course material

1. MO9700 Global Operations And Supply Chain Improvement
Answers:
Introduction
International business defines the situation in which company conduct its business
operation beyond boundaries (Ghauri, Strange & Cooke, 2021). In other words, its means
trade of goods, services and technology at global level with the motive to provide different
product at international level. Furthermore, international business encompasses cross
exchange of different commodity among two or more nation. In order to maintain quality
business at global scale it is crucial to have effective supply chain and logistic in the
company. Through this, company can save time as well cost and also assist to sustain in the
market for the long run. In addition to this, a well maintain supply chain structure reduces
organization expenses and management can conduct business at large scale more efficiently
(Beugelsdijk, Ambos & Nell, 2020). Supply chain management helps to manage cost and
expense and helps to deliver goods quickly as possible. It is vital for the company to
carefully research and develop blueprint regarding supply chain while conducting business
at large scale.
Figure 1 Supply chain Management (Oxford, 2021).
The present essay is based upon General Motors which is an American automobile
manufacturing company and it headquarter is located in Detroit Michigan, United States.
Company operates at international level and it’s known for its supply chain (Buckley &
Casson, 2019). Beside this, firm has developed their better of production like, reduce,
recycle and reduce method which save time and resources for the company. Furthermore,
management of General Motors spend more on Market Research with the motive to provide
high quality product and services for the company. The production control system has been
developed by the company through past experience and improve by using high end
technology (Kwak, Seo & Mason, 2018). Along with this, General Motors has constantly
improved its supply chain as they implement new technology to overcome problems.
Management of the company is aware about inventory, logistic, distribution and sales which
are supervised by the experts. Beside this, automobile giant has developed partnership with
other firms at international level, as this provides support and future growth.

2. Furthermore, in this essay different tool and techniques like six sigma, TQM and quality
management model is used to understand the company international business structure.
Apart from this, it is difficult for the company to sustain at the global level. To overcome the
issue, it is essential for company to analyse global supply chain strategy and make plans
accordingly to avoid any kind of future risk and uncertainty (Hult, Gonzalez-Perez &
Lagerström, 2020). The prime objective of supply chain is to lower down the save cost for
the company. Technology plays a crucial role in improving organization performance as
conduction business at global platform is more competitive (Wang, Fan & Zhang, 2021). The
division of work and better understanding of market a supply chain. General Motor has
incorporated lean method in supply chain process which is effective and provide better
opportunity to conduct business activity. At last, logistic management and how
collaboration supply chain effectiveness is been explained. As both the factor are crucial to
understand and analyse the market and supply chain strategy.
Main Body
Supply Chain Management Process
A supply chain is the process of delivering product or services and include process like
production, inventory and warehouse (Verbeke, Coeurderoy & Matt, 2018). Further, it can
be explained as the coordination procurement, distribution and management supply helps
to cater the entire process from raw material to finished goods. Apart from this, supply
change requires constant evaluation regrading supply and demand. Main objective of
supply chain management is to develop effective market and helps to improve financial
position (Sharma and et., al., 2020). For the automotive giant like General Motors is to
improve its quality management by taking effective measure like focusing on logistic
management and supply chain structure. Reducing product and supply cost for large
companies are major concern which need to establish through planning and managing
entire Internal Management process. It is crucial for General Motors to be well organized as
it is a key to improvise supply chain and management.
Figure 2 Supply chain management (Daniel, 2017).
Supply Chain Structure
From the view point of (Bahoo, Alon & Paltrinieri, 2020) Supply chain structure is the
hierarchy which is used by the company to operate its production effectively. Through this,
management has capability to access and store the data more efficiently and make better
decision. Furthermore, through such information, firm use to integrate the supply chain and
improve quality management. Organization who buys and supplies through series of
hierarchy and process (McWilliam and et., al., 2020). In the case of General Motors,
company need to implement Kaizen which ensure maximum quality with less wastage. It is
standardised way of improving production and supply chain process. Achieving efficient

