The Changing Global Context of International Business - Essay Example

? Global Operations Management Task: Global Operations Management Introduction In any business setting, the essentials of global operations management are paramount in understanding the requirements of customers and needs of the market. Similarly, the components of the supply chain in the context of attaining the corporate goals of a company must be evaluated while considering the factors of strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, this paper aims at discussing the background of Coca Cola Company in terms of its supply management and satisfying the requirements of customers (Buckley, 2003). Additionally, this discussion is going to weigh the demerits of various supply chains of the beverage company and the necessary solutions. Furthermore, the paper discusses the importance of quality management and measurement while considering the significance of enterprise processing planning system. Background Coca Cola Company was founded in 1892 and is Beverage Corporation that deals in manufacturing, retailing and marketing of its non-alcoholic products globally (Pendergrast, 2000). These products include Coke, Dasani Nutriwater, Bacardi and Minute Maid among others. Similarly, the company provides its numerous products totaling over 500 brands in over 200 nations with servings exceeding 1.7 billion. Additionally, Coca Cola Company with an employee base of about 139, 600 spread in various parts of the world accrues revenue amounting to $11.809 annually. Besides doing business, this global corporation participates in charity ventures as a gesture of its corporate missions. For instance, it offers scholarships to students in America to acquire quality education and become better citizens. Furthermore, the company participates in environmental awareness programs by planting trees and offering support in the reduction HIV/AIDS menace, in Africa. Components The beverage company has six major components that are involved in its supply’s chain. For instance, there is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) which is involved in their relations with clients, customers and aspects of sales (Flynn et al, 2010). Similarly, the Company uses Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) technique of its supply chain, and it entails maintenance of the structure concerning major suppliers of the company. In addition, they use Demand Management, which involves balancing the needs of clients in terms of the strength of the supply chain. Alternatively, there is the Return Management tackles the field of returns, gate keeping and reverse logistics among others of the supply chain. Furthermore, there is the Manufacturing Flow Management that assists Coca Cola in evaluating its activities that are paramount in exercising supply flexibility. There is also Customer Service Management (CSM) that works on solving problems that can affect customers directly. Potential Problems and Solutions There are various potential problems that are related to the above components of Coca Cola’s supply chain. For instance, unexpected demands from customers may affect the effectiveness of CRM. Therefore, the company should make their missions and values clear to clients. Additionally, in (SRM), the reduction of stock because of inadequate capital may cause supply problems. This means the company always has sufficient capital to re-stock (Lambert, 2008). On the other hand, in Demand Management, the problem lies constant customer complains because of limited supply. In this case, the company should increase its distribution channels to satisfy its customers. Alternatively, in Return Management, ineffective reports about returns and logistics may cause an imbalance in correct assessment. Therefore, it is imperative for the company to conduct a thorough analysis of its reports. Similarly, in Manufacturing Flow Management, the challenge lies in causing supply inflexibility and the solution is to employ more staff to carry out the supply. Finally, in (CSM), the challenge is when the company fails to attend to all complaints of customers, and this can be solved by handling several problems once. Quality management and measurement Quality management is significant in a number of ways in the context of measurement within the global context. For example, it has four components, which entail of quality planning, quality control; quality assurance and quality improvement that assesses goods or services and makes them work for the company (Fryman, 2003). On that aspect, Coca Cola Company employs the components of quality management in terms of assurance and planning to evaluate the measurement of its sales and profits. Additionally, this also translates to the analysis and documentation of reports concerning returns and logistics which are known to affect the supply chain of the beverage company. Alternatively, the significance of quality management and measurement lies assessing the aspects of sales, customer feedback and the market demands. Figure 1 Control Chart: Out-of-Control Signals  Implementation of ERP There numerous benefits of implementing enterprise resource planning system in order to streamline operations and achieve efficiencies between operating departments of Coca Cola Company. For example, through integration of inside and outside information related to management across the beverage company, (ERP) assists in effective evaluation of management reports (Hamilton, 2003). Similarly, (ERP) systems use software application that automates various activities that involve finances, manufacturing and customer relationship management among others in the operational departments of Coca Cola. Furthermore, implementation of an (ERP) system controls the course of information between different departments in the beverage company while managing key networks with external stakeholders. Concerns to be addressed There are numerous concerns to be addressed within the structure of the Coca Cola Company. For instance, the constant complaints by customers concerning inadequate supply and distribution if its beverage products. This will give its major rival, Pepsi, an upper hand in manipulating the market. Similarly, the beverage company needs to spread in various nations because of the popularity of its products in order to maximize on sales and increased profits (Fryman, 2003). On the other hand, the shortage of staff to perform its manufacturing, retailing and marketing functions should take a high precedence in its corporate missions. This means improving on its work ethics of better remuneration and motivation of its workers. Conclusion In summary, for any business enterprise to succeed, there should be an elaborate operation management to oversee the sales and market activities of any company. Similarly, the Coca Cola Company should experiment with various techniques of understanding the growing needs of clients by adopting modern methods of doing business (Lambert, 2008). For example, the beverage should implement the enterprise resource planning system where all information is automated for the purpose of achieving efficiency. Additionally, the complaints and concerns of the clients should be given early consideration to reduce cases of reduced sales and losses. References Buckley, P. (2003). The changing global context of international business. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Flynn, B et al. (2010). Managing Global Supply Chain Relationships: Operations, Strategies and Practices. New York, NY: IGI Global. Fryman, M. (2003). Quality and process improvement. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning Hamilton, S. (2003). Maximizing your ERP system: a practical guide for managers. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Professional. Lambert, D. (2008). Supply chain management: processes, partnerships, performance. New York, NY: Supply Chain Management Inst. Pendergrast, M. (2000). For God, country and Coca-Cola: the definitive history of the great American soft drink and the company that makes it. New Jersey, NJ: Basic Books. Read More