Welcome to the Case Assignment assignment for the third module of the course. Please read the article below which concerns locating near customers, and also review the Background Readings.
Crammer, L. J. & Wegfahrt, A. M., (2006). Ranked #9 proximity to major markets. Area Development Site and Facility Planning, 41(5).
Abstract:
Although a company’s location criteria and business model change over time, it is really the customers who establish broad location strategy. Furthermore, the business model established by most companies will be based on customer preferences—which also change over time. For example, the old-school model used for manufacturing included the need to inventory raw materials and sub-assemblies at the manufacturing site.
Case Assignment
Then, in a 5- to 6-page paper answer the following question.
Do customers really drive location and how does this affect logistical planning? Choose a specific industry (e.g., beer, clothing, automobiles, etc.). Compare the location decision of a Manufacturing company, to a Distributor, to a Retail location. How much influence does the customer of each of these types of businesses have on the location decision? How does this effect the logistics of each?
Assignment Expectations
Research the topic with information from the background readings as well as any other resources you find on your own. The paper should be 5–6 pages in length and have a cover sheet and a reference page. Clarity of presentation is important, as well as your ability to cover the topic in a succinct, organized manner with research to back up your points. Use at least 3 different sources of information and annotate your sources of information appropriately on your references page and within the text as necessary. You will be assessed on how well you develop this case and demonstrate your understanding of location decisions as applied in a logistics context. Submit your assignment for grading by the end of this module.