3. productivity, it is crucial for the firm to make proper structure and guidelines at work
station to avoid issue (Sirilertsuwan, Thomassey & Zeng, 2020). Supply chain hierarchy
varies as per the company requirement as there are different elements like raw material,
production and delivery. The objective behind using supply chain structure is to control
manufacturing process as well as focus quality to attract international audience.
Logistic Management And Strategic Procurement
According to (Maemunah & Cuaca 2021) Logistic management is the process of
implementing and controlling flow of goods and services as the need and requirement. It is
an internal part of supply chain which focus on demand and providing timely services
across the globe. By adhering, need to consumers and industry structure, logistic
management tend to offer better services through effective strategy and planning. Along
with this, GM need to purchasing strategy is crucial as to build positive brand image in the
market. This assist company to reduce expenses and focus on offering better services to its
customers. In order to improve internal operation system, it, is crucial for the company to
combine the effort of employees as well as upper-level management to execute policies and
deliver satisfactory services (Wu and et., al., 2020). Hence, this enables staff to focus on
quality and provide, and thrive for excellence. Furthermore, it is vital for the management to
take customer feedback and make new strategies which help in increasing profit and
revenue.
Strategic Global And Operation Excellence, Efficiency And Improvement
There is different quality management model like Deming Application Prize which is
recognize as both the individual and for the contribution in quality management (Wieland
and et., al., 2020). To implement this model, GM motors has to review internal policies and
utilize statistical method as this help in improving production which reduces cost for the
company. Along with this, delegation of authority provide authority to employees to take
decision which benefits the company to achieve its desire aims and objective. Conducting
Quality control diagnosis allow firm to identify the flaws and management can customise as
per the need and requirement (Ferraro, 2021). Apart from this, taking quality measure
create a sustainable future and also helps in capturing large market share in limited time
frame. For automobile giant like General Motors is to acquire innovative and creative
employees to improve the supply chain at global scale. Constant evaluation and keeping
track of performance of internal management and make changes to sustain outstanding
results (Shao and et., al., 2021).
Apart from using quality management, GM need to use Six sigma model to improvise
production provide timely services to its customers. Six Sigma is a tool which is mainly used
in large scale business with the motive to reduce error (McMaster and et., al., 2020). In
addition to this, it is data driven approach where experts calculate risk to eliminate defects.
This includes robust framework and have strong customers focus to achieve perfection.

4. General Motors need to implement ideology of six sigma for the improvement of business
process to succeed in the market. Although, it is a time taking and costly process, it
facilitates company to set benchmark at international level. For example, company require
to make new cars with less defects, using six sigma model company can reduce waste of raw
material and save large amount of money. Beside this, management of GM must be focus on
internal and external forces and make modification as per requirement. The quality in
managerial decision is the leading indicator for the company to achieve success and create
brand image in the market.
Figure 3 Total Quality Management (EASE 2021).
However, another tool for improving supply chain is to implement performance
management tool which facilitate organization to examine different activities like,
accounting, logistic, warehouse and marketing. It is a tool which indicates how well the
company is doing at every aspect and provide solution to reduce future uncertainty (Kopyto
and et., al., 2020). Any aspect of production falling below trend line or not meeting the
standard is a subject of concern. Immediate action is required to take effective measure to
be achieved. There are different types of performance management like innovation and
human resources which require constant study and make changes for improvement. While
conducting business at international level is crucial by maintaining quality and relying on
effective supply chain (Witt, 2019). To incorporate various performance measurement GM,
need to assess balance score card and improvise changes to focus on output. Furthermore,
institution can use forecasting method which informed about the estimation and predict
future trends.
Forecasting is a useful tool to determine budget and helpful in allocating expense as per
need. Apart from this, GM can acknowledge sales and make future strategies accordingly
and leads towards long term perspective (Katsaliaki, Galetsi & Kumar, 2021). Based upon
the strategy, organization choose best model to save operational cost. It is highly reliable
through which company can benefit and increase its market share respectively. It is
important for the company to choose best location for conducting operating business.
Identifying location is costly process which require excessive market research at global
level. For automotive company like General Motors is important to have location which is
cost effective in terms of logistic and supply chain. Apart from this, there are other elements
like raw material availability, proximity to market and suppliers are crucial for the company
to manage production cost. Effective location decision strategy provides optimal revenue
opportunity and also meet the future demand (Chu, Park & Kremer, 2020). It also allows
firm to be more flexible and have sufficient production capacity. Another important tool is
explained briefly below.
Supply chain collaboration is known for its coordination with internal as well externals to
optimize the flow of supply chain to meet the demand. Beside this, it means sharing real
time visibility and make process convenient. It encompasses full scale capacity through

