A.

Research Questions on Your Designated Company (Sony):

1. Give a detailed description of your company's logistics operations:

Sony is a global corporation with diverse product lines, including electronics,

gaming, entertainment, and more. Their logistics operations involve managing the
transportation and distribution of a wide range of products, including televisions,
PlayStation consoles, music, and movies. They likely have a complex network of
warehouses, distribution centers, and transportation modes to efficiently move goods
worldwide.

2. Does your company employ any 3PL services? If so, give details:

To determine whether Sony employs 3PL services, you should check Sony's official
website, press releases, or annual reports. You can also search for any partnerships or
collaborations with 3PL providers in the news. If you can't find specific information,
you can make an educated guess based on the size and complexity of Sony's
operations, as large multinational corporations often use 3PL services for certain
aspects of their logistics.

3. What is the economic scale of your company's logistics transactions?

Sony's economic scale in logistics transactions would likely be on a macro-economic

level. Given Sony's global presence and the high value of their products, they likely
allocate significant financial resources to logistics. You can support this with
information about the number of products they manufacture, the number of markets
they serve, and the complexity of their supply chain. However, specific financial data
may be confidential.

B. Research Questions on Your Designated 3PL (Lean Supply Solutions):

1. Give a detailed overview of your type of 3PL:

Lean Supply Solutions is a third-party logistics provider that specializes in supply

chain management, warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment services. They aim to
optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce waste while ensuring the timely delivery
of products.

2. Research your designated company and give a complete description of services

provided:

To find detailed information on Lean Supply Solutions' services, you should visit
their official website, review their service offerings, and check for case studies or
client testimonials. They likely provide services such as inventory management, order
fulfillment, transportation, and supply chain consulting.

3. If you wanted to contract services through this company, what is the process?

The process for contracting services through Lean Supply Solutions typically involves
the following steps: a. Initial Consultation: Discuss your logistics needs and
 objectives with Lean Supply Solutions. b. Proposal: They will provide a proposal
outlining the specific services they recommend and associated costs. c. Contract
Negotiation: Agree on terms, including service levels, pricing, and the duration of the
contract. d. Implementation: Work together to implement the chosen logistics
solutions. e. Ongoing Management: Lean Supply Solutions will manage and optimize
the logistics operations.

C. Application Questions:

1. Does your 3PL company have any services that you would recommend to your
assigned company? Why?

Based on your research, if Lean Supply Solutions offers services that align with
Sony's logistical needs, you can recommend services such as supply chain
optimization, warehousing, and distribution. Provide specific reasons for your
recommendation, such as improved efficiency, reduced costs, or enhanced visibility.

2. Explain the model for Developing and Implementing Successful Supply Chain
Relationships:

The model for developing and implementing successful supply chain relationships
often involves the following steps: a. Assessment: Identify key goals and
requirements. b. Partner Selection: Choose a reliable 3PL provider. c. Agreement &
Contract: Define expectations, service levels, and responsibilities in a detailed
contract. d. Implementation: Collaborate on integrating the 3PL into existing
logistics processes. e. Monitoring & Improvement: Continuously assess
performance and make adjustments.

3. What expectations would each party (your company & 3PL) have in order to
navigate a successful relationship?

Let's focus on expectations from Sony's perspective: Sony expects Lean Supply
Solutions to:

o Ensure on-time and accurate deliveries.

o Optimize inventory management and reduce costs.
o Enhance supply chain visibility and communication.
o Handle peak demand efficiently.
o Provide flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
o Offer data-driven insights for continuous improvement.

Lean Supply Solutions would expect Sony to:

 Provide accurate forecasts and inventory data.

 Communicate changes and updates promptly.
 Collaborate on process improvements.
 Pay invoices on time.
 Offer long-term commitment for a stable relationship.
 Share performance feedback for mutual growth.