Supply Chain Management for West Avenue Mall Stores

1.0 Introduction

The West Avenue Mall stores company is an established leader in the retail industry in the Middle East. The supply chain management system must be maintained and improved as the mall grows to keep up with the changing market. This essay outlines a supply chain management plan for West Avenue Mall stores company to ensure that the company can effectively manage its supply chain and provide the best possible customer service (Cortez, 2021).

1.1 Definition of Supply Chain Networks (SCN)

A supply chain network (SCN) is a system of interconnected entities that work together to acquire resources, create products and deliver them to customers. The flow of products, information, and money connects the suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers. At West Avenue Mall, the supply chain network involves the transfer of goods from the supplier to the customer through various production, distribution, and retail processes (Cortez, 2021).

2.0 Departmental Store and International Partner

Departmental Store: The departmental store of West Avenue Mall consists of several retail and luxury stores. The main stores include H& M, Zara, Forever 21, Mango, Nike, and many more.

International Partner: West Avenue Mall has established an international partnership with some of the world’s most renowned fashion and luxury brands. These include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more.

West Avenue Mall stores company needs to manage its supply chain efficiently and effectively. The company needs to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain that can provide the right products to its customers. The company must also ensure that its suppliers are reliable and provide quality products.

2.1 Strategies

West Avenue Mall stores company should develop a comprehensive strategy that will allow it to manage its supply chain effectively. Strategies that should be implemented include:

Establishing a relationship and cooperation with reliable suppliers: West Avenue Mall stores should establish a relationship with reliable suppliers that can provide the right products at the right price. The company should also ensure that the suppliers are reliable and offer quality products.

Developing a tracking system for the supply chain: West Avenue Mall stores company should develop a tracking system for the supply chain. This system should allow the company to track the progress of the products from the suppliers to the customers.

Developing a risk management plan: West Avenue Mall stores should develop a risk management plan to identify and manage potential risks. This plan should include strategies to minimize the impact of potential risks on the supply chain.

Developing a customer service plan: West Avenue Mall stores should develop a customer service plan to ensure customers receive the best possible service. This plan should include strategies to address customer complaints and feedback.

Developing international partnerships: West Avenue Mall stores should develop international partnerships with partners in other countries. This will allow the company to expand its reach and access different markets.

2.2 Cultural Considerations

When managing a supply chain across multiple countries, it is important to consider their cultural differences. It is important to understand the cultural norms and customs of the countries to ensure that the supply chain is managed effectively. West Avenue Mall stores company should be aware of any cultural differences that may impact the supply chain and take steps to address them (Islam et al., 2021).

3.0 Supply Chain Collaboration

3.1 Involving Members:

In order to effectively manage the supply chain for the West Avenue Mall store, it is important to involve each member from the beginning. This includes suppliers, distributors, retailers, and customers. These stakeholders must be consulted and included in decision-making (Islam et al., 2021). This will ensure that everyone has their interests taken into account and that all parties have a level of collaboration and trust.

3.2 Mobilizing Members:

A key step in managing the West Avenue Mall store’s supply chain is mobilizing all the members. This can be done by creating a shared vision and communicating expectations. All members should be aware of their role in the supply chain, as well as the importance of their contribution (Islam et al., 2021). This will help ensure that all stakeholders are working towards the same goal and are motivated to perform their tasks effectively.

3.3 Embracing Members:

In order to successfully manage the supply chain for the West Avenue Mall store, it is important to embrace each member. This means creating an environment of open communication, collaboration, and trust. This can be done by establishing a collaborative culture, providing clear communication channels, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility (Islam et al., 2021). By doing this, all members can work together to solve problems and reach solutions.

3.4 Empowering Members:

Finally, to effectively manage the supply chain for the West Avenue Mall store, it is important to empower all members. This can be done by giving them the necessary tools and resources to succeed. This includes providing training, access to data, and the ability to make decisions (Islam et al., 2021). By doing this, all members can work together to manage the supply chain and achieve the desired results effectively.

4.0 Cultural Challenges in the Collaboration between West Avenue Mall stores and the SM Mall of Asia store

West Avenue Mall stores and the SM Mall of Asia store have different cultures, which can be challenging when these companies collaborate. West Avenue Mall stores are in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and SM Mall of Asia is in Manila, Philippines. Both companies have different cultures, values, and beliefs that must be considered when collaborating (Mohamud & Mwangi, 2021). The following are the potential cultural challenges that may arise when these two companies collaborate and strategies to overcome these challenges.

 Cultural Challenges

The cultural challenges between West Avenue Mall stores and the SM Mall of Asia store include language, communication, and customer service. The West Avenue Mall and the SM Mall of Asia stores have different languages, so communication between the two companies can be difficult (Islam et al., 2021). This can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations. Additionally, customer service levels can vary between the two companies. West Avenue Mall stores may have different customer service expectations than the SM Mall of Asia store, which can create further challenges.

Strategies to Overcome Cultural Challenges

To overcome cultural challenges between West Avenue Mall stores and the SM Mall of Asia store, both companies should create a collaborative environment that promotes understanding and respect. This can be achieved through regular meetings between the two companies to discuss their respective cultures and identify potential issues. Additionally, both companies should use communication tools that are accessible to both parties, such as video conferencing or instant messaging. This will allow both parties to communicate effectively. Furthermore, both companies should ensure that customer service expectations are clearly outlined and communicated to both parties (Islam et al., 2021). The two companies can create a collaborative environment that respects both cultures by taking these steps.

