1.

Creating strategic fit for a PC manufacturer targeting both time-sensitive and price conscious
customers involves aligning the company's logistical and cross-functional drivers with its
overall business strategy. Here's how the full set of logistical and cross-functional drivers can
be utilized to achieve this strategic fit:
Logistical Drivers:
a. Inventory Management: Implement just-in-time (JIT) inventory systems to reduce
carrying costs and respond quickly to changing customer demands, especially for time-
sensitive customers.
b. Warehousing: Optimize warehouse locations and layout to minimize order fulfilment time.
Maintain a buffer stock for time-sensitive customers to meet quick delivery expectations.
c. Transportation: Use efficient transportation methods, such as express delivery for time-
sensitive customers and regular delivery for cost-conscious customers. Leverage a network of
distribution centres to minimize transportation costs.
d. Order Processing: Streamline order processing to ensure quick response times for time-
sensitive customers while optimizing batch processing for cost efficiency with price-
conscious customers.
e. Information Systems: Invest in advanced IT systems for real-time tracking and
communication. This ensures accurate information flow and reduces lead times.
Cross-Functional Drivers:
a. Product Design: Design a range of products that cater to both segments. For time-sensitive
customers, focus on high-performance models, while for price-conscious customers, offer
more budget-friendly options.
b. Marketing and Sales: Develop targeted marketing campaigns to reach each customer
segment. Emphasize quick delivery and cutting-edge features for time-sensitive customers,
and cost savings and value for price-conscious customers.
c. Supplier Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a steady
supply of components and to negotiate favourable terms, which can help manage costs.
d. Human Resources: Train and incentivize employees to prioritize timely order fulfilment
and quality control. This ensures customer expectations are met in both segments.
e. Quality Management: Implement robust quality control processes to minimize product
returns and improve customer satisfaction for both segments.
Sourcing Drivers:
a. Sourcing Strategy: Diversify sourcing strategies by using a combination of global and
local suppliers. This can help balance cost-efficiency and quick access to components.
b. Supplier Selection: Choose suppliers that align with the strategic goals of meeting time-
sensitive and price-conscious customer needs.
c. Negotiation: Negotiate contracts that allow for flexibility in terms of order quantities,
pricing, and delivery schedules to accommodate the varying demands of the two customer
segments.
Information Systems Drivers:
a. Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics to forecast demand accurately. This can aid in
managing inventory and production schedules effectively.
b. E-commerce and CRM: Implement e-commerce platforms and customer relationship
management (CRM) systems to provide personalized experiences to both segments.
Understand their preferences and tailor offerings accordingly.

By leveraging these logistical and cross-functional drivers, a PC manufacturer can achieve a

strategic fit by offering the right products, at the right prices, with timely delivery for both
time-sensitive and price-conscious customers. The key is to balance the trade-offs between
cost and speed while ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction are maintained
across both segments.

2.
The SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) model is a widely recognized
framework used to standardize and improve supply chain management processes. It was
developed by the Supply Chain Council (now part of APICS) to provide a structured
approach for organizations to analyse and optimize their supply chain operations. The model
is based on five core processes: Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, and Return.
Here's a comment on how the SCOR model links business processes, performance metrics,
skills, and practices into a unified structure:
(i) Standardization and Alignment:
The SCOR model provides a common language and framework for organizations to
understand and discuss their supply chain processes. This standardization facilitates better
communication both internally within an organization and externally with partners and
suppliers.
(ii) Process Integration:
SCOR integrates key business processes across the entire supply chain, from planning and
sourcing to production, delivery, and returns. This integration ensures that all aspects of the
supply chain are considered in a holistic manner.
(iii) Performance Metrics and Measurement:
The SCOR model includes a comprehensive set of performance metrics that cover various
aspects of supply chain operations. These metrics enable organizations to quantitatively
assess their performance, identify areas for improvement, and track progress over time.
(iv) Skills and Competencies:
SCOR recognizes the importance of having the right skills and competencies within an
organization to effectively execute supply chain processes. It highlights the need for training
and development programs to ensure that employees have the necessary skills to perform
their roles effectively.
(v) Best Practices and Benchmarking:
The SCOR model incorporates best practices derived from industry leaders and experts. By
following these practices, organizations can benefit from proven approaches to optimize their
supply chain operations. Additionally, organizations can use SCOR to benchmark their
performance against industry standards.
(vi) Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:
SCOR provides a structured approach for organizations to analyze their supply chain
processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes. This continuous
improvement cycle is critical for adapting to changing market conditions, technologies, and
customer demands.
(vii) Alignment with Business Goals:
The SCOR model helps organizations align their supply chain strategies with their overall
business objectives. This ensures that supply chain activities are directly contributing to the
achievement of broader organizational goals.
(viii) Risk Management and Resilience:
By incorporating practices for risk identification and mitigation, SCOR helps organizations
build more resilient supply chains. This is particularly important in today's global business
environment, where supply chain disruptions can have significant financial and reputational
impacts.
In summary, the SCOR model provides a comprehensive and structured approach for
organizations to optimize their supply chain operations. By linking business processes,
performance metrics, skills, and practices, it creates a unified framework that enables
organizations to drive efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve their strategic
objectives.

