Supply Chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Supply Chain - Essay Example II. Options of recommendation of a supply chain strategy: Keiretsu network The business will utilize the keiretsu network for the power tool company. Keiretsu is a network of organizations linked together by having a stake in each other's organization. The structure is usually likened to a spider's web and was designed to diffuse the adversarial relationship between buyer and supplier. The supplier also becomes a stakeholder of the organization and this set up induces the parties to work for their mutual benefit. This kind of relationship promotes cooperation and collaboration as each organization becomes a stakeholder in each other's organization whereby all stakeholders will share the fruit of profit or in the case of loss, also a share in the financial setback (Miyashia and Russel, 1994). The parts needed for the power tools (electric drills, saws, and sanders) are highly specialized and costly. It has a high learning curve and cannot be procured with any supplier overnight becaus e its specifications must be met before it can purchase from a certain supplier. Needless to say, a collaborative long-term and non-antagonistic relationship with suppliers is favorable for the company due to the requirements of its parts. The keiretsu procurement network serves this purpose. This kind of procurement strategy is aligned with the company's vision of producing the highest quality for its power tool because the company will be working close with its suppliers. Keiretsu is basically a collaborative supplier-client networking where each player has a stake in each other and this kind of supplier chain relationship serves this purpose. Power tools depend on the quality, timeliness and reasonability of the cost of its parts and it is imperative that the supplier that provides the parts of the power tools is committed to delivering its supplies according to those requirements. Of all the supply chain strategies, keiretsu network is the best option that serves the company's o bjectives. The best way to commit suppliers to provide supplies of quality, timely and cost effective is to build a relationship with them whereby the company can work with the supplier on how to better achieve these business objectives. This will not only produce better power tool products, but also allow better prices making the company more competitive in the market making keiretsu a top choice. The only downside of keiretsu network is that if a non-performing (tardy on delivery) and substandard (not meeting specifications) supplier is wrongly chosen, it would be difficult shake it off because the company has committed itself on a long-term basis, especially if there is a contract between the two parties. These issues can be easily remedied. For the issue of incorrectly choosing non-performing and substandard supplier, the power tool company must first establish a strict criteria before looking for a supplier. These criteria must reflect the objectives, quality standard and timel iness of the company and must be met by the supplier in consideration. This would avoid incorrectly choosing a wrong supplier. For the issue of binding the company to a wrong supplier, it can be remedied by stipulating an opt out and a fine in the event that supplier will renege the contract. This will compensate the company for any

Gas line explosion in Fresno Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gas line explosion in Fresno - Essay Example During the explosion, at least 11 people were injured. Most of the victims were inmates who were near the blast site. In this case, the inmates had been assigned cleaning and maintenance duties at the firing range (Marcum & Therolf, 2015). However, three other inmates were unhurt. Firefighters assigned to put out the explosion revealed that, the blaze blackened front loader and formed a crater at the site. The explosion however did not create property damage in the area. Although there were no indications that the PG&E Company had a hand in the fiery accident, the Fresno County Sheriffs are investigating the company’s natural-gas operations. Extensive scrutiny is conducted due to the company’s natural-gas operations that killed at least 8 people after the San Francisco blast in San Bruno suburb (Marcum & Therolf, 2015). On the other hand, the National Transportation Safety Board is blaming PG&E safety practices and Iax lapse by state regulators especially for this occurrence. The State regulators had earlier leveled the biggest-ever fine against utility in the state to cost at least $1.6 billion. This was against PG&E for its role in the Bruno blast (Marcum & Therolf, 2015). Catastrophic pipeline emergencies remain rare. However, with the increasing pipeline catastrophes across the United States, adequate preparation and responses remain important in minimizing life and property risks from pipeline emergencies. To plan effectively for pipeline catastrophes, it is important that emergency responders understand how best the emergency response works. Additionally, the authorities in charge must use resources and tools available in assisting with disaster preparedness and response. Excavators and pipeline organizations must always coordinate before digging. Communities must also consider implementing some of the recommended practices by the PIPA. Most of these recommendations address on people and property protection. They also