QUESTION TWO [25] Case Study: GlobalTechs Operational Challenges GlobalTech is a multinational electronics manufacturer facing significant operational inefficiencies. The company struggles with: 1. Data fragmentation: Sales, production, and finance departments use separate databases, leading to conflicting customer and supplier records. 2. Supply chain delays: Production often misses deadlines due to poor communication with suppliers. 3. Inventory issues: Overstocking of unpopular products and stockouts of highdemand items due to reliance on outdated forecasts. 4. Customer dissatisfaction: Customized orders take weeks to fulfill, while competitors like Dell deliver in days. Questions: 2.1 Analysis of Problems (8) o Explain how data fragmentation impacts GlobalTechs decision-making and operational efficiency. o Identify the root causes of supply chain delays and inventory mismanagement using concepts from the push-based and pull-based models. 2.2 Enterprise System Solutions (10) o Propose how implementing an ERP system could address GlobalTechs data fragmentation. Include specific modules (e.g., finance, HR, production) and explain how integrated data would improve crossfunctional collaboration. o Discuss why adapting GlobalTechs processes to predefined ERP workflows (vs. customizing the software) might yield long-term benefits, referencing industry best practices. 2.3 Supply Chain Transformation (7) o Recommend a shift from a push-based to a pull-based supply chain model. Explain how this would reduce inventory costs and improve customer response times. o Outline two challenges GlobalTech might face when integrating its ERP system with Internet-enabled supply chain management tools (e.g., extranets, real-time forecasting).