As a supply manager committed to the efficiency of the supply chain operation, it is critical to be aware of strategies for improving productivity and quality. This course has prepared you to improve an organization’s supply chain. The final project for this course is the creation of a supply chain management plan. The final product allows you the opportunity to connect theory with reality through research on an industry and company supply chain. The project is divided into three milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions.

For your first milestone, you will begin your supply chain management plan by providing an overview of your approved industry, identifying top competitors, and justifying your company of choice. Lastly, you will discuss the network design by identifying the criteria the company should use to select suppliers, 3PL Firms, distributions centers, and retailers. This milestone is due in Module Three.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

1. Introduction:
   1. Project Overview: Provide an overview of your entire proposal.
2. Industry and Customer Value: Identify the factors that are valuable to the customers of your industry and write a summary of your findings.
   1. Industry Overview: Brief description of industry revenues and where the company fits within the industry.
   2. Top Competitors: Discuss the top three to five competitors based on revenue.
   3. Company Selected: Justify your company choice. Provide background information on the company selected. Background information should include the size of the industry in revenue, primary competitors, primary suppliers, and customer base.
3. Network Design:
   1. Suppliers: Identify the top three criteria the company will use to select suppliers. Consider factors such as cost, location, quality, and value added work.
   2. 3PL Firms: Identify the top three criteria the company will use to select third-party logistics (3PL) firms. Be sure to address quality, delivery, cost, wavelength, and tech support.
   3. Distribution Centers: Identify the top three criteria the company will use to select distribution centers. Be sure to address cost, location, delivery, and space.
   4. Retail Stores: Identify the top three criteria the company will use to select retail stores.