STEEPLE Analysis: Tesla, Inc.

(Electric Vehicle
Manufacturer)
S (Social):

 Issue: Increasing consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly

products.
 Impact: Positive. Tesla is well-positioned to benefit from this trend as a leader in the
electric vehicle (EV) market.
 Issue: Growing concerns about labor practices and working conditions in
manufacturing facilities.
 Impact: Negative. Tesla has faced scrutiny over working conditions, potentially
damaging brand reputation and customer loyalty.

T (Technological):

 Issue: Rapid advancements in battery technology and autonomous driving

technology.
 Impact: Positive. These advancements can improve vehicle range, performance, and
safety, potentially strengthening Tesla's competitive edge.
 Issue: Cybersecurity threats to connected and autonomous vehicles.
 Impact: Negative. Tesla needs to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect
its vehicles from hacking and ensure customer safety.

E (Economic):

 Issue: Fluctuations in global oil prices and economic uncertainty.

 Impact: Mixed. High oil prices could increase demand for EVs, but economic
downturns could dampen consumer spending on high-priced vehicles.
 Issue: Tariff wars and trade tensions between countries.
 Impact: Negative. Trade disputes could disrupt Tesla's supply chain and increase
production costs.

E (Environmental):

 Issue: Increasing government regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

 Impact: Positive. Stringent regulations could benefit Tesla by creating a stronger
market for EVs.
 Issue: The environmental impact of battery production and disposal.
 Impact: Negative. Tesla needs to address concerns about the environmental footprint
of its battery production process.

P (Political):

 Issue: Government incentives for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

 Impact: Positive. Government subsidies can make EVs more affordable for
consumers, boosting demand for Tesla's vehicles.
 Issue: Changes in government policies regarding autonomous vehicles.
  Impact: Uncertain. Tesla's self-driving technology development could be impacted
by evolving regulations.

L (Legal):

 Issue: Increasing product liability concerns surrounding autonomous driving

technology.
 Impact: Negative. Tesla could face legal challenges and financial liabilities in case of
accidents involving its self-driving cars.
 Issue: Evolving regulations on data privacy and security for connected vehicles.
 Impact: Tesla needs to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations to avoid
legal repercussions.

E (Ethical):

 Issue: Ethical sourcing of materials for battery production.

 Impact: Negative. Unethical sourcing practices could damage Tesla's reputation and
lead to consumer boycotts.
 Issue: Labor practices and working conditions in manufacturing facilities.
 Impact: Negative. Poor labor practices can damage Tesla's brand image and lead to
employee unrest.

Overall Assessment:

The STEEPLE analysis reveals a complex external environment for Tesla. While there are
significant positive trends like rising demand for EVs and government incentives, Tesla also
faces challenges related to labor practices, technological disruptions, and legal uncertainties.
To navigate this environment successfully, Tesla needs to focus on:

 Maintaining its technological edge in EVs and autonomous driving.

 Ensuring ethical and sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.
 Addressing concerns about labor practices and working conditions.
 Adapting to evolving government regulations and trade policies.

By effectively addressing these issues, Tesla can capitalize on the opportunities presented by
the external environment and solidify its position as a leader in the electric vehicle revolution.

QUESTION 2

Evaluate the impact of internationalisation upon the operations of a supply chain of

your choice

Let's consider the impact of internationalization on the supply chain of a common product:
coffee.

Benefits:
  Sourcing: Internationalization allows coffee roasters to source beans from various
regions around the world, finding the perfect blend of flavor profiles and price points.
This can lead to a more diverse and competitive product offering.
 Cost-effectiveness: Production costs can be reduced by strategically placing
manufacturing facilities closer to raw materials (coffee beans) or labor sources.
 Market reach: Coffee roasters can tap into new markets with internationalization,
increasing their customer base and overall sales.

Challenges:

 Complexity: An international supply chain becomes more intricate to manage.

Different time zones, languages, regulations, and infrastructure across countries can
create logistical hurdles.
 Lead times: Increased distances between production facilities and consumers can
lead to longer lead times, requiring better inventory management and forecasting.
 Quality control: Maintaining consistent quality across geographically dispersed
suppliers and production facilities requires a robust quality control system.
 Geopolitical risks: International events like political instability or trade wars can
disrupt supply chains, causing delays and price fluctuations.

Overall, internationalization brings both opportunities and challenges to coffee supply

chains. Companies that can effectively manage these complexities can benefit from a wider
range of sourcing options, cost efficiencies, and access to new markets. However, careful
planning, strong logistics partners, and robust risk management are crucial for success

Describe FOUR factors that can cause resistance to change in organisations.

