Supply Chain Risk: Research information on the Internet to assess the risks of a global
supply chain. How have companies in the Microsoft supply chain been affected by
disruptions to the supply chain due to events like strikes and natural disasters? Answer
in no more than one page.
Companies in the Microsoft supply chain are quite resilient to disruptions due to detrimental events due to its globalized setup. However, all supply chains, no matter the size, are affected in a perceptible fashion due to unpredictable problems.
Strikes are caused when a large amount of a companies workforce slow or completely halt their production due to adverse, or otherwise unacceptable treatment. Companies that depend on Microsoft for goods will experience a slowdown commensurate to their reliance on Microsoft's goods. In other words, if a company relies heavily on Microsoft, and a massive strike ensues at Microsoft's headquarters, that company will be far more affected by the fall in supply than a company that is less reliant on Microsoft's goods. Additionally, other problems such as a rapid fall in stock shares may occur. When a company goes through a trough, or a slowing of the cylindrical business cycle, workers are laid off in order to downsize. It's the only way to preserve resources.
Luckily, Microsoft has many processing plants and offices across the globe. A natural disaster will most likely not cause any major disruptions in the supply chain. Even those most dependent on Microsoft won't experience much of a fault.
Microsoft is a large, billion dollar company, and its supply chain is comprised of other companies that have many more connections; if something were to happen to a link in the chain, the companies will likely be able to make due until the issue is resolved.
To assess the risks of a global supply chain and understand how companies in the Microsoft supply chain have been affected by disruptions, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by conducting a thorough online research on supply chain risks, considering factors like strikes, natural disasters, and other potential disruptors. Use search engines like Google or Bing and input keywords such as "global supply chain risks," "impact of strikes on supply chain," and "natural disasters and supply chain disruption."
2. Look for credible sources such as academic papers, industry reports, and reputable news articles. Relevant sources could include publications by supply chain management associations, research organizations, and business magazines. Be cautious of biases and ensure the information comes from reputable sources.
3. As you gather information, focus specifically on the Microsoft supply chain. This might involve refining your search to include terms like "Microsoft supply chain disruptions," "companies in Microsoft supply chain," or "Microsoft supply chain case studies."
4. Analyze the information gathered to understand how disruptions, such as strikes and natural disasters, have affected companies in the Microsoft supply chain. Look for specific examples, case studies, or anecdotal evidence that provide insights into the nature and magnitude of the disruptions.
5. Organize your findings and form a comprehensive understanding of the impact these disruptions have had on the companies in the Microsoft supply chain. Consider aspects such as production delays, increased costs, damaged reputation, and financial losses.
When preparing your answer, keep it concise, adhering to the requested one-page limit. Address the risks associated with a global supply chain in general, and then provide specific examples and evidence of how companies in the Microsoft supply chain have been affected by disruptions such as strikes and natural disasters.
Remember to provide proper citations and references to support your findings. This will add credibility to your research.