Module No; 337BSS   MODULE TITLE; Business Logistics  2009-10

Coursework Title; BES Ltd               [Contributes 25% to total module mark] 

You have been tasked by the CEO to make an appraisal of the existing logistics structure described in the BES case, you can benchmark against any well known benchmark if you so wish.       

Critique and justify how this traditional logistical push supply chain can be improved utilising lean and collaboration concepts.        

Recognise the wider implications of making changes to BES’s supply chain on society, the environment and the effects of globalisation.    

Submission             by 4pm on date:  12/02/2010

This DJessay must be submitted, with a BES coursework cover sheet attached, to William Morris by 16.00 on the above deadline. 

The DJessay must also be submitted electronically in TURNITIN on the module web

1. Penalty for late submission is 10% of the mark per calendar week or part of week. (Up to 2 weeks, then zero awarded.) *NB Actual calendar weeks are counted, not just term time weeks.

2. Extensions will be in accordance with University and Faculty policy.  If in doubt you are advised to read the Guidelines for Assessed Coursework on STiLE.

Students MUST keep copies (electronic file if done on computer) of their DJessay.

Please also submit an electronic copy of your DJessay on a CD/disk and attach it to your report.  

The electronic version of your DJessay may be used to enable checks to be made using anti-plagiarism software and approved plagiarism checking websites.

Word Length;      1750 words maximum. (please write your word count your title page)

Any penalties for not complying with word limits will be in accordance with University and Faculty policy.

Learning Outcomes AssessedThe Essay is provided by UK DJessay 

1. Critically review organisational situations and develop relevant distribution and customer service strategies. 

2. Diagnose and appraise complex supply chain issues, including change of organisational ownership.

Marking Scheme 

 Max mark Mark attained

Introduction to the organisation and current situation 10 

You have been tasked by the CEO to make an appraisal of the existing logistics structure described in the BES case, you can benchmark against any well known benchmark if you so wish. 20 

Critique and justify how this traditional logistical push supply chain can be improved utilising lean and collaboration concepts.   30 

Recognise the wider implications of making changes to BES’s supply chain on society, the environment and the effects of globalisation. 20 

Recommendations and conclusion 10 

Structure and presentation of report 10 

                                                              Total  

                                                              Less any penalty  

                                                              Final mark

Return of Marked Work

Marked work will be returned via Reception/ in class / other (delete /amend as appropriate)

You can expect to have marked work returned to you by 4 weeks after the submission date

PLAGIARISM WARNING ! – DJessays should not be copied in part or in whole from any other source, except for any marked up quotations, that clearly distinguish what has been quoted from your own work. All references used must be given, and the specific page number used should also be given for any direct quotations, which should be in inverted commas. Students found copying from the internet or other sources will get zero marks and may be excluded from the university.

 

Note:  

Please make sure that your ID number and the module number appear on the actual coursework DJessay as well as on the cover sheet that you attach to it. (but don’t put your name for individual DJessays as marking is anonymous)

For large modules with multiple seminars your Seminar Group or Tutor’s name must be clearly shown, to ensure that your DJessay goes to the correct person for marking. ( Put the class day and time if you cannot remember tutor’s name)

The Essay is provided by UK DJessay http://www.ukDJessay.org 

BES Ltd

Background

BES Ltd is an international fertiliser manufacturer that has over 20 locations globally and in excess of 10 fertiliser processing plants and stores. The latter is expanding rapidly following a partnership agreement with an international farming conglomerate to develop distribution to UK member farmers. BES Ltd has also established a small foothold in the USA, India and several European countries. The company built their business on a fertiliser related platform but are looking to diversify into other sectors and value added services, including repackaging and branding of generic agricultural chemicals probably in partnership with a global player in the USA.

The company is organised into four regional strategic business units (SBUs) globally. The USA, Europe, the Middle East and the Asian continent. Each SBU is headed by a director who is directly responsible to the CEO who is located at the Coventry headquarters. Each SBU has a logistics manager who is responsible for implementation and support of supply chain and logistics matters within a “centralised logistic framework” and also for identifying, justifying, planning and implementing local supply chain projects.

Each SBU currently has a self contained logistics infrastructure and there is very little interaction between them.  BES’s operation is a push supply chain, concentrating on the efficient use of plants and ensuring available stock to meet sales forecasts. Logistics operations are centred around importing bulk materials from around the globe into a processing plant where many value added operations are undertaken such as mixing, fermenting and labelling. Drums of fertilizer are either stored in various locations or delivered directly to customers.  There are some regional SBUs who outsource logistical activities to specialist organisations, others operate in-house using their own vehicles and warehouses bought by BES.  The management control structures are very traditional based i.e. “command and control” hierarchies with budgets and key performance measures in place.  

Requirements and Deliverables;

1. You have been tasked by the CEO to make an appraisal of the existing logistics structure described in the BES case, you can benchmark against any well known benchmark if you so wish.         

2. Critique and justify how this traditional logistical push supply chain can be improved utilising lean and collaboration concepts.    

        

3. Recognise the wider implications of making changes to BES’s supply chain on society, the environment and the effects of globalisation.    

Intro to organisation and current situation – 10%

Q1  20%

Q2  30%

Q3  20%

Recommendation and conclusions – 10%

Structure and presentation of report – 10% 

Maximum word count is 1750 words (please write your word count on your title sheet).

The DJessay must also be submitted electronically in TURNITIN on the module web