RC TOM Challenge 2017

November 15, 2017

Read The Full Prompt

The TOM Challenge provides an opportunity for students to learn more about supply chain management by exploring how organizations are grappling with some megatrends: climate change, digitalization, and the growing influence of isolationist political movements on international trade policies.  These 700-800 word essays should address four questions:

  1. Why is (or should) your particular aspect of one of these megatrends be of concern to the management of the organization you have selected?
  2. What is the organization’s management doing to address this concern in the short term (the next two years) and the medium term (3–10 years out)?
  3. What other steps do you recommend the organization’s management take to address this concern in the short and medium terms?
  4. What are one or two important open questions related to this concern in the context of the organization you selected that you are unsure about, which merit comments from your classmates?

When posting your essay to Open Knowledge, be sure to enter “Climate change”, “Digitalization”, or “Isolationism” in the Topics field.

More details on research, sourcing, deadlines, and other matters are provided in the RC TOM Challenge: 2017 note.  For assistance with the Open Knowledge platform during business hours (9:00 am – 5:00 pm M-F), email openknowledge@hbs.edu. A short video with instructions on how to post an essay to this platform is available at https://goo.gl/yyXK2H.

Submitted (924)

You’re Not You When You’re Hot – Mars. Inc & Their Mission To Combat Climate Change in a Generation
Mark Twain
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 7:49 pm
As one of the largest global food manufacturers, Mars is serving as a beacon on supply chain adaptation in a world full of crisis.
“Just Do It” – Nike’s Direct-To-Consumer Efforts, Easier Said Than Done?
WhitneyQ
Last modified on November 12, 2017 at 2:38 pm
Nike has made recent efforts on direct-to-consumer and supply chain transformation, but is still experiencing stalling sales. Are the recent initiatives enough?
A long overdue disruption in The Construction Industry
Khaled Mouasher
Last modified on November 15, 2017 at 4:50 pm
“In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” – Eric Hoffer
Pfizer’s Prescription For A Digital Supply Chain
Foran Gumic
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 10:59 pm
This post explores the steps Pfizer is taking to digitize its supply chain in order to better respond to evolving pharmaceutical industry dynamics, customer needs, and regulatory requirements.
Sysco: Is America’s largest food distributor ready for the latest supply chain revolution?
DPI
Last modified on November 12, 2017 at 3:06 pm
The use of blockchain technology in food distribution supply chains produces many customer and consumer transparency benefits. Is Sysco moving fast enough to stay ahead of its industry?
Proctor & Gamble: The Amazon of Consumer Product Goods?
LoveForBrands
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 10:46 pm
“The consumer is moving online for groceries? Just add online as another channel of sales! That should not be very hard, right?” Imagine a supply chain with more than 130 manufacturing sites and more than 200 distribution centers. And then [...]
Will Typhoons in Southeast Asia Stop You from Staying Hydrated This Summer?
Erin
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Climate change is increasing the severity of typhoons in Southeast Asia -- what does this mean for PepsiCo. as it looks to capitalize on exponential growth in the coconut water product category?
Intel Inside or on the Outside? Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on the supply and design of processor chips
chloeho
Posted on November 14, 2017 at 11:53 pm
Intel Inside or on the Outside? Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on the supply and design of processor chips
Collaborative Robots as a hedge against Isolationism
hs14
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 7:46 pm
As Isolationism makes global production difficult and policies unpredictable, Collaborative Robots could offer a bridge gap solution.
Starbucks: Saving Our Coffee from the Threat of Climate Change
CHH
Posted on November 14, 2017 at 11:11 pm
Starbucks is leading the way in addressing the impact of climate change on the coffee industry, but will it be enough to save our morning cup o' Joe?
NIKE: Is it the Sustainability Transformation of the Decade?
Imran
Last modified on November 24, 2017 at 1:24 pm
"how can we double our business with half the impact on the world?" -NIKE CEO, Mark Parker
LEGO: The missing bricks in their global supply chain?
Ab
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 12:33 am
Examining the effects of globalization and isolationism on LEGO's global supply chain
Sustainability at Inditex
YW
Last modified on November 15, 2017 at 6:32 pm
Can sustainability and fast fashion co-inhabit?
Digitalization in the Brazilian Energy Sector: Time for Disruption?
RRE
Posted on November 14, 2017 at 1:01 am
With the forthcoming digital disruption in the Energy Sector, ONS, Brazil's Electric System Operator, faces a critical decision regarding its future operation model.
Maintaining Stolt Tank Container’s Competitive Advantage In The Digital Age
Dr. Seuss
Last modified on November 15, 2017 at 8:57 pm
The tank container industry has struggled with sluggish demand and increased competition. How can Stolt Tank Containers position its digital ecosystem at the center of service for their customers?
Digital Content Delivery – Can AMC Theatres survive?
The Fish Keeper
Last modified on November 30, 2017 at 10:58 pm
Digital content delivery of various forms of entertainment has created a trail of casualties. Will AMC be next?
Unlocking Telemedicine: Building a 4th dimension in Care Delivery
MS
Last modified on November 15, 2017 at 10:53 pm
Digitalization of Healthcare services--Cleveland Clinic ventures into telemedicine
Adidas Speed Factories: the quest for single-day lead times from concept to consumer
U.Bolt
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Adidas is challenging the athletic wear and fashion industries with high-tech, local Speed Factories that create small-batch, custom products with potential to reduce innovation cycles to only days
Why Big Oil Executives are finally concerned about Climate Change
AdamH
Last modified on November 19, 2017 at 12:14 pm
With rising ocean temperatures, dropping oxygen levels, and carbon taxes on the horizon, will sushi still have a place twenty years from now?
Guinness and Brexit: What’s it all A-stout?
KTR
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 7:27 pm
While many UK companies are scrambling to prepare for the consequences of Brexit, a few have benefitted. This list includes Diageo, the spirits behemoth that manufactures popular beverages including Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Bailey’s. Because the bulk of the [...]
Sorry CVS, Maybe I’ll Ask Alexa?
John Harvard
Last modified on November 15, 2017 at 10:57 pm
In 2016, 4 billion prescriptions were filled in retail pharmacies. Technology is changing this process.
M.Gemi – Italian Fast Footwear
Noemie Renaerts
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 9:35 pm
Founded in 2015, M.Gemi is a direct-to-consumer high-end Italian footwear brand for both man and women. Each pair is hand-made and offered at a price point between $198 and $598. New models are released on a weekly basis. In the [...]
Striding forward: Nike’s quest to reinvent its supply chain
Anonymous
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 10:16 pm
Can Nike succeed in its mission to mass-produce customized shoes?
Walmart: Save Money. Live Better. Go Green?
Jen Downing
Last modified on November 28, 2017 at 6:04 pm
An icon of consumerism profits from conservation.
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