Summary
The case describes how a major player in the agricultural chemicals industry struggles to transform a fragmented group of newly-acquired businesses into an integrated supply chain. The case highlights the firm’s operational and organizational problems from the perspective of the European supply chain manager, whose primary objective is to streamline operations and cut costs.
Teaching objectives
The Scotts (A) case is designed to expose students to the economic and organizational aspects of a supply chain reorganization. The short-term focus is on identifying cost savings through rationalization. Students will also need to consider ways to create long-term value, such as by reducing complexity and improving service to customers.
Keywords
- Supply chain management
- Cost savings
- Supply chain organisation
- Excess inventory
- Customer service
- Change management
- Strategy implementation
- Performance measurement
- Balanced scorecard