In summary, the West Avenue Mall stores and the SM Mall of Asia store have different cultures, creating challenges when the two companies collaborate. To overcome these cultural challenges, both companies should create a collaborative environment that promotes understanding and respect, use communication tools that are accessible to both parties and ensure that customer service expectations are clearly outlined and communicated to both parties. By taking these steps, the two companies can create a successful collaboration

5.0 Actions to be Taken in Tackling the Cultural Challenges

5.1. Adaptation

Adaptation is the process of adjusting to the local culture in order to minimize cultural differences. West Avenue Mall should strive to create an atmosphere conducive to the local culture and values (Tay & Loh, 2021). Some of the steps that can be taken to ensure this include:

• Developing policies that are tailored to the local cultural values.
• Training staff in cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Encouraging cultural exchange programs and events.
• Developing better communication channels between staff and customers.
• Developing a better understanding of local culture and customs.

5.2. Structural Intervention

Structural intervention is a strategy that involves making changes to the organizational structure in order to manage cultural differences better (Tay & Loh, 2021). In order to manage the cultural challenges faced by West Avenue Mall, some of the steps that can be taken include:

• Establishing a cross-cultural steering committee to oversee the implementation of cultural changes.
• Establishing a cultural diversity training program for all staff members.
• Introducing and enforcing policies that promote cultural tolerance and respect.
• Introducing job roles with a focus on cultural understanding and communication.
• Establishing a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of cultural changes.

5.3. Managerial Intervention

Managerial intervention is a strategy that involves changing managerial practices to manage cultural differences better (Tay & Loh, 2021). In order to manage the cultural challenges faced by West Avenue Mall, some of the steps that can be taken include:

• Implementing a system to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of cultural changes.
• Encouraging managers to take part in cultural exchange programs.
• Promoting a culture of respect and tolerance among staff members.
• Establishing a system of cultural rewards and recognition.
• Establishing a system of feedback and open dialogue between staff members.

5.4. Exit

Exit is a strategy that involves disengaging from the local culture to minimize cultural differences (Tay & Loh, 2021). In order to manage the cultural challenges faced by West Avenue Mall, some of the steps that can be taken include:

• Refraining from hiring local employees.
• Refraining from engaging in local cultural events.
• Refraining from participating in local festivals and celebrations.
• Refraining from using local languages and customs in business operations.
• Refraining from offering services that are not compatible with the local culture.

6.0 Goal Compatibility

West Avenue Mall stores company seeks to build a supply chain management system compatible with its organizational goals and objectives. The company must ensure its supply chain management system is aligned and consistent with its organizational goals and objectives. This includes ensuring the supply chain is cost-effective, reliable, and efficient. Additionally, the supply chain should be able to meet customer demand, meet customer expectations, and provide quality products and services (Tay & Loh, 2021).

7.0. Goal Incompatibility

West Avenue Mall stores company must also consider potential goal incompatibility when building a supply chain management system. For example, if the company prioritizes cost-effectiveness, but customer service is also important, there could be conflicts between the two goals. It is important to analyze potential conflicts between different goals and objectives and ensure that they are resolved to benefit the company (Srivastava & Dashora, 2022).

7.1 Coercive Power

West Avenue Mall stores company must consider coercive power when building a supply chain management system. Coercive power is using authority, force, or the threat of force to achieve a goal. In supply chain management, coercive power can ensure that suppliers meet the company’s standards and expectations (Mir Mohammad Sadeghi, 2019). For example, the company can use its authority to ensure that suppliers provide quality products and services and meet customer demands.

7.2 Non-Coercive Power

West Avenue Mall stores company must also consider using non-coercive power when building a supply chain management system. Non-coercive power uses incentives, persuasion, and negotiation to achieve a goal. In supply chain management, non-coercive power can build relationships with suppliers and encourage them to meet the company’s standards and expectations (Treacy et al., 2022). For example, the company can offer incentives to suppliers that meet their standards and expectations.

8.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, West Avenue Mall stores company faces various challenges when managing its supply chain. The company needs to develop a comprehensive strategy that considers the cultural differences between countries, the collaboration between the members of the supply chain, and the goal compatibility and incompatibility of the different goals and objectives. Additionally, the company should consider using coercive and non-coercive power to ensure that suppliers meet the company’s standards and expectations. These steps allow West Avenue Mall stores to effectively manage their supply chain and provide the best possible customer service.

9.0 References

Cadden, T., Dennehy, D., Mantymaki, M., & Treacy, R. (2022). Understanding the influential and mediating role of cultural enablers of AI integration to supply chain. International Journal of Production Research, 60(14), 4592-4620.

Cortez, C. (2021). The West End: Redevelopment of the Westminster Mall.

Habib, M. A., Bao, Y., Nabi, N., Dulal, M., Asha, A. A., & Islam, M. (2021). Impact of strategic orientations on green supply chain management practices and sustainable firm performance. Sustainability, 13(1), 340.

Mohamud, H. M., & Mwangi, P. (2021). Continuous replenishment and stock control on supply chain performance of retail chain stores in Nairobi County, Kenya. International Academic Journal of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, 3(2), 215-236.

Shokouhyar, S., Pahlevani, N., & Mir Mohammad Sadeghi, F. (2019). Scenario analysis of smart, sustainable supply chain based on a fuzzy cognitive map. Management research review, 43(4), 463-496.

Srivastava, A., & Dashora, K. (2022). Application of blockchain technology for agrifood supply chain management: A systematic literature review on benefits and challenges. Benchmarking: An International Journal.

Tay, H. L., & Loh, H. S. (2021). Digital transformations and supply chain management: a Lean Six Sigma perspective. Journal of Asia Business Studies, 16(2), 340-353.