Case Study

JCM is a retailer operating out of Kingston 10, Jamaica. It has been in operation for the past ten (10) years and has risen to become one of the leading retailers in Jamaica. In the past 5 years of its operation, it has opened two additional stores, one in Montego Bay and the other in Mandeville, bringing its total store count to three. Due to its multi-store operations, the management of JCM has been considering outsourcing its logistics management, as the team believes this may prove more cost-effective in the long term. As an expert in the field of Distribution and Retail Management, you have been hired by JCM to advise on this decision. Question A. Outline what is involved in logistics management. Compare THREE (3) areas (inventories, warehousing & customer service) where the decision focus of logistics differs on a strategic level as opposed to the operational level. (9 marks) B. Discuss TWO (2) advantages of a company outsourcing its logistics management. (4 marks) C. Briefly explain the THREE (3) levels of outsourcing. (6 marks) D. State which level of outsourcing mentioned in (C.) would be BEST SUITED for JCM given its operations. (1 mark) (Total 20 marks)