Answer 1.

The skills required for an effective globalised Operations and Supply Chain may differ based on the
industry and business objectives. However, some important competencies that may be applied to
most firms are as follows:

1. Strategic forecasting and planning

2. Risk management and reduction
3. Purchasing and supplier management
4. Inventory control and optimization
5. Quality control and ongoing improvement
6. Management of logistics and transportation
7. Data analytics and information technologies
8. Communication and cooperation

Being a semiconductor manufacturer with global demand, mitigation and prevention of risk would
be my top concern. The semiconductor industry is fiercely competitive, and any weakness in the
supply chain can have serious consequences for corporate operations and revenue. Furthermore,
with increasing international conflicts and natural calamities, the danger of supply chain
interruptions has increased.

As a result, as a semiconductor manufacturer, it is critical to have a solid mitigation and

management of risks plan in place. This involves understanding potential hazards, creating
contingency plans, strengthening the supply chain, and cultivating trustworthy connections with
partners and vendors. By prioritizing managing risks and mitigation, the company can reduce the
adverse effects of any supply chain disturbances and assure the continuation of operations and
customer delivery.

Answer 2.

As the founder of a service company facing layoffs in the information technology and online retail
industries, there are various steps you may take to ensure your industry's viability throughout its
life cycle.

Diversify the revenue sources:

Having numerous sources of income in your organization might help to mitigate the impact of
layoffs. If one stream fails, you can count on the others to continue keeping your business
running. Investigate additional goods or services that your company can provide to diversify its
revenue streams.

Investment in technological advancement:

The COVID-19 has pushed technology adoption in a variety of businesses. Make an investment
in digital transformation in order to stay ahead of the competition and serve your consumers
better. This will also allow you to simplify your processes and minimize costs, which will lessen
the consequences of future layoffs.

Establish strong alliances:

 Working with other companies in your field may offer access to new sectors, resources, and
knowledge. Form strong alliances that will assist you in weathering the adverse conditions of
industry life cycles.

Always prioritize retaining employees:

Layoffs can have a detrimental impact on employee morale as well as efficiency. To avoid this,
prioritize employee retention by providing competitive pay, benefits, and opportunity for
advancement. When you do so, you can create a committed and loyal team that can withstand
any crisis.

Maintain agility:

The marketplace is continuously changing, and your company must be nimble enough to
respond to shifts in the marketplace. Analyze your company's operating model and approach on
a regular basis, and be prepared to pivot as necessary.

Answer 3a.

As a business consultant, the following tactics can assist Home Centers in their expansion objectives
while tackling the issues they face:

Establish an efficient inventory management strategy:

Instead of retaining a large inventory, the company should consider using a lean inventory
control system that focuses on waste reduction and supply chain optimization. This can assist
the organization in lowering expenses and increasing efficiency.

Implement an omnichannel strategy:

The company can implement an omnichannel strategy that links its offline locations with its
internet store. This allows the company to reach a larger audience while reducing the need to
stock a huge inventory in each location.

Collaborate with local manufacturers and suppliers:

To lower transportation costs and increase supply chain efficiency, the company can collaborate
with local suppliers and manufacturers in the regions where it wishes to operate. This allows the
corporation to minimize delivery times and costs while also providing localized items to its
clients.

Introduce a rental or membership strategy:

Rather than offering furniture directly, the company may explore establishing a rental or
membership model in which buyers are able to lease furniture for a limited time. This can assist
the organization in reducing the requirement for a huge inventory while also generating
recurring revenue.

Emphasize sustainability:
 To stand out to environmentally concerned clients while also lowering transportation costs, the
company should emphasize sustainability by sourcing goods locally and adopting eco-friendly
packaging. This can assist the company in lowering its emissions and improving its brand image.

Answer 3b.

Home Centre could pursue the following expansion tactics to extend its operations worldwide while
overcoming the constraints of delivering heavy furniture and keeping inventory:

Exporting:

Home Centre may choose to pursue exporting its brand to local businesses in other nations. This
would allow them to grow their business without incurring the expenditures of building and
managing new locations. Franchisees could manage inventories and logistics in their individual
nations, while Home Centre would train and support them.

Digital Retail:

With the growing popularity of purchasing goods online, Home Centre might broaden its
operations by establishing an e-commerce platform. Customers would be able to buy their
products on the internet and pick them up at a store nearby or have them shipped to their door.
They can cut the costs associated with keeping a large inventory and delivering heavy furniture
this way.

Joint Partnership:

In the nations where it aims to expand, Home Centre may explore developing a partnership with
local enterprises. This would enable customers to benefit from the local partner's expertise in
handling the market in their area, while Home Centre would supply its brand and product
choices.

Planned Acquisition:

Home Centre may consider acquiring current furniture retailers in countries where it intends to
develop. This would enable them to develop a presence and consumer base, and they might
apply their inventory control and supply chain knowledge to increase the profitability of the
acquired business.

Licensing:

Home Centre may think about licensing its brand to other merchants in countries where it
wishes to expand. This would allow businesses to grow their business without incurring the
costs of opening new stores. The licensee would be in charge of inventory and logistics, while
Home Centre would provide product offerings and brand supports.

In general, Home Centre might employ several of these tactics to meet its growth objectives
while overcoming the hurdles of transporting heavy furniture and keeping a large inventory.