Assessment Description: Using the two quotations presented as an initial focus point, comprehensively answer each of these questions

1. Amazon began as an on-line book retailer. How has it grown to be known as the "everything store"?
2. What aspects of Amazon's operations management are based on the increased globalisation of world trade?
3. Amazons marketplace focuses on smaller sellers and manufacturers by linking them with a huge customer base and fulfillment program. Can e-commerce ever truly replace the in-person shopping experience?
4. What are (or could be) the real long-term implications of the increased presence of Amazon to the Australian Retail Industry?

You are expected to conduct sufficient research into the topics that will help you construct your answers, and the research is to be used to support your statements and assertions.

How Amazon Is Changing Supply Chain Management

The rate of Amazons innovations in supply chain management has been mesmerizing. The rate of change has been incredible, making it difficult for lower volume competitors to keep up. Amazon is forcing its major competitors to invest more in supply chain automation, lessen the overall product delivery time, increase the number of warehouses, and even engage in product manufacturing. Amazon is already out of reach for most online e-commerce competitors. At the same time, its acquisition of Whole Foods is another bold declaration of its move into bricks and mortar, further emphasizing the convergence of traditional retail and e-commerce strategies.

Most importantly, Amazons unique supply chain strategies and continuous technological innovations have already changed the way supply chain management works. With impending advances in robotics, drones and other autonomous vehicles, one can only guess what the future holds for Amazon.

The secrets behind Amazon's success

"Patience, relentless investment and serial innovation have helped Jeff Bezoss company 'shred the competition'

At some point in the near future, 85% of the worlds products will be available on Amazon. That was the startling view, privately expressed, by the head of consumer markets at a big global management consultancy to me two years ago. This was the goal, he said, towards which chief executive officer Jeff Bezos was marching Amazon. Once reached, this would be a strategic, operational and financial game changer for the business.