3. (a)
Achieving a profitable quarter is certainly a reason to celebrate, but for sustainable
profitability and successful international expansion, a company needs to rework various
competitive dimensions. Here are several dimensions to consider:
1. Cost Efficiency:
 Achieving profitability often relies on cost control. The company needs to continuously
assess its cost structure, identify areas for cost reduction, and optimize its operations to
remain competitive in terms of production, distribution, and overhead costs.
2. Quality and Innovation:
  Sustained profitability depends on offering high-quality products or services and
maintaining a culture of innovation. Consistently improving product quality and
introducing innovative features can help the company stand out in the market.
3. Market Positioning:
 Assess the company's market positioning and brand image. Determine whether the
company is perceived as a premium, value, or low-cost provider and adjust marketing
and product strategies accordingly.
4. Global Expansion Strategy:
 Expanding into other countries requires a well-thought-out strategy. Consider factors
such as market demand, competition, regulatory compliance, and cultural nuances in
target countries. Tailor the company's offerings and operations to each market.
5. Supply Chain Efficiency:
 Optimize the supply chain to minimize lead times, reduce inventory costs, and improve
responsiveness to customer demands. Efficient supply chain management is crucial
when expanding internationally.
6. Marketing and Sales Channels:
 Develop marketing and sales strategies that consider the specific needs and preferences
of customers in new markets. Use local channels and adapt promotional methods to
maximize reach and impact.
7. Customer Service and Support:
 Ensure that customer service and support are consistently excellent, both domestically
and internationally. Respond to customer inquiries promptly and provide effective
support in different time zones and languages.
8. Regulatory and Compliance:
 Comply with local and international regulations, including trade, tax, and industry-
specific standards. A misstep in compliance can lead to legal and financial setbacks.
9. Risk Management:
 Develop a comprehensive risk management strategy to address potential risks
associated with international expansion, such as currency fluctuations, political
instability, and economic uncertainties.
10. Talent and Skills:
 Invest in workforce development and ensure that employees have the necessary skills
and cultural understanding to operate successfully in international markets.
11. Technology and Data Analytics:
 Leverage technology to streamline operations, monitor performance, and gain insights
from data. Implement data analytics to make data-driven decisions and understand
customer behaviour.
12. Environmental and Social Responsibility:
 Consider the company's environmental and social impact. Sustainability and
responsible business practices are becoming increasingly important to customers and
can affect long-term profitability.
13. Competitive Analysis:
 Continuously analyse the competitive landscape in target markets. Understand who
your competitors are, their strengths and weaknesses, and how you can differentiate
your offerings.
14. Customer Feedback and Adaptation:
 Listen to customer feedback and be willing to adapt based on their needs and
preferences. Flexibility in response to customer input is crucial for maintaining
profitability.
In summary, achieving sustainable profitability and successful international expansion
requires a holistic approach that considers cost efficiency, market positioning, quality,
innovation, and the ability to adapt to the specific conditions of new markets. Continuously
monitoring and adjusting these competitive dimensions is key to long-term success.

(b)

As a consultant for a multinational aggregator, here are some corporate-level strategies that
can ultimately help the company:
1. Global Expansion: Expand into new international markets to tap into new customer
bases and revenue streams.
2. Diversification: Diversify the range of services or products offered to reduce risk and
broaden the customer base.
3. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Identify potential acquisition targets to gain
market share, access new technologies, or eliminate competitors.
4. Vertical Integration: Consider vertical integration to control the entire supply chain
and reduce dependency on suppliers.
5. Market Segmentation: Tailor services to different customer segments to meet
diverse needs and maximize profitability.
6. Cost Leadership: Focus on cost reduction strategies to become the low-cost leader in
the industry.
7. Innovation and R&D: Invest in research and development to stay competitive and
offer cutting-edge solutions.
8. Strategic Alliances: Form partnerships and alliances to access complementary
resources or expand market reach.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Implement CSR initiatives to enhance the
company's reputation and contribute to social and environmental causes.
 10. Exit Strategies: Develop exit strategies for underperforming businesses or markets to
reallocate resources more effectively.
Each of these strategies should be evaluated in the context of the company's specific goals,
market conditions, and competitive landscape to determine the most appropriate approach.