1. Fear of the Unknown: Change often disrupts established routines and comfort
zones. Employees may fear new technologies, workflows, or uncertainties associated
with the change. This lack of clarity can lead to anxiety and resistance.
2. Lack of Trust or Confidence: If employees don't trust leadership's intentions behind
the change, or lack confidence in their ability to adapt, resistance is likely. Poor
communication about the change's necessity and benefits can exacerbate this.
3. Skill Gaps and Training Needs: Change often requires new skills or knowledge.
Employees who feel unprepared or unsupported in acquiring these new capabilities
may resist the change out of fear of failure or inadequacy.
4. Organizational Culture and Inertia: Established cultures can be resistant to
disruption. Bureaucratic structures, rigid hierarchies, or a culture that discourages new
ideas can all impede the adoption of change.

Discuss effective methods of overcoming resistance to change in organisations.

Organizations can navigate resistance to change by implementing strategies that address

employee concerns and promote buy-in. Here are some effective methods:

1. Transparent Communication and Education: People fear the unknown. Clear and
consistent communication throughout the change process is crucial. Explain the
rationale behind the change, its benefits for the organization and employees, and a
 realistic timeline. Openly address concerns and provide ongoing updates to maintain
trust and transparency.
2. Employee Participation and Involvement: Feeling like pawns in a game can breed
resistance. Involve employees in the change process by soliciting their ideas,
concerns, and suggestions. This fosters a sense of ownership and increases the
likelihood of a successful transition. Create opportunities for collaboration and
feedback mechanisms to ensure employees feel heard.
3. Support and Training: Change often requires new skills or behaviors. Provide
training programs and resources to equip employees for the transition. Offer coaching
and mentorship to address individual needs and anxieties. Acknowledge the learning
curve and celebrate milestones to build confidence.
4. Positive Reinforcement and Recognition: Positive reinforcement goes a long way.
Recognize and reward employees who embrace the change and demonstrate a
willingness to learn new skills. Celebrate successes and milestones achieved during
the transition to maintain motivation and momentum.
5. Building a Culture of Change: A culture that embraces change fosters innovation
and adaptability. Encourage open communication, experimentation, and risk-taking.
Recognize and reward employees who champion change efforts.

By implementing these methods, organizations can create a more supportive environment for
change. When employees understand the reasons for change, feel equipped to handle it, and
see the potential benefits, they are more likely to embrace it and contribute to its success.

Assess why organisations’ supply chain strategies should be aligned with their corporate
strategies,and explain how their supply chain practices and behaviour could be changed to achieve
this.

ligning an organization's supply chain strategy with its corporate strategy is critical for
overall success. Here's why:

Synergy and Efficiency: A cohesive approach ensures all efforts contribute to the same
goals. If the corporate strategy prioritizes cost reduction, the supply chain should optimize for
efficiency and lower costs. Conversely, if the focus is on premium products and faster
delivery, the supply chain needs to be agile and responsive.

Customer Satisfaction: The supply chain directly impacts customer experience. An aligned
strategy ensures the supply chain delivers what the corporate strategy promises. For instance,
a focus on high-quality products necessitates a strong supplier network and rigorous quality
control practices.

Competitive Advantage: An efficient and well-aligned supply chain can be a significant

differentiator. By optimizing costs, delivery speeds, or product customization based on the
corporate strategy, an organization can gain a significant edge over competitors.

Innovation and Growth: Aligning strategies allows the supply chain to support corporate
growth initiatives. If the corporate strategy emphasizes expanding into new markets, the
supply chain needs to be adaptable enough to handle new logistical challenges and
regulations.
Here's how to achieve alignment:

 Shared Vision and Goals: Ensure all stakeholders understand the corporate strategy
and how the supply chain contributes to achieving its goals. Break down corporate
objectives into specific, measurable targets for the supply chain team.
 Cross-functional Collaboration: Break down silos between departments. Regular
communication between corporate strategy teams and supply chain leaders is crucial
for aligning processes and identifying areas for improvement.
 Supply Chain Metrics and Visibility: Implement metrics that track how well the
supply chain performance aligns with corporate goals. This data can guide
adjustments and identify areas where the supply chain can better support the corporate
strategy.
 Flexibility and Agility: The business environment is dynamic. The supply chain
needs to be adaptable to respond to disruptions and changing customer demands.
Regularly review and update the supply chain strategy to ensure continued alignment
with the evolving corporate strategy.
 Investing in Technology: Technology can play a vital role in streamlining
communication, data analysis, and supply chain optimization. Implementing tools like
supply chain management (SCM) software can enhance visibility and enable data-
driven decision making to support strategic alignment.

By fostering a collaborative environment, focusing on measurable targets, and leveraging

technology, organizations can achieve a well-aligned supply chain strategy that contributes
significantly to achieving their overall corporate goals.