Global Supply Chain Management Course

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT COURSE

(PM 502)

PROJECT ASSIGNMENT

ASSIGNMENT:

1. You plan to build an African computer company, aiming at building computers of 100-200US$. Evidence from OLPC project (USA) and the municator (Yellow Dog, China) seem to imply this is feasible. However, you need to know where to get supplies, how to source them, who should do the design, the assembly, Where to do assembly, and how to distribute the computers. How large would the potential market be?

TABLE OF CONTENT:

Executive Summary

.1 Vision

.2 Mission

.3 Core Values

2.0 Business concept

3.0 Supply of Material

4.0 Designing, Assembling our Model Computers

5.0 Location of Assembly Plant

6.0 Target Market

7.0 Distribution Channels

7.1 Wholesaling and Retailing

8.0 Quantum of the Potential market.

9.0 Conclusion

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT COURSE

(PM 502)

PROJECT ASSIGNMENT

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Affordable Computers Tanzania (LOSACT) is a new technology innovative company set up in Arusha to provide cheap and affordable computers to the communities in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions of Tanzania. Indications from OLPC project (USA) and the municator (Yellow Dog, China) seem to suggest this is a feasible project. Our intention in this business idea is to explore the ingenuity that these companies used and possibly take advantage of the technical and logistical support that is available in the design, materials supply and assembling of affordable computers to suit our environment here in Tanzania. We hope to be able to make our computers available at a rate not more than Tsh. 245,000 (USD $200).

LOSACT will emphasize on easy access to computer technology, low price and tropicalized machines that will take into considerations the inadequate infrastructure in our environment while delivering on a good promise to enjoy cutting-edge technology even in the most rural of places. Our enthusiasm is to see our people benefit immensely from hi-tech innovation common in most advanced world and also enjoy the most meaningful experience towards a future that is in similar with modern technology and awareness.

The proprietors of LOSACT have combined training and experience in engineering and management. While O has Microsoft Certified training in Computer engineering, E and N are the management gurus. Our combined efforts will make LOSACT achieve her noble objectives. LOSACT is located at Unga Area, which hosts many manufacturing and business industries in Arusha.

1.1 VISION:

“To be the leading provider of the highest quality and cheapest computers in Tanzania.

1.2 MISSION:

To maximize the volume of high quality PC’s at the lowest price possible in Tanzania.

1.3 CORE VALUES:

Customer focused motivation, inspiration, commitment, pocket friendly, trustworthiness and timely delivery.

2.0 BUSINESS CONCEPT:

LOSACT seek to enter the business of computer sales, service and distribution through imports/sourcing of supplies from other countries and design/assembling in Arusha. It is a business in Computer hardware, software and accessories. This continues to be a new business opportunity for ACT based in Arusha.

Potential for growth in Computer business has been on the increase in Arusha and surrounding regions in the last five years. The service is consumed locally вЂ" both hardware and software. Our focus shall be on the production of a cheap laptop known as “FIFI”, which is designed to withstand harsh conditions such as rain and dust. It has a screen that can be read under intense sunlight. Its battery lasts for 12 hours and can be recharged with the use of a solar panel or a pull cord.

Computer and ICT business is increasingly becoming a major feature of public and private life in Arusha and Tanzania. In Tanzania, computers and accessories are allowed to come into the country duty free and quota free, no tax of any kind and can be shipped through land, air and sea from any country. Sales turn-over exist in several millions of Shillings to schools, colleges, offices, businesses, etc who will continue to require and need basic computer needs in the near future. This becomes a potential for the kind of affordable and cheap computers that LOSACT intends to introduce to the growing needs of the population in Arusha and Tanzania.

Major reforms in the government ICT sector will allow LOSACT, an indigenous company, to have access to material supplies at very little costs from any part of the world especially China where municator have done very well. In Tanzania S & T comes under the National Commission for Science and Technology. Membership is from the science and technology system, the productive sector, public sector, technical ministries etc. It is charged with the coordination of S & T planning as well as policy implementation. Its main function is to act as a stimulant and catalyst for the development of indigenous technologies. In addition to the establishment of the Commission for Science and Technology, a National Centre for the Transfer, Adaptation and Development of Technology was also to be set up. Such a centre was to serve as a mechanism for the assessment and choice of imported technologies on a systematic basis. Among the core functions of the Centre are:

• Acquire and analyze information on alternative sources of technology and its delivery to users.

• Act as a registry for imported technology and to keep register