Using appropriate concepts and theories from Block 2, Sessions 3 and 4, identify and discuss three main threats and three main opportunities that should be considered by Pedego Electric Bikes in managing their operations with global suppliers and customers. (25 marks)

The case is available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/ libraryservices/ resource/ newspaperarticle:138318&f=33211

Guidance Notes: Question 1:

This question asks you to use appropriate concepts and theories from Block 2, Sessions 3 and 4 to identify three main threats and three main opportunities to be considered by e-bike manufacturers like Pedego Electric Bikes. Block 2, Session 3 looks at international operations and the challenges to manage operations situated abroad; the way an international/global supply chain such as in the case of Pedego Electric Bikes are structured, and how (global) sourcing and manufacturing decisions can have an implication to different members of the supply chain (e.g. dealers, retail shops). You should consider that Pedego Electric Bikes is operating in a global context, and has supply chain members (mainly suppliers, and factories) in different regions of the world.

Block 2, Sessions 3 and 4 discusses various aspects that look at the benefits of supply chain management; supply chain integration from vertical to horizontal integration, internationalisation of operations, international operations network configurations, offshoring/reshoring, and outsourcing that are relevant to different sectors. It also gives an understanding of how to manage inventory processes and what the bullwhip effect is in the context of supply chain as well as how to improve integration and collaboration between supply chain members.

All these aspects can be observed from the context of the e-bike supply chain.

12 marks will be awarded on the basis of the appropriateness of the three main threats and three main opportunities that you have identified (two marks each) in the case of e-bike manufacturers; there are no standard answers, but you should make sensible and reasonable points.

The other 13 marks will be awarded on the basis of your discussion using appropriate module concepts and/or theories presented in Sessions 3 and 4. Give a theoretically sound explanation of the points you make about threats and opportunities by referring to some of the concepts highlighted above and captured in the case study. Marks will be assigned on the basis of the coherence, quality and appropriateness of the arguments made.