Your assignment should be word processed (handwritten assignments are not accepted), using time new roman size 12 font, double spaced, with numbered pages. The word limits stated for this assignment excludes the reference list at the end of the assignment but includes all text in the main body of the assignment (including direct quotations, in-text citations, footnotes, tables, diagrams and graphs). Please be aware that exceeding the word count limit will affect the academic judgement of the piece of work and may result in the award of a lower mark. Appendices are not considered a supplement, and thus, will not be assessed as part of the content of the assignment. As such, they will not contribute to the grade awarded; however it may be appropriate to use an Appendices section for any material which is a useful reference for the reader. Please note that appendices are not included in the word count. The majority of references should come from primary sources (e.g., journal articles, conference papers, reports, etc.) although you can also utilise area specific textbooks. You must ensure that you use the APA 7th edition referencing. Please indicate the word count length at the end of your assignment. A page summarizing the contribution of each member should be attached at the back of the document Marking and assessment This assignment will be marked out of 100% This assignment contributes 50% of the total module marks. ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC The Case of Palmetrix Distributors Palmetrix Distributors has been in operation since 1982 and has been distributing products to supermarkets, groceries, pharmacies, hospitals, variety stores, restaurants, and duty-free outlets of major markets within South America. For most of its years the company has been located in the capital of Bogota and has been competing head-to-head with the most successful foreign imports and even local producers. But they have been losing ground to the high-tech, high-quality, reasonable price image competitors. The General Manager of Palmetrix wants to take on a new product concept and has charged the team to assess if adding a new line of supplements to their roster, if it will increase their market share allowing them to regain their long-term competitive position both in domestic and in possibly new foreign markets. Quite a formidable mission and is not without a financial risk, this new product is manufactured outside of their headquarters. Palmetrix has the proximity to large numbers of potential customers and has a relative abundance of transportation options that has influenced their decision to take on this new product. The manufacturing process will definitely not be handled by Palmetrix hence having to source the product for final customers; adding to their long list of more than over a hundred suppliers. Palmetrix Distributors relies primarily on transportation and an excellent logistics system to reduce order cycle times and inventory costs and to keep supplies amiving at the best times as possible. The retailers that the company supplies each have well-defined market areas; however retailers are not given specific delivery dates, they are given the scheduled date of arrival of goods to Palmetrix Distributors and retailers prices are also set by the Palmetrix Distributors. Questions 1. Explain the role of logistics in carrying out the addition of the new product for Palmetrix Distributors. (consider factors such as customer satisfaction, information and the physical flow of the good) ( 25 marks) 2. Assess the relationship between Palmetrix Distributors and its retailers. (10marks) 3. What factors exist in Palmetrix relying on transportation and how would this affect the ability of the company to supply its goods and their overall operations? (10 marks) 4. What suggestions do you have for Palmetrix Distributors in being able to regain their ground from other high-tech, high-quality, reasonable price image competitors? (15 marks)