Supply Chain Management

Topics

Recent political turmoil in the Ukraine threatens the supply of natural gas from that region to Western Europe, thus affecting the worldwide price of energy. Stricter Western sanctions could worsen the situation. As a supply chain manager, you understand the importance of fuel as a cost of doing business. Explain your short and long-term planning decisions in response to this situation.
The trend toward distribution center floor robotics has increased the need for workers skilled in robotics maintenance, but workers trained in such maintenance are in short supply. As a distribution center manager concerned with cost containment, you realize the importance of increasing the use of robotics, but are fearful of the problems caused by lack of skilled repair personnel. How will you respond to this situation?

Instructions

In the first paragraph, provide the background information for the topic. You must reference at least 1 scholarly resource.
For the second paragraph, explain potential consequences of the problem as well as alternative solutions to it.
In the last paragraph(s), present your proposed solution along with justification for its selection.