Module 3 Discussion Board

For our discussion this week you will be playing the role of a journalist writing a feature story about HOG customers for a popular business magazine. Your editor has allowed you to select the topic that most interests you, however, you may not know enough about the firm to know exactly what that topic might be; thus your research is critical. Consider topics such as the factors that influence a Harley buyer’s decision process and the behaviors that define a loyal HOG, among others. Don’t forget the events in which the riders participate and the role of the dealer network.

Your initial post should be your draft of your article. Be very precise in describing your topic and be sure to support it with information from the class and your research. Make sure to link your topic and discussion to the consumer behavior concepts discussed in this week’s material.

Your responses to your classmates should address their articles and offer suggestions and additional ideas.

Have some fun exploring why we consumers do what we do… and go HOG Wild!

Module 4 – Module 4 Discussion Board

KITTENS AND PUPPIES AND BUNNIES, OH MY!

Our discussion this week places us in the role of a consulting firm hired to design a unique and differentiated small chain of boutique pet supply stores. Our client has made it clear that we aren’t the shabby strip center puppy store and neither are we a big box discount store. Beyond that, they have given us little in the way of constraints or restrictions, beyond being profitable and ethical.

Your job is to design your image of the perfect pet and pet supply store. What products do we carry and what services do we offer? What do we look like? How do we market the store and build repeat business? You should also consider what type of customers we will target (and no, pet owners is not an adequate answer) and what that suggests about our products and services.

Your opening post should describe your recommendation to our clients in some, but not necessarily all, of these areas. Be clear, concise, and convincing; your bonus check depends on them accepting your ideas. Your collaboration (aka, your classmate responses) should expand on or question your classmates’ store design.

Have some fun and be sure to take home a new friend.

Module 5 – Module 5 Discussion Board

SUPPLY CHAIN

Just how did that new top happen to be in Gap just when you wanted it? How about fruit from South America in the middle of winter conveniently available in your local store? How these products and thousands more that we take for granted are impacted by supply chain management will be the topic for this week’s discussion.

Begin by reading the material in Chapter 12 and reviewing the module. You will also need to search the Internet and Saint Leo’s online library for additional information since a qualified reference is required for this week’s discussion.

For your opening post start by selecting a company that interests you and researching their logistics and supply chain.You may NOT use Walmart or Target. Anyone firm may only be used ONCE.Please begin your post by listing your firm in BOLD CAPITALS so it is easy to see. Duplicating a firm will result in a significant loss of points.

Your post should include, among other issues:

• A description of the firm’s supply chain
• What practices and techniques they use
• How effective you believe them to be and why
• What unique issues, if any, they face
• How their SCM compares to that of their competition
• What you might do differently were you in charge

You must include at least one qualified reference and cite it according to APA standards. You may not use the text, the firm’s Web site, or any materials provided on this site.

Your responses to your classmates should address their observations and extend the concepts they discuss. While you are welcome to post observations about the firm, comments regarding your personal preferences about the firm will not count towards the word count requirement.

This discussion opens itself to a number of topics, including trucking, shipping, warehousing, and IT—don’t be afraid to explore these as they are all legitimate parts of SCM.