integrating the supply chain… 25 years
on. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 46(1),
pp.19-42.
[5] Jensen, P.A., 2017. Strategic sourcing and procurement of facilities management
services. Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, 10(2), pp.138-158.
[6] Aghion, P., Howitt, P. and Prantl, S., 2015. Patent rights, product market reforms, and
innovation. Journal of Economic Growth, 20(3), pp.223-262.