Using the concept of the "bullwhip effect" to explore how Pedego Electric Bikes can tackle harmful effects of the pandemic and post-pandemic period on its operations. (25 marks) The case is available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/ libraryservices/ resource/ newspaperarticle:138318&f=33211 Guidance notes

Part A

Question 2:

Supply chain integration and collaborations are key when managing global operations. Understanding the bullwhip effect brings further understanding on what can happen with the supply chain operations when for example a factory or a retail shop is closed, a source of supply is disrupted, transportation link is broken. It also addresses the importance of communication between supply chain members as well as supply chain collaboration and integration. As indicated in the case from Bushey (2021) e-bike manufacturers and shops/retailers such Pedego had to (either directly or indirectly) face several of these challenges.

Nine marks will be awarded based on your discussion using appropriate content that characterises the bullwhip effect (also present in the literature as the amplification effect). You might also address the "accordion effect" mentioned in the case, and link it with the bullwhip effect. You can also address concepts and theories covered in Session 4, especially the topic titled "The bullwhip effect as an added complexity".

To continue the answer to this question, explore what can happen to Pedego's supply chain when supply chain disturbances occur due to Covid-19. Sixteen marks will be awarded on the discussion of the bullwhip effect in the context of the e-bike supply chains. Again, you can address your takeaways from Block 2, Sessions 3 and 4. Especially the aspects of supply chain integration from vertical to horizontal integration, internationalisation of operations, international operations network configurations, offshoring/reshoring, how to manage inventory processes by improving collaboration and supplier integration would be relevant to your discussion.