Section A [100 marks]

Project instructions: As a consultant in logistics management, you are approached by Samsung to compile a report on applying of transport management principles in their logistics and supply chain environment. Given that they operate in an ever-changing environment, read the project statement provided and conduct additional research on Samsung before compiling your report. Before compiling your report conduct additional research on Samsung's investments as well as initiatives in South Africa and report their findings using an essay format. Project Statement/ : Samsung is looking to Africa to enhance its influence further afield. The latest Samsung Galaxy 5G phones and devices were recently launched in Johannesburg on Friday. 50,000 handsets were pre-ordered within South Africa, prior to the launch, indicating a general change in consumer trends amongst the middle classes across the continent. Samsung is now looking to use this as the starting point for a complete assault on the market, aiming for specific growth in Africa, to go alongside expansion in similar global regions too. The cost of some of its devices was thought to be a potential issue, but Samsung has declared its intentions to offer a varied enough range of products to suit all sectors of industries and the public. Rising smartphone ownership, fiber, mobile broadband usage and data traffic in Africa point to an attractive tech ecosystem, Samsungs success in Africa has been down to the companys ability to merge global technology with African knowledge. This year has been difficult for many African companies. Hindered by the downturn in oil and commodity prices and exchange rate volatility, African economies grew at their slowest rates on average in more than 20 years, weakening consumer purchasing power. In addition, African companies have also struggled with accessing credit due to unstable political environments and poor infrastructure.

Provide an analysis on why Samsung needed a strong strategy implementation management system to deal with changing customer trends. (15Marks)