Marc h, Consultant at Cap Gemini
In the company I am currently doing a ____________ mission for, outsourcing is the result of lack of ___________, lack of _________ infrastructure, lack of practices etc... to cut short a long story a lack of experience and resources. Their key objective is to do _________ term contracts (about 5 years), get the know-how transferred in house.
Vignesh A, Senior Manager at Dell Australia Pty Ltd
Some of the key objectives would be ___________, cost reduction, especially if the function is not a _________ strength of your business. Most of the benefits are dependent on how you setup your outsourced partner. If your partner is stable and forward thinking, it'll be a good ride all the way, but if they are just in it for the short term it can be a very painful long journey.
Mario R, Director, Worldwide Purchasing at Eastman Kodak Co.
Typically, the outsourcing company comes to the conclusion that its core competency is not _____________, and they need to find an alternative in order to remain ____________ in its chosen market. In my experience, the management team making the decision determines they don't want to spend the time, money, ____________ to build a logistics system that they can usually "purchase" and ____________ in a shorter time.
Chuck e, Operations Management
I worked in logistics for Cisco Systems and one of my tasks while there was to outsource part of the service logistics organization. There are many answers to why a company should outsource, but the main basic principal comes down to ____________ and core competency. It needs to be done well but it doesn’t add any additional ____________ to the company. The key objectives of outsourcing logistics tasks are to maintain the same level of _______________ capabilities, while reducing overall cost.
Jerome T, Logistics and Warehouse Manager
It was very useful and cost-effective for our company at the __________ period, when we didn’t have enough __________ resources and time for operations. At present logistics suppliers come in large quantity therefore helping you to compare prices, _____________ and so on.
Writing
1. a) Work in pairs. Study the following outsourcing examples. Choose one of them and define the main problem in the company.
b) Think of a possible way out and write the outsourcing scenario.
c) Take someone else’s scenario and discuss it.
Speaking: Now You
1. a) Choose one of the following companies and find out what operations they outsource. Make a report containing the information on
operations
countries and 3rd party providers
benefits of outsourcing for the company.
Tune In
1. Think about the spheres of life where automation is successfully applied. Name the benefits of automation.
Benefits:
___________________
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Reading 1
1. a) Brainstorm how automation can be applied in logistics, specify the stage of the supply chain.
b) Read the text to learn more about automated logistics.