Delivering Value Efficient and Effective Supply Chain

Question: Discuss about the Delivering Value Efficient and Effective Supply Chain. Answer: Introduction Business integration involves the alignment of Information Technology with the business activities. Thus, it is a strategy that many organizations want to enhance to gain a competitive advantage. Effective business integration improves close coordination of various parties and departments within the organization (Ireland et al., 2008, p. 56). The discussions below evaluate how the firm establishes its structure to enhance its reputation in the environment. It defines the roadmap of the company by declaring its objectives and the direction of its growth. The vision is the current and the future image of a company (Andre et al. 2012). It tends to guide the internal decision-making process basing on the economic foresight. The vision serves as a tool to guide in choosing the actions plans to take. It is a statement established to communicate the purpose for which the firm was established. The mission explains the reasons as to why the company came into existence and clearly outlines the goals of the organization. The mission ad vision statements should focus on the core values of the firm. Creation of such statements requires more time and effort hence a waste of resources. However, they have great value for a given firm both internally and externally. First, they are used in defining the performance standards of the company. It is because they provide a clear direction and purpose for all the activities carried out in the firm. Secondly, they are used by the managers to make decisions on the strategic issues and the significant economic and technological changes to establish (Collins Jerry, 2004). They also act as an inspiration to employees and motivate them to be more productive by focusing on common goals. The statements also establish the framework for the firms ethical issues. Well formulated visions and missions, enlist the external support and links the customers, suppliers and other alliance partners. Lastly, they play a vital role in enhancing the public relations. The Coca Cola Company Vision is; to inspire staffs through the creation of a Conducive environment. The healthy environment allows the provision a variety of drinks and brands to meet clients desires. The vision further extends to nurturing a winning network of partners and building mutual loyalty. This network creates responsible citizens who greatly assist in supporting sustainable communities. Furthermore, the workability of all strategic plans guided by the vision enhances maximization of long-term return to shareholders. Mission statement: Coca Cola mission is to refresh the world in the mind, the body and finally the spirit. This refreshment is through inspiring moments of optimism and happiness from the products and brands provided. Yes, they are. It is because the companys statements are detailed and comprehensive enough to show the future direction of the company. They include; bottling partners, consumers, customers, employees, suppliers, government and regulatory authorities, suppliers, shareowners and trade groups. The framework consists of five fundamental forces as outlined by Porters and are used to evaluate Barracuda Inc. as follows; first, the competitive rivalry which involves coming up with innovative ideas to gain a competitive advantage.It requires establishing strong brands that attract more customers than competitors (Porter 2008). The threats of new entrants that cover customer loyalty to established brands and industry profitability. The other force is a threat of substitutes. It means that the customers have a wide variety of products and services. The bargaining power of suppliers establishes the strength of distribution channel and the vendor concentration to firm concentration ratio. Lastly, the bargaining power of customers is a factor that considers the uniqueness of products. Therefore Barracuda can have the opportunities below; control of the market share, establishing strong loyalty brands and reduction in fragmentation of retailers. The threats include; decrease in profit ability, new importations, a variety of substitutes for the customers which leads to low prices and stiff competition due to the acquisition of the established companies. The external environment includes; the general environment that involves the factors that affect the industry as a whole, for example, the economic, legal, political, and social forces. Next is the industry environment. It comprises of factors which cannot be controlled by marketing such as the demographics, lifestyle of individuals and the cycle changes. Lastly is the competitor environment. It involves the market structure forces that affect the how the firm competes (Fjeldstad Ketels, 2006). The analysis and collection of data about the environment help the company to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats surrounding it. The value chain activities For one to gain a competitive advantage he has to create unique benefits and do things better than competitors such as the ones carried out in Heartsong's LLC and they include; the provision of high-quality products which leads to the enhancement of the companys image worldwide. Significant investment in basic heart valve RD through financing the production runs will ensure that a variety of these products and services are available at all times (Adewole, 2008). Carrying additional inventories will reduce the overall costs of production and eventually high returns. Last but not least, contracting the procurement services which can help in generating smart revenue recognition and improves efficiency as time is saved to help focus on the main competencies. The implications of outsourcing Outsourcing to competitors of a client company has several implications which include; the supply chain can be fragmented and disintegrated by the competitors. It also leads to corporate complacency. Lastly, it undermines the relationship between the firm and its customers. Conclusion It is crucial for companies to outline their vision and mission statements clearly. Also, it can enhance the image and reputation of the through the declaration of the firm's purpose, direction and objectives. Further, the effective use of the five forces competitive framework and value chain activities promotes business integration. References Adewole, A. (2008). Delivering Value through Efficient and Effective Supply Chain Management, Seminar Paper, April 2008, Presentation to the Nigerian Institute of Management, London Branch, pp 253-289 Andre, P., Bernstein, M., Luther, K. (2012). Vision statement: What makes a great tweet. Harvard Business Review. Collins, J., Jerry, I. (2004). Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies. Collins Business. pp 209-476 Fjeldstad, D. and Ketels, K. (2006).Value configurations and competitive advantage: Analyzing the case of a Swedish Life Insurance company, Long Range Planning 39(2), 109-131 Ireland, R. D., Hoskisson, R., Hitt, M. (2008). Understanding business strategy: Concepts and cases. Cengage Learning pp 56-85 Porter, M.E. (2008).The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy, Harvard Business Review, pp 56-109