Assessment #2 – Report (Graded)

Refer to the case study from Chapter 13 on “Supply chain challenges in post-earthquake Japan” in your textbook (p. 421) in Bozarth and Handfield (2013), Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management, 3rd Edition, Pearson Education, Prentice hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
As an Operations & Supply Chain Manager for Toyota, you have been requested to provide advice to senior management of Toyota about the proposed ‘foolproof’ supply chain plan. Prepare a formal report addressing the issues faced in the automotive industry, its global supply chain and the questions raised in the case study.
You are required to cite at least SIX references to support your points in the report using the Harvard referencing system and including at least FOUR academic journal articles. An omission to include four journal articles or incorrect use of the Harvard referencing system will result in a failure for the Referencing component (worth 10 marks).
Format – the argument will be presented in a Report format. Suggested headings to be used include Executive Summary, Content page, Introduction, Key issues/challenges and Recommendations. Please use appropriate headings and sub-headings where necessary (Do not use Qn1, Qn2, etc… as headings)
The objective of this assignment is to enable you to situate yourself in and analyse the facts of the organisation, the situation and to present your analysis and recommendations in a report which is convincing, well supported and within word constraints.
Requirements for Assignment 2:

• Use Arial Font size 12.
• 1.5 line spacing.
• Reference list on a separate page after conclusion.
• Use Harvard Style of referencing only.
• Do NOT use footnotes.
• Print word count at the end of your assignment (conclusion section).
• Print your name and student ID in header on each page.
• Number each page.

Note that the body of the assignment should contain around 2,000 words (+ or – 200 words). The Executive Summary and Reference sections do not contribute to the overall word count. The report (including the Reference section) must also demonstrate that it utilises the Harvard referencing style in a consistent manner. For information on Harvard referencing visit the following website: http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/learn/manreferences.aspx
Marking criteria and standards
Marks will be awarded for:

• relevance of your answer to the question
• originality and creative thought
• research up-to-date with the topic
• clarity of expression
• supporting documentation for arguments
• correct documentation and use of at least SIX sources of references including journal articles (Harvard Referencing system within context)
• logical planning and sequence
• use of inclusive language
• overall presentation, including correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
• comprehensive coverage reflecting engagement with readings, texts and other relevant materials.

Content page (2 marks)
Executive summary (1 page) (10 marks)
Introduction (8 marks)
Content : (45 marks)
– addressing the supply chain strategy
– Critiquing the concepts of lean and JIT
Recommendations (15 marks)
– suggesting at least 5 points to improve supply chain operations
English Expression (10 marks)
Referencing (10 marks )
TOTAL 100 marks