Managing Operations
1) Introduction This is an introduction to the case study of Somerset Furniture. The main talk of the event would be about global supply chain and its impact towards Somerset furniture. In this case study we reverse the history, background, and anatomy of Somerset Furniture. From the introduction of the company we learn about the journey needed in developing and manufacturing the product lines. The journey of Somerset Furniture will dictate on why the company started to outsource and also learn about the time frame involving in planning, processing, developing, shipment and manufacturing of the product lines. In the next phase we learn of the constraints of problematic issues faced by Somerset Furniture. One of the major issues needed to be dealt with was the delay shipment of manufactured product lines by Somerset Furniture which led to a few more difficulties in the later issues that will be discuss. The next major issues needed to be dealt with by Somerset Furniture, was the excess inventories which is a hassle. In accordance with access inventories it also let to another difficulty which was produce obsolesce. Taking in account, quality and also be an issue that Somerset Furniture came across with distinctive complications. The quality constraints aroused due to human and geographical factors. The last difficulties that needed to be dealt with was the policies of Somerset Furniture (guaranteed product lines for the duration of one year) against replacement of guaranteed furniture parts due to policies given out by the Chinese suppliers. In a later review, we will discuss the solutions needed to be taken in order to overcome the problem faced by Somerset Furniture. We will initiate knowledge on better communication skills between the chain supply management of Somerset Furniture and overseas manufacturers which are the Chinese suppliers. We also need to understand the method taken to overcome excess inventories whereby the bartering
References: Roeder, J. (2001) Dallas Business Journal: D-FW is a strong link in global supply chain [Online] Available at: http://boston.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2001/09/03/focus3.html (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Decker, B. (2009) Denver Business Journal: Business proverbs provide insight abroad [Online] Available at: http://dallas.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/06/29/smallb4.html (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Bergler, T. Steinger, W. (2008) Portland Business Journal: Even small companies can manage supply chain risk [Online] Available at: http://dallas.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2008/04/21/smallb2.html (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Graham, G. (1997) Wichita Business Journal: Tough question: `How good is quality? ' [Online] Available at: http://dallas.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/1997/12/29/newscolumn3.html (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Culver, D. (1996) Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal: Implementing TQM right the second time [Online] Available at: http://dallas.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/1996/10/28/editorial2.html (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Thimangu, PL. (2007) St. Louis Business Journal: Unload excess inventory Internet makes it simple to barter, sell goods worldwide (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Zbar, J (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Reisinger, B (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Cook, J (Accessed: 26 September 2010) Priest, BJ