5. which General Motors can order production and plan as to improve quality management.
The management of GM need to implement supply chain software which help to manage
complex process in limited time frame (Wiedmer & Griffis, 2021). Apart from this, it also
shares real time data through which organization can ensure to lay the foundation for
making effective decision for organizational growth. Along with this, collaboration in supply
chain facilitate leaders to have end to end visibility to understand ongoing process and
make changes to improvement. GM has many issues like hiring supplier for different
components of cars and maintaining inventory. By having proper vision to identify potential
threat and respond to avoid uncertainty. Use of Artificial intelligence can analyse future
threats, and control uncertainty.
Supply Chain Partnership And Information Technology
Use of Information technology in supply chain can improve organization accountability. In
order to improve the efficiency in the company, GM has to implement information
technology to have clear vision regrading efficient logistic (Filbeck, & Zhao, 2020). This
brings transparency in conducting business operation and manage resources. For example,
if company wants to purchase tyres in this case information technology keep all the records
which can be access by the management. Apart from this, it also saves money and leads to
better inventory management (Ghauri, Strange & Cooke, 2021). Maintaining optimal level of
inventory is challenging for automobile industry as using technology helps company to
overcome problem of demand and supply. In addition, this, Information technology helps to
achieve financial goals and manage business at international level. Entire manufacturing
process can be tracked through information technology and manager can control the
process and move towards success. Automobile sector is considered highly competitive and
it is crucial to have constantly supply of raw material to keep price low. Hence, it is
important to develop mechanism to interact with different supplier as to improve service
and avoid uncertainty.
Sustainability in global supply chain has become more complex due to restriction and
regulation of different countries (Zheng,Yin & Zhang, 2019). For General Motors it is crucial
to focus on supply chain as it is a fundamental strategy to sustain in international market.
Furthermore, management need to analyse the gap between production and logistic as this
reduces waste and company can effectively deliver services on time. In addition to this, it is
crucial for the firm to apply better practises like encouraging and motivating employees to
achieve sustainability. A conventional supply chain prime objective is speed, reliability and
optimization with the intention to earn profit (Hazen and et., al., 2020). Apart from this,
many organizations are focusing of reducing carbon emission by better supply chain. For
instance, using renewable energy, using more recycle product and encouraging social
responsibility among suppliers. In addition to this, General Motors need to implement
intelligence and pre-defined rules to overcome waste problem.
Global Supply Chain Challenges

6. Goal of efficient supply chain is design structure to overcome issue of pollution and most of
the automotive company like GM contribute in global warming. So, data driven supply chain
provide informat0069on which is more useful to bring out solution for betterment and
growth. This facilitates management to have deeper visibility in operation through which
organization develop sustainable supply chain across the globe (Gualandris and et., al.,
2021). Meeting international regulation for supply chain is much more complex, hence it is
important for management to invest in market research as this provide clarity regarding
trend and make changes to compete in the market (Bahoo, Alon & Paltrinieri, 2020).
Enterprise resource planning is a useful tool to make plans as per the requirement. Main
advantage of using ERP is that, organization have improved efficiency across multiple
departments. Apart from this, it also improves communication structure which leads to
effective decision making. More flexible supply chain facilitate management to be more
adoptive as per the environment. Furthermore, ERP offer superior supply chain solution to
deliver better quality service with great efficiency.
Global sourcing also known as procurement strategy in a business where exchange of goods
and services at international market take place. It is based upon geopolitical boundaries
with the motive to save resources and to avail cheap raw material from low-cost nations
(Shams and et., al., 2021). Beside this, global sourcing can help in business to tap advances
in technology, skills employees and labour. In the case of General Motors, management
require to adopt such strategy as this assist industry to manage expenses and increase
production. For example, China is manufacturing hub and have cheap labour, in this case
General motor can take different component of car as this will reduce cost for the company.
On the other hand, organization can setup manufacturing plant in the country as to save
money. Global souring does not involves not only searching product globally, there are
other important elements, selection right supplier and auditing (Koberg & Longoni, 2019).
There are some uncertainty presences in sourcing like language barriers and time
difference which need to be analysed and take decision accordingly.0020
Conclusion
From the above stated essay, it has been concluded that conducting international business
is complex and time take process. The importance of understanding the global supply chain
is crucial to manage internal as well as external mechanism for the company. Apart from
this, organization need to focus on quality and management structure which allow to
operate smooth business at international scale. Furthermore, it has been identified that,
logistic management helps company to save cost and time. In addition to this, it facilitates
management to identify the best route for competent delivery. Choosing right vendor for
the raw material is important as it increase the quality of product and services. Along with
this, using collaborative supply chain reduces expenses and also provide alternative
supplier in the case of high demand. This allows company to constantly manage demand
and supply at large scale and increase overall production more effectively. Six Sigma is an

