Over recent years, a range of new information technologies has been introduced to retail supply chains, with the promise of more efficient supply chains and an enhanced shopper experience. Espoused benefits for managing retail operations include areas such as improved stock control, enhanced supply chain management and better management of customer expectations.
1. Analyse the operations management implications of implementing various information technologies in the retail industry. Aspects you might consider include better managed inventories, supplier integration, forecasting, queuing theory and capacity planning. (40)
2. Discuss how retailers integrate the various technologies they use in order to develop a strategic understanding of their operations. (20)
3. What are some of the broader business challenges to implementing technologies successfully to improve retail supply chains? (20)
4. What challenges do rapidly evolving shopper and consumer expectations place on retail operations?(20)
