What’s in your jeans?

A supply chain brainstorming case study…

It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a
typhoon halfway around the world. – Chaos Theory

Thinking about the interconnectivity of the global economy, consider how the decisions made by
one actor, influenced by their individual priorities, pressures, and risks, impact others within a
global supply chain.

Take your average pair of jeans with many of the stakeholders involved in this
product and process!!!

For each of these stakeholders (Cotton Farm; Spinning Mill; Garment Factory; Brand; Consumer;
Government), ask yourself:

1. What are your priorities? – e.g. make profit, buy fashionable, cheap clothes
2. What pressures and risks do you face? – e.g. time pressure, price pressure
3. What are the related risks upstream and downstream in your supply chain? e.g. environmental
impact, child labor in cotton fields, fire and injury at garment factories
1) What are your priorities as a_____?
e.g., make a profit, buy fashionable and cheap clothes...
Cotton Farm:

Spinning Mill:

Garment Factory:

Brand:

Consumer:

Government:

2) What pressures do you face as a_____?

e.g., time pressure, price pressure...
Cotton Farm:

Spinning Mill:

Garment Factory:

Brand:

Consumer:

Government:
3) What are the related risks upstream and downstream in your supply chain?
Cotton Farm:

Spinning Mill:

Garment Factory:

Brand:

Consumer:

Government: