REFLECTION

Course: Supply Chain Management

Lecturer: Nguyen Thi Duc Nguyen
Guest Speaker: Ms. Trang

Group 1 – Class CC01

Name Student ID Contribution
BUI DUY ANH 2210043 100%
LY HOANG ANH 2152403 100%
NGUYEN HOANG MINH ANH 2210084 100%
CAO THIEN BAO 2153197 100%
PHAN HOANG TAT DAT 2252148 100%
NGUYEN NGOC PHUONG MAI 2211983 100%
NGUYEN THANH NHAN 2153649 100%
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. KEY POINTS LEARNT...................................................................................................................3
1. CHALLENGES IN TRADITIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN.............................................................3
2. AGILE SUPPLY CHAIN..............................................................................................................4
II. CAREER PATH.............................................................................................................................5
III. FEELINGS.....................................................................................................................................6
I. KEY POINTS LEARNT
1. CHALLENGES IN TRADITIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN
Traditional supply chains are structured in a linear, rigid fashion, focusing on cost-
efficiency, predictability, and stability. However, in today's fast-paced, globalized market,
this approach faces numerous challenges.
Some of the most critical challenges include demand forecast volatility. With rapidly
changing consumer preferences, generally motivated by generational changes and newly
emerging trends, customer demand forecasting has now become a very challenging task. It is
hard for these dynamics to keep pace with traditional forecasting models, which depend
mostly on past data and often lead to mismatches between supply and demand. Apart from
causing excess inventory or stockouts, this mismatch actually hurts customer loyalty and
satisfaction.
Besides demand forecasting challenges, there are quite a few production and quality
issues that imply considerable risks for traditional supply chains. Most of these systems have
been designed around fixed production schedules optimized for bulk manufacturing. While
this may drive efficiency under stable conditions, it creates some problems in the case of
unexpected quality or production issues. This can cause significant bottlenecks, which may
make the entire supply chain slow down and impact how fast merchandise is delivered to
customers. Sales may be lost, and reputations can be damaged if companies cannot quickly
adjust course in response to these challenges.
Logistics disruptions further complicate the landscape for traditional supply chains.
These systems usually rely on well-established logistics routes and schedules, making them
very sensitive to all forms of disruption, from shipping delays and border control issues to a
lack of transportation capacity. Such disruptions can trigger a chain reaction along the entire
value chain, delaying both production and distribution. Because of the interconnected nature
of supply chains, even a small hiccup in logistics can lead to overall delays and
inefficiencies, ultimately affecting the entire operational performance.
Meanwhile, the digitization of supply chains brought along one more layer of
complication: cybersecurity threats. In these modern times, supply chains have become
integrated and technology-based, and thus many traditional systems-operating on legacy
infrastructure-have opened themselves to one cyber-attack potentially compromising
sensitive data and disrupting operations-with possibly enormous financial losses at risk.
Finally, one of the major limitations of traditional supply chains is that real-time, end-to-
end visibility does not really exist. This is because opacity inhibits timely detection and
response to upset conditions. Problems exacerbated by latent responses extend overall times
to respond to disruptions and create reduced efficiency at all levels. Unless supply chain
activities can be monitored in real time, opportunities to optimize and improve may well get
lost.
 2. AGILE SUPPLY CHAIN
In response to these limitations, many organizations are transitioning to an agile supply
chain model. Agile supply chains emphasize flexibility, responsiveness, and rapid
adaptation, making them better suited to address modern challenges and meet changing
customer demands.
An agile supply chain is a flexible, customer-oriented supply chain that prioritizes
responsiveness and real-time adaptation over strict cost optimization. This approach
leverages technology, real-time data, and collaborative networks to swiftly address changes
in market demand and external disruptions.
Key differences between Traditional and Agile Supply Chains