7. effective tool for reducing mistakes during production and meet target in the respective
time frame. Furthermore, six sigma as it is unique method to optimise supply chain and
develop fundamental of production for large scale organization.
It has been analysed that, using forecasting method helps company to figure out future risk
and can take timely measure to maintain sustainability. Among the many reasons,
forecasting assist in predicting product demand in the specific situation. This facilitates
company to make changes in the product in the meantime to meet the expectation of the
customers. As compare to domestic market, conducting business beyond the boundaries is
more complex due variation in language and laws. It is important for the management to
conduct research regarding market as this provide clarity to operate business effectively.
Manging inventory is a costly process as there are various aspect like storage, safety and
management. So, using information technology will allow company to manage as well as
keep track of inventory in a structured manner. Furthermore, choosing location for business
is important as cost is directly related to operation. It has been examined that,
transportation and availability of resources are crucial in supply chain.
To overcome the problem, management need to identify location where both aspects are
available. Today, supply chain has become complex network business which require
constant improvement. Performance measurement is an important tool which use to
measure and monitor the resources to with the intention to control cost. Supply chain
structure allow firm to have better approach in managing production in a pre-define way.
Having proper structure reduces complexity and delegate authority within the department.
It is helpful in taking decision and take immediate action to increase productivity. Having
total quality management provider competitive edge in the market and develop better
brand image in the market. From supplier to production, supply chain provides constant
support to achieve its desire outcomes. A successful implementation of supply chain
ensures progress and faster production cycle.
References
Bahoo, S., Alon, I., & Paltrinieri, A. (2020). Corruption in international business: A review
and research agenda. International Business Review, 29(4), 101660.
Beugelsdijk, S., Ambos, B., & Nell, P. C. (2020). Conceptualizing and measuring distance in
international business research: Recurring questions and best practice guidelines.
In Research methods in international business (pp. 449-498). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Buckley, P., & Casson, M. (2019). Decision-making in international business. Journal of
International Business Studies, 50(8), 1424-1439.
Bahoo, S., Alon, I., & Paltrinieri, A. (2020). Corruption in international business: A review
and research agenda. International Business Review, 29(4), 101660.

8. Chu, C. Y., Park, K., & Kremer, G. E. (2020). A global supply chain risk management
framework: An application of text-mining to identify region-specific supply chain
risks. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 45, 101053.
Ferraro, G. P. (2021). The cultural dimension of international business. Prentice Hall.
Filbeck, G., & Zhao, X. (2020). Supply Chain Disruptions: Firm, Competitor, Supplier, and
Customer Impact. International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain
Management (IJISSCM), 13(3), 78-108.
Ghauri, P., Strange, R., & Cooke, F. L. (2021). Research on international business: The new
realities. International Business Review, 30(2), 101794.
Ghauri, P., Strange, R., & Cooke, F. L. (2021). Research on international business: The new
realities. International Business Review, 30(2), 101794.
Gualandris, J., Longoni, A., Luzzini, D., & Pagell, M. (2021). The association between supply
chain structure and transparency: A large?scale empirical study. Journal of Operations
Management, 67(7), 803-827.
Hazen, B. T., Russo, I., Confente, I., & Pellathy, D. (2020). Supply chain management for
circular economy: conceptual framework and research agenda. International Journal of
Logistics Management, The.
Hult, G. T. M., Gonzalez-Perez, M. A., & Lagerström, K. (2020). The theoretical evolution and
use of the Uppsala Model of internationalization in the international business
ecosystem. Journal of International Business Studies, 51(1), 38-49.
Katsaliaki, K., Galetsi, P., & Kumar, S. (2021). Supply chain disruptions and resilience: a
major review and future research agenda. Annals of Operations Research, 1-38.
Koberg, E., & Longoni, A. (2019). A systematic review of sustainable supply chain
management in global supply chains. Journal of cleaner production, 207, 1084-1098.
Kopyto, M., Lechler, S., Heiko, A., & Hartmann, E. (2020). Potentials of blockchain technology
in supply chain management: Long-term judgments of an international expert
panel. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 161, 120330.
Kwak, D. W., Seo, Y. J., & Mason, R. (2018). Investigating the relationship between supply
chain innovation, risk management capabilities and competitive advantage in global supply
chains. International Journal of Operations & Production Management.

