Research, map, analyze, and redesign the supply chain of a real organization. The organization must be a local business, nonprofit, church, school, community organization, or your employer. This project requires an original interview or observation and analysis of a unique dataset. The unique datasets are accessible in the "Announcement and Files" sections in Canvas.
Project Requirements
1. Organization Profile (1–2 pages)
Conduct an interview or observational study of a real organization. Include what the organization does, its customers, top products/services, challenges, and a photo you have taken of the location.
2. End-to-End Supply Chain Mapping (1–2 pages)
Create a visual supply chain flow map showing suppliers, inbound logistics, production/service operations, distribution, customers, and reverse logistics. (Hand-drawn or software-generated.)
3. Original Dataset Analysis (1–2 pages)
Use the custom dataset provided to you. Calculate one forecast (moving average or trend), evaluate KPIs, identify patterns, and explain how this data informs planning decisions.
4. Risk Assessment & Bullwhip Effect (1 page)
Identify two risks the organization faces, explain how the Bullwhip Effect might occur, and describe real-world consequences.
5. Supply Chain Redesign Proposal (1–2 pages)
Recommend improvements using forecasting, inventory decisions, procurement strategy, transportation mode changes, coordination methods, risk mitigation, and appropriate technologies.
6. Presentation (10 minutes)
Create a recorded presentation summarizing your findings. Your face and voice must appear at least once.
Sample Answer
The map must visually connect all stages. You can use a SIPOC diagram structure but extend it to cover the entire flow.
Suppliers: Coffee farmers/cooperatives (Brazil, Ethiopia, etc.), Green Bean Importer, Milk/Dairy Distributor, Paper Goods/Cups Vendor, Roasting Equipment Maintenance.
Inbound Logistics: Shipping container to importer, LTL (Less-than-Truckload) freight from importer to roastery warehouse, local daily delivery of milk/perishables.
Production/Service Operations:
Phase 1 (Production): Green beans $\rightarrow$ Roasting Process $\rightarrow$ Cooling/Degassing $\rightarrow$ Packaging (whole beans).
Phase 2 (Service): Packaged beans/Milk/Water $\rightarrow$ Grinding $\rightarrow$ Brewing/Barista Service $\rightarrow$ Customer (in-store).
Distribution:
B2C: Direct sale in-store.
B2B: Owner or manager delivers bulk orders to local restaurants/offices weekly.
Customers: Individual consumers and Local Wholesale Clients.
Reverse Logistics: Customer returns of stale coffee bags (rare), Recycling of cardboard/paper products, Disposal of coffee chaff (roasting byproduct).
📊 3. Original Dataset Analysis (1–2 pages)
You must use the custom dataset provided in Canvas (e.g., daily sales, inventory levels, lead times, etc.).
Calculation & Evaluation
Forecasting: Choose a relevant item (e.g., daily cups of drip coffee sold).
Moving Average (MA): Use the last 3 or 4 periods to forecast the next day's demand. Explain why you chose MA (e.g., to smooth out random daily fluctuations).
Trend: If the data shows a clear upward or downward pattern over time, calculate a simple linear trend line to forecast future demand.
KPI Evaluation: Select 2–3 relevant Key Performance Indicators and calculate them using the dataset.