Read the article, $$Trends that are reshaping supply chains$,$ and answer the questions below.

The article identified information technology as an important trend for supply chains in $2023.$ Specifically, the article mentioned the importance of blockchain technology and automation in supply chains to drive efficiencies and reduce costs. Additionally, the article emphasise that e$-$commerce is continually growing, which lead to the demand for faster, more flexible and reliable supply chains.

A large online retailer in South Africa appointed you as the head of supply chain and logistics$.$ The online retailer requested that you facilitate the implementation of appropriate technologies for improved operational efficiency. Additionally, the online retailer asked you to implement structures and practices to improve customer service and last$-$mile delivery speed, flexibility and reliability. Compile a comprehensive report in which you explain the following:

$$ The development and justification of SCIS implementation $(14)$

$$ The value of implementing blockchain technology in online retailing $(8)$

$$ The most suitable logistics structure for flexible deliveries and preventing logistical failures. $(13)$

$$ Important attributes in customer service to ensure flexibility, speed and reliability $(9)$

Your assignment must be structured as follows:

Title page

Table of contents $(1$ mark$)$

$1.$ Introduction $(2$ marks$)$

$2.$ Development and justification of SCIS implementation $(14$ marks$)$

$3.$ The value of implementing blockchain technology in online retailing $(8$ marks$)$

$4.$ The most suitable logistics structure for flexible deliveries and preventing logistical failures $(13$ marks$)$

$5.$ Important attributes in customer service to ensure flexibility, speed and reliability $(9$ marks$)$

$6.$ Conclusion $(2$ marks$)$

Bibliography $(1$ mark$)$

Total $50$ marks

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS$$

$$ This is an individual assignment. You are not allowed to work with another student. You are not allowed to use AI for the writing and content of your assignment. Do not plagiarise. Your assignment will be automatically submitted on Turnitin, which will show any form of cheating. No marks are awarded if you worked with another student, used AI or plagiarised. Please read section $10$ of Tutorial Letter $101.$

$$ You must use your prescribed textbook, Bowersox et al$.2024(6$th edition$),$ Bowersox et al$.2020(5$th edition$)$ or Bowersox et al$.2013(4$th edition$),$ as your assignment's primary source of information. Please note that the $6$th edition contains new content. If you have the $5$th or $4$th edition, you can find the additional content that must be studied and referenced in the study guidelines of the $5$th edition or $4$th edition.

$$ You must also supplement your textbook with additional literature sources $($like Internet articles, reports, books, or blog posts$).$ The additional sources must just be used to supplement the content of your prescribed textbook and not be your primary sources to answer the questions. Additional literature only applies to assignments and will not be a requirement in the examination.

$$ Ensure that you fully discuss $($including all textbook content and additional sources in each section$/$question of your assignment$).$ You will not get marks for naming and brief descriptions. As a postgraduate student, you are expected to explain and discuss in detail, showing insight and understanding when answering assignment and examination questions.

$$ The table of contents must include heading and page numbers for full marks.

$$ Number all your headings as indicated in the format above.

$$ The introduction must include one or two sentences that capture the essence of the assignment, followed by providing an overview of the assignment $($such as mentioning the headings$).$

$$ The conclusion must summarise the discussed content and be written in the past tense.

$$ Reference all your sources in the text and the bibliography. Please read section $9\mathrm{.}6$ in Tutorial $101$ and use the CEMS referencing guide on the module page. You must reference correctly as a postgraduate student, so pay attention to the technique.

$$ Please follow the technical specifications for assignments. Please read section $9\mathrm{.}6$ in Tutorial $101.$

$$ Please read section $9\mathrm{.}4$ of Tutorial Letter $101$ for information on the submission of assessments.