Vertical Integration Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Vertical Integration Strategy - Essay Example In adapting its strategies to market conditions, Smithfield has taken a cost leadership strategy, combined it with a differentiation strategy (lean pork) where it has a proprietary advantage, and made an efficient value chain as the case study demonstrates (Thompson, Strickland, & Gamble, 2008, p. C-429). As a leader in the concept of bringing efficiency to vertical integration, the company has combined farming, feeding, processing, and distribution into an award-winning, highly profitable operation. The next logical step for the company is to expand its operations to bring more capacity and higher profitability. The problem is that community in which it seeks to build does not want any more pig farms for a host of reasons; not the least of which is the natural but noxious result of raising livestock. In terms of the ethical and socially responsible business practices, the company has some specific issues. One of these is that in some ways, management seems to be out of touch with th e real issues. One of the environmental efforts touted by the organization is its contribution to wetlands recovery, as well as recycling cardboard. These are worthy things to do, certainly, but the company position on these issues is not relevant to the more pressing issues it is facing. As one author notes, to â€Å"address ethics problems, managers first have to recognize that conflicts of interest exist† (Vickers, 2005, p. 26). With all due respect to the organization, touting its recycling efforts and energy conservation efforts is insufficient. Under a strict utilitarian analysis, the company has no real moral duty and fairs relatively well with the argument that its actions benefit more people (international food supplier, working to reduce fat in the American diet) than those few North Carolina residents who are hurt by the negative side effects of foul odor or some pollution in the water. If a deontological

Sustainable Supply Chain Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sustainable Supply Chain Discussion - Essay Example For example, the value stream mapping (VSM) allows identification of all processes performed during the production of specific goods or for performing specific activity. These mapping processes can be used to identify and differentiate between value-adding and non-value adding activities/processes. Secondly, all staff members should be trained on continuously identification of such non-value adding activities in order to maintain continuous improvement of these processes. 2. Considering the need for going green and the enormous issues that are challenging our environment, there can be numerous ways to contribute towards environmental sustainability. Firstly, the staff can be asked to plant more number of trees/bushes wherever possible. This can start from their homes; one day can be dedicated towards planting activities. These plants need to be cared for at least the first few weeks by these volunteers. Secondly, as an initiative at office, stationery used can be cut down. Stationery wastes could include pens, papers, wired equipment etc. All used/non-usable wired equipment must be sent for recycling. Also, storage of wired equipment must be reduced. Contracting with suppliers for supplying just-in-time can be of help during need.