Successfully managing the supply chain.

Discuss the role of marketing, human resources (HR), and finance in successfully managing the supply chain.
A firm's global operations function is focused on managing the development, production planning, sourcing, and distribution of the company's products. Consider an international firm with which you are familiar, including the products that it produces and sells. This could be a firm that you used to or currently work for or a firm that you have heard or read about in the news.

Full Answer Section Finance: Finance plays a role in supply chain management by ensuring that the company has the right financial resources to manage the supply chain effectively. This includes budgeting for the supply chain, managing cash flow, and investing in supply chain infrastructure. Finance also plays a role in managing the supply chain by ensuring that the company is getting the best possible prices for its products and services. Here is an example of an international firm with which I am familiar: Apple. Apple is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple's products include the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple's global operations function is responsible for managing the development, production planning, sourcing, and distribution of Apple's products. The marketing, HR, and finance departments all play a role in supporting the global operations function. The marketing department is responsible for understanding customer needs and preferences, developing marketing campaigns, and setting prices. The HR department is responsible for recruiting and hiring employees, training employees, and developing career paths. The finance department is responsible for budgeting for the supply chain, managing cash flow, and investing in supply chain infrastructure. All of these departments work together to ensure that Apple's supply chain is managed effectively. This allows Apple to deliver its products to customers around the world in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Sample Answer here is a discussion of the role of marketing, HR, and finance in successfully managing the supply chain:
  • Marketing: Marketing plays a role in supply chain management by ensuring that there is a demand for the company's products. This includes understanding customer needs and preferences, developing marketing campaigns, and setting prices. Marketing also plays a role in managing the supply chain by ensuring that the company has the right amount of product in the right place at the right time.
  • Human resources (HR): HR plays a role in supply chain management by ensuring that the company has the right people with the right skills in the right places. This includes recruiting and hiring employees, training employees, and developing career paths. HR also plays a role in managing the supply chain by ensuring that employees are motivated and engaged