Supply Chain and Logistics: Definitions, Importance, and Diagrams

This document presents a comprehensive solution to a supply chain and logistics assignment. The assignment addresses core concepts such as the characteristics of logistics subdivisions, form utility creation through logistics activities, the definition of third-party logistics (3PL) firms, and the roles of distribution centers. It also defines supply chain management, explores logistics diagrams, and explains terms like upstream, downstream, and extended supply chains. Furthermore, the assignment highlights the importance of supply chain management in business, including improved customer service, reduced operational costs, and enhanced financial positions. The solution includes a diagram illustrating logistics, and concludes with a list of references, including books and online resources.

Supply chain and Logistics

MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................1
Q1: All four subdivisions of logistics have some common characteristics. Which of the below
does not belong in the list............................................................................................................1
Q2: A product's form utility is created when value is added to the product through a
manufacturing, production or assembly process. However, logistics activity can provide form
utility also. Which is an example of the creation of form utility by a logistics activity?............1
Q3: A third-party logistics firm may be defined as.....................................................................1
Q4: The roles of the distribution centre include ____.................................................................1
Q5: Which of these definitions can describe Supply Chain Management better?......................1
Q6: Define Logistics and Draw Simple Logistics Diagram........................................................1
Q7: Explain the following terms..................................................................................................2
Q8: List and Explain the importance of Supply Chain in business.............................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

MAIN BODY
Q1: All four subdivisions of logistics have some common characteristics. Which of the below
does not belong in the list
(B). Marketing
Q2: A product's form utility is created when value is added to the product through a
manufacturing, production or assembly process. However, logistics activity can provide
form utility also. Which is an example of the creation of form utility by a logistics activity?
(D). The breaking bulk and repackaging at a distribution centre
Q3: A third-party logistics firm may be defined as
(D). As external supplier that performs all or part of a company's logistics functions.
Q4: The roles of the distribution centre include ____
(D). Balancing supply and demand, protecting against uncertainty, and promoting transportation
economies.
Q5: Which of these definitions can describe Supply Chain Management better?
(D). Managing the logistics and transport to improve quality of service and product.
Q6: Define Logistics and Draw Simple Logistics Diagram
Logistics is the comprehensive planning and execution of a complicated project. In an
overall business context, distribution is controlling the flow of items from the point of production
and point of use to fulfil consumer or company specifications (Fernie and Sparks, 2018). Logistic
preparation is the collection of details and the creation of systems to ensure that the logistics role
can acquire the 3 rights in the first place, in a continuous manner. Most specifically, it helps to
make sure they have arrangements to cope with threats to the production and transportation
services.
1

Figure 1 Logistic Diagram, 2019.
Tesco collects products from manufacturers into national fulfilment centres, along with
other major supermarkets, for storage and forward sale to its outlets (Choi And et.al., 2019).
Logistics management seems to be the component of the supply chain that schedules, manages
and monitors product distribution and relevant transactions to satisfy the needs of the consumers.
One of the connections among manufacturing and utilization is the logistics role. There is a
increasing belief over the last century that transportation is not simply a logistical operation but
is strategically important. This is no joke to suggest that there will never be a Tesco if there were
no logistics operations.
Q7: Explain the following terms
Upstream supply chain: This supply chain requires suppliers to the company as well as
the mechanisms that manage the relationship with them (Govindan And et.al., 2018). The
company also has inner supply chain activities to turn supplier-furnished supplies and resources
into finished products, and to manage materials and stock levels.
Downstream supply chain: The administration of downstream supply chain relates to
managing the flow of data and products for employees and consumers. This coincides with
upstream supply chain management which includes the collaboration with vendors of purchasing
practices.
2

Extended Supply Chain: A shop owner who sell a specific hat brand such as Nike in their
shop don't always know anything about the person created the hats first. Where it has been made,
how everything was shipped to the warehouses of the retailer, or how the warehouse works (Kain
and Verma, 2018). All persons engaged in the making, storing or shipment of the hat is part of
the expanded supply chain, even those of which the shop owner will never anticipate direct
dealings. Nike typically handles their supply problems by choosing and bargaining with the
respective suppliers. It needs work and teamwork to handle the expanded supply chain.
Q8: List and Explain the importance of Supply Chain in business
A supply chain is the network among a business and its vendors that manufactures and
distributes to the final customer a single commodity. The supply chain describes the steps it
needs to have the goods & service to the customer from their original form. There are some
importances of supply chain management which are listed below:
 Improve customer services: Effective supply chain management helps in fulfilling
customer’s expectation through providing quality products & services. In addition,
deliver their products & services on time and also provide after sales services.
3

 Reduce operative cost: Effective implementation of supply chain management will helps
in reducing overall purchase cost, decrease production cost and minimise total supply
chain cost.
 Improve financial position: Organizations respect supply chain executives as they help
track and minimize costs in the supply chain (Queiroz and Telles, 2018). This will lead to
substantial rises in business earnings. It also helps in reducing the use of fixed assets and
speed up the flow of purchasing product by consumers.
4

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Choi, T. M. And et.al., 2019. The mean-variance approach for global supply chain risk analysis
with air logistics in the blockchain technology era. Transportation Research Part E:
Logistics and Transportation Review. 127. pp.178-191.
Fernie, J. and Sparks, L. eds., 2018. Logistics and retail management: emerging issues and new
challenges in the retail supply chain. Kogan page publishers.
Govindan, K. And et.al., 2018. Big data analytics and application for logistics and supply chain
management.
Kain, R. and Verma, A., 2018. Logistics management in supply chain–an overview. Materials
today: proceedings. 5(2). pp.3811-3816.
Queiroz, M. M. and Telles, R., 2018. Big data analytics in supply chain and logistics: An
empirical approach. The International Journal of Logistics Management.
Online
Question 3: [Online]. Available Through:
<https://quizlet.com/187407083/supply-chain-management-chapter-4-flash-cards/
#:~:text=A%20Third%20Party%20Logistics%20firm,to%20describe%20third%2Dparty
%20logistics. >
Question 2: [Online]. Available Through:
< https://quizlet.com/187405146/supply-chain-management-chapter-2-flash-cards/>
Question 4: [Online]. Available Through:
< https://quizlet.com/192668921/scm-chp-11-flash-cards/>
Question 5: [Online]. Available Through:
< https://paginas.fe.up.pt/~acbrito/laudon/ch11/chpt11-2main.htm>
5