• Globalization and trade openness have increased the risks that amplify the vulnerability of supply chains, complicating how strategic management, which involves making informed decisions, is coordinated.

• The positioning of an organisations product(s) within stages of a products lifecycle reflects different strategic supply chain considerations.

• Design thinking informs the rationale(s) underpinning management of strategic decision making.

Discuss the strategic supply chain management challenge posed by the interdependent relationship existing between business environment dynamics, product lifecycles and design thinking. The answer should be supported with relevant company examples.