BUSN412 Relationship between Manufacturers and Distributors discussion
Business Finance
Course Objectives:
CO8: Distinguish between various quality tools and visual aids applicable to service-oriented industries
Assignment Prompt:
Many manufacturers distribute their products through a distribution network. Some examples are General Motors and the local GM dealership, Apple and Verizon (or AT&T, Sprint, etc.) Another example would be fire extinguisher manufacturers and what is called a Fire Distribution Organization or FDO. Another might be Coca Cola and the local franchised Coca Cola Bottler and distributor. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and the like are NOT manufacturing or distribution outlets, they are retailers who simply sell products. These are not examples of a manufacturer and distributor relationship.
Your assignment this week is to research and then provide expert testimony regarding how a product-oriented manufacturing operation and its distribution network must work hand-in-hand to supply both quality products and services to the end user or customer.
- Start your assignment this week by first selecting a manufacturing organization that has a network of distributors that both sell and service the products manufactured.
- Next, research experts online who can address how these two very dissimilar business work together. You may include any personal insights in the summation portion of this essay, however support for the relationship is to come from expert testimony you find in your research.
- The overarching purpose of this essay is for you to learn and then thoroughly and completely discuss the roles each of the organizations (manufacturer and distribution network) play in insuring that the customer receives quality products AND quality services.
- This is not an opinion essay, your narrative is to be based on your research with in-text citations and references from knowledgeable expert sources. As such, every major point you pose, must have a quote or paraphrase from your expert source.
- Complete your essay with a summary of your findings AND add any insights you have regarding the relationship between the manufacturer and the distributor.
Assignment Instructions:
This paper should be 1000 words and is to be completed according to APA 6 form and style. A minimum of 3 outside references should be provided that you use as expert testimony. In addition to providing in-text citations, include at the end of your essay a complete reference list formatted to APA 6.
