Case Study: Samsung

Samsung Supply Chain Strategy

Samsung Electronics has long been known for its innovative approach to supply chain management. The company has invested heavily in its supply chain strategy, which has helped it remain competitive and at the forefront of technological advancements. Samsung$$s supply chain strategy focuses on leveraging its global presence, aligning its operations and production processes with customer needs, and creating an efficient and cost$-$effective supply chain. This strategy has enabled Samsung to remain a leader in the fast$-$paced consumer electronics industry.

Samsung$$s supply chain strategy also includes using advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things to optimize production, logistics$,$ and customer service. These initiatives enable Samsung to respond quickly to market demands and supply chain disruptions while maintaining high$-$quality standards. Through its innovative supply chain strategy, Samsung has increased efficiency, reduced costs, and ensured customer satisfaction.

Globalization and Localization

Globalization is an important part of Samsung$$s supply chain strategy. Globalization allows Samsung to gain access to resources, markets, and labour from around the world. By globalizing its supply chain, Samsung can reduce costs and increase efficiency. Additionally, Samsung has expanded its market reach, allowing it to access new markets and customers. At the same time, Samsung has also implemented a localized strategy. This localized strategy involves localizing supply chain operations to Samsung$$s specific markets. By localizing the supply chain, Samsung can better meet customers$$ needs in its target markets. This also allows Samsung to meet customer demands more efficiently and reduce costs associated with shipping.

Automation and Efficiency

In order to increase efficiency, Samsung has implemented an automation strategy. Automation allows Samsung to automate many processes, increasing efficiency and cost savings. Automation has allowed Samsung to reduce the amount of manual labour required, resulting in less time and money spent on labour. In addition to automation, Samsung has also focused on increasing efficiency through advanced technology. Samsung has implemented technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in logistics to improve its supply chain operations. These technologies have allowed Samsung to increase its efficiency and reduce costs associated with its supply chain operations.

$($Source: Samsung, April $2023)$

Question $1$

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Through its innovative supply chain strategy, Samsung has increased efficiency, reduced costs, and ensured customer satisfaction.

Discuss with examples the three levels of strategy within the four perspectives of the operations strategy $(15)$

Question $2$

Assume Samsung as part of their innovation process decided to outsource some of the processes to a contract or third$-$party manufacturer. Discuss the objectives or factors that Samsung should consider in making their decision to outsource their process $(15)$

Question $3$

Samsung has implemented technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in logistics to improve its supply chain operations. Using examples in relation to the case study, answer the following questions. $(20)$

$3\mathrm{.}1$ Describe the block chain concept and how it could be used in Samsung $(5)$

$3\mathrm{.}2$ Discuss are five basic principles underlying the technology of blockchain in supply networks $(15)$