MNP3702 Assignment 1 Semester 1 Memo | Due 27 March 2025

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MNP3702 Assignment 1 Semester 1 | Due 27 March 2025. All questions answered. Read the following case study on Woolworths supply chain shortages and answer the questions that follow: Woolworths faces shortages amid supplier issues and heavy rains After South African comedian Rory Pezter posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the concerning lack of meat on Woolworths’ shelves, the company quickly responded to the issue. Pezter described the scene in his tweet as “apocalyptic.” Woolworths replied, “Hey Rory, we’re aware of a supplier issue that has reduced the meat supply in our stores. Restoring normal supply is our priority, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you during your shopping. We’re working on it, so please be patient.” According to a News24 article, the store faces brief red meat and fresh produce shortages in several locations, particularly in Gauteng. Woolworths stated that heavy rainfall in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal has significantly impacted the supply of fresh produce, including lettuce, spinach, and cauliflower. The company has tried to source food from other areas and hopes the shortages will be resolved soon. Woolworths emphasised that a supplier-related issue was the cause of the reduced quantity of red meat on its shelves. They reassured customers that their supplier was addressing the problem, and the company was optimistic that supplies would return to normal soon. Having read the case study about Woolworths’s shortage issues above, answer the following questions: ASSIGNMENT 01 QUESTIONS AND MARKS BREAKDOWN QUESTION 1 [4 marks] Argue whether Woolworths should use many suppliers or not. Justify your argument. QUESTION 2 [4 marks] As a supply chain specialist, explain to Woolworths the importance of demand management and how it could implement it to curb shortages in the future. QUESTION 3 [4 marks] Discuss how the role played by technology in the Woolworths case impacted supply chain management positively or negatively. QUESTION 4 [4 marks] Discuss what omnichannel is and how it has affected Woolworths’ inventory management system. QUESTION 5 [4 marks] The case study above indicated sustainable issues that affected Woolworths’ supply chain. Describe the sustainable issues highlighted in the case study AND discuss how the linkage between lean systems and environmental sustainability could be addressed by Woolworths in the future. Technical presentation (5) TOTAL 25 MARKS