Aspect Traditional Supply Agile Supply Chain

Chain

Focus Cost efficiency, Flexibility, responsiveness

predictability

Forecasting Rigid, demand-driven Real-time, cutsomer-driven

Production Approach Mass production Lean, customizable

Supplier Relationships Transactional, often Collaborative, multi-supplier

single-source

Technology Use Limited, siloed Extensive, integrated

Visibility Low end-to-end visibility High transparency with real-time

insights

Risk Management Slow to adapt disruptions Procactive, adaptive

Agile supply chains are characterized by a number of key principles, each of which
makes them responsive, flexible, and effective in today's challenging markets. First among
these is the need for an organization to depend on digital, real-time data to allow monitoring
and a timely response by organizations to changing market demand. This will also enable
companies to create virtual supply chains in which they can simulate various scenarios and
make plans for any disruption without necessarily having to hold any inventory. Similarly,
with the help of digital tools and technologies, companies can always have visibility over
their operations, making it easier to predict challenges and efficiently deploy resources.
The process integration is another important principle of agile supply chains. It ensures
close coordination with suppliers, manufacturing, and logistics. Integrating processes in the
chain ensures seamless information flow and material flow, so important for developing
agility to meet new needs arising. This kind of collaboration not only enhances
communication but builds a level of trust among the partners so that decisions can be made
faster and response to market fluctuations far more coordinated.
The network-based structure adds further effectiveness to an agile supply chain. Supply
chains with strong networks, between themselves and also with their suppliers, distributors,
and partners, are able to provide flexibility toward uncertainties. Their dependence on
multiple suppliers and alternative transportation routes diminishes the risk of disruptions that
can come from reliance on a single source or pathway. This redundancy is especially
valuable at times of crisis, when the ability to turn quickly in another direction and to
continue with operational continuity high is important.
Besides, agile supply chains are innately market-sensitive. They are constructed to be
responsive both to current market trends and to changes in customer demand. Advanced
forecasting techniques and data analytics provided by agile models can detect early the
shifting sands of consumer preference, enabling businesses in real time to adjust their
strategies accordingly. The responsiveness at the heart of competitive advantage allows
better alignment with what the customer needs.
Ultimately, these are the principles of digitization, process integration, network
flexibility, market sensitivity, and continuous improvement to provide a strong base to agile
supply chains. This will make them not only improve operationally but also resilient against
the uncertainties within the global market of today. Companies can be at better efficiencies
to navigate the complexities, result in responses to consumer changing demands, and
maintain competitive advantages in an environment that keeps evolving continuously by
giving priority to agility.

II. CAREER PATH

From what Ms. Trang share about her career path, we realize that sometimes the career
path we chose at first may not be suitable for ourselves, we agree that it is true for anyone
and anyfield so Supply Chain is not an exception.
Indeed, even the very pathway into Supply Chain field may be difficult to navigate since
one may feel confused in which direction to take. The confusion is heightened with feelings
of being overwhelmed by the many career opportunities available in areas such as logistics
and procurement, demand planning, and inventory management. Only then, freshers will be
successful if they learn significant skills and expertise comprising problem-oriented
thinking, analysis, and interpretation of data and effective communication. These few
competencies are highly rated in the industry. Familiarity with supply chain management
software and tools could be an added advantage. They should also look forward to
mentorships, networking in the industry, workshops, and internships for pragmatic
experience. It is through this proactive approach that not only will their interest in these
careers be clarified, but such a budding network of professionals will also be able to steer
them toward a successful and rewarding career in supply chain management.
Finally, each member of ourteam may has our own career path however it is not the only
way, these paths may be suitable or not but the most important thing is that we will make
ourr best effort with what we choose. Key points “learn & apply”, “try & error” will be our
lodestar to find our true career path.

III. FEELINGS.
We felt both inspired and relieved as we listened to Ms. Trang's stories and experiences.
Her accounts of overcoming challenges in the industry matched our own worries as
newcomers. It was comforting to know that many of the obstacles we face are common, and
that there are practical steps we can take to build a successful career. Her advice on focusing
on important skills, finding mentors, and being proactive gave us a clearer sense of
direction. Overall, we left the session feeling motivated and more confident in our ability to
shape our career path in supply chain management.