Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics Management Essay

Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics Management - Essay Example This is a flexible method because Dell sells through retail outlets. Dell also kept track of customer’s inventory, allowing them to order PCs directly rather than going through the hassles of purchasing. (Kraemer, Dedrick, and Yamashiro 2000) The advantage in Dell’s strategy is that it minimizes inventory. Dell’s method is direct selling, and selling through the Internet. At Dell Computer, speed and balance are the secret weapons to creating value. (CNET Networks Inc. 2007) Hewlett-Packard (HP) does not rely on outsourcing of supplies. Rather than relying on a network of partners, the company builds its PCs in-house. HP computers are of highest quality. Management believes that every part and component should be designed and produced in house. Since the beginning, HP had been making its own screws. HP people focused on developing new technology internally, resisting collaboration with outside partners to leverage existing technology. (Mendelson and Siegler 1999, 134) Executive management is right on the top, which means this is the top echelon of the company or business. Important decisions and company strategies have to come from this part of the organization because they affect the operation, to include the future and success of the organization. Supply management is equally important as in other strategic decisions processes in the organization. Supply management sustains the lie of organization. Without an effective supply chain, business cannot thrive or be successful in the long run. Operation is the process by which goods and services are created. We find productive processes in all kinds of organized activities such as factories, offices, supermarkets, and hospitals. Production and operations management deals with decision making related to productive processes to ensure that the resulting goods or services are