9. Maemunah, S., & Cuaca, H. (2021). Influence of epidemic COVID–19 on Business Strategy
information technology and supply chain agility to firm performance in medical device
industry. Linguistics and Culture Review, 5(S1), 661-669.
McMaster, M., Nettleton, C., Tom, C., Xu, B., Cao, C., & Qiao, P. (2020). Risk management:
Rethinking fashion supply chain management for multinational corporations in light of the
COVID-19 outbreak. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 13(8), 173.
McWilliam, S. E., Kim, J. K., Mudambi, R., & Nielsen, B. B. (2020). Global value chain
governance: Intersections with international business. Journal of World Business, 55(4),
101067.
Shams, R., Vrontis, D., Belyaeva, Z., Ferraris, A., & Czinkota, M. R. (2021). Strategic agility in
international business: A conceptual framework for “agile” multinationals. Journal of
International Management, 27(1), 100737.
Shao, X. F., Liu, W., Li, Y., Chaudhry, H. R., & Yue, X. G. (2021). Multistage implementation
framework for smart supply chain management under industry 4.0. Technological
Forecasting and Social Change, 162, 120354.
Sharma, P., Leung, T. Y., Kingshott, R. P., Davcik, N. S., & Cardinali, S. (2020). Managing
uncertainty during a global pandemic: An international business perspective. Journal of
business research, 116, 188-192.
Sirilertsuwan, P., Thomassey, S., & Zeng, X. (2020). A Strategic Location Decision-Making
Approach for Multi-Tier Supply Chain Sustainability. Sustainability, 12(20), 8340.
Verbeke, A., Coeurderoy, R., & Matt, T. (2018). The future of international business research
on corporate globalization that never was…. Journal of International Business
Studies, 49(9), 1101-1112.
Wang, J., Fan, X., & Zhang, T. (2021). Behaviour-based pricing and wholesaling contracting
under supply chain competition. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 72(9), 1943-
1959.
Wiedmer, R., & Griffis, S. E. (2021). Structural characteristics of complex supply chain
networks. Journal of Business Logistics, 42(2), 264-290.
Wieland, A., Bals, L., Mol, M. J., & Handfield, R. B. (2020). Overcoming blind spots in global
sourcing research: Exploiting the cross-sections between supply chain management and
international business. Journal of International Management, 26(1), 100709.
Witt, M. A. (2019). De-globalization: Theories, predictions, and opportunities for

10. international business research. Journal of International Business Studies, 50(7), 1053-
1077.
Wu, X. D., Guo, J. L., Li, C., Chen, G. Q., & Ji, X. (2020). Carbon Emissions embodied in the
global supply chain: Intermediate and final trade imbalances. Science of the Total
Environment, 707, 134670.
Zheng, X., Yin, M., & Zhang, Y. (2019). Integrated optimization of location, inventory and
routing in supply chain network design. Transportation Research Part B:
Methodological, 121, 1-20.
Oxford. (2021). Supply chain management and its Integral role in business today.
https://www.oxfordcollegeofprocurementandsupply.com/supply-chain-management-role-
business/
Daniel, D. (2017). Supply chain management (SCM).
https://searcherp.techtarget.com/definition/supply-chain-management-SCM
EASE. (2021). Total quality management (TQM). https://www.ease.io/total-quality-
management-tqm-a-primer/