SCH4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2024 (248097)- DUE 7 OCTOBER 2024
QUESTION 1
1.1 According to the prescribed book, indicate any two challenges correctly
identified by the AI tool regarding South African public supply chain
management challenges. Find another source for each of the two correctly
identified Public SCM challenges by the AI tool. (4)
Challenges Correctly Identified by the AI Tool:
1. Corruption and Fraud
o Source: Ambe, I.M. & Badenhorst-Weiss, J.A. (2022). Supply Chain
Management. A Balanced Approach, 6(1), 450-474.
Prescribed Book Description: The book discusses accountability, fraud, and corruption
as central issues in public procurement, noting the vast resources wasted due to these
unethical practices, which result in financial mismanagement and compromised
governance.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has also
highlighted corruption as a significant obstacle to efficient public procurement in South
Africa, noting that it undermines accountability and public trust in institutions (OECD,
2014).
2. Lack of Proper Skills and Capacity
o Source: Ambe, I.M. & Badenhorst-Weiss, J.A. (2022). Supply Chain
Management. A Balanced Approach, 6(1), 450-474.
Discussion: The source discusses the shortage of skills and capacity in SCM, similar
to the AI tool's mention of skill shortages and capacity gaps, emphasizing the need for
skilled professionals in the public sector.
According to a report by the National Treasury of South Africa (2020), the shortage of
skilled SCM professionals in the public sector is a major factor hindering effective
implementation of procurement policies and processes.
1.2 Answer the following sub-questions: (4)
, SCH4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2024 (248097)- DUE 7 OCTOBER 2024
(a) Identified two public SCM challenges identified by the AI tool that are not
addressed in the prescribed book. {2}
1. Infrastructure Constraints: The AI tool mentions deficient transportation,
logistics, and warehousing infrastructure, which are not discussed in the
prescribed book.
2. Limited Technology Adoption: The AI tool highlights that limited adoption of
advanced technologies, such as automation and data analytics, hinders SCM
efficiency in the public sector. This challenge is not covered in the prescribed
book.
(b) Provide two examples of how the statement can be true for the public SCM
challenges identified by the AI tool that are not addressed in the prescribed
book. {2}
1. Infrastructure Constraints:
Example: A report by the World Bank (2021) on South Africa's logistics
performance indicated that poor road infrastructure and limited storage facilities
frequently disrupt supply chains, particularly in rural areas, leading to delays
and increased costs in public procurement processes. This example shows the
real impact of infrastructure challenges on public SCM.
2. Limited Technology Adoption:
Example: A study by Deloitte (2020) on digital transformation in public sectors
in Africa found that South Africa lags in integrating digital tools in supply chain
operations, resulting in inefficiencies and lack of real-time data visibility. The
limited use of technology directly affects decision-making processes and the
overall effectiveness of SCM.
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