Commentators and practitioners are saying that supply chain management (SCM) is increasingly becoming a strategic tool for organisations seeking to respond to the needs of customers in a way that achieves competitive success. However, leveraging the full potential of SCM has proved to be challenging and remains elusive for many. You are required to produce a research report entitled “Barriers to effective and responsive supply chain management”. In your assignment you should include Assignment cover sheet, automated table of contents & introduction. Findings. This is the main body of your report Conclusion Bibliography Appendices Your work should be typed, times new roman, font 12, justified text and 1.5 line spacing. Word count: 2000-2500 Words Weighting 40% Due date: Week 9 Tuesday 3rd April 2018 Learning Outcomes addressed and assessed in this Assignment: On successful completion of this module students will be able to: 1. Assess the role of supply chain management 2. Explain the important contribution that supply chain management can make in enhancing customer service and differentiating organisations in the face of competitive markets. 3. Examine the role of technology in the supply chain and how technology may be leveraged to gain competitive advantage Marking Scheme: Category Description Possible Mark % Actual Mark % Housekeeping and presentation of document. Marks will be awarded for the use of an appropriate report structure using headings, numbering, logical sequencing of material and appropriate use tables and graphs. Marks will be awarded for the accurate use of Harvard referencing system both in the bibliography and in the main body of the text. (referencing excluded from word count) 20% Definition & characteristics of SCM Marks will be awarded for defining and identifying the characteristics SCM. 20% Barriers Examine the barriers facing organisations in leveraging SCM for competitive advantage. 40% Introduction and conclusions Marks will be awarded for an appropriate introduction and drawing your own conclusions. 20% Total 100%