ProgramsOperations Management (Fall 2021)ProjectsDeveloping Alternative Supply Chain Strategies for Multi-national C...

Project Title: Developing Alternative Supply Chain Strategies for Multi-national Corporation Headquartered in Japan

HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION

Details
Project Title Developing Alternative Supply Chain Strategies for Multi-national Corporation Headquartered in Japan
Project Topics Corporate Social Responsibility Economic Development, Work and Occupations Inventory Management Operations Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain Software Design & Development
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Hioki Corporation, a Japanese multinational specializing in battery production testing and precision measuring instruments, is reassessing its global supply chain strategies in response to evolving global challenges. Recent geopolitical events—including trade wars, the COVID-19 pandemic, rising nationalism, and shifting sustainability expectations—have exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains and disrupted sourcing and distribution strategies.

With competitiveness, cultural values, and sustainability at the core of Hioki’s business philosophy, the company must now evaluate new supply chain strategies that align with its long-standing commitment to trust, loyalty, fairness, environmental responsibility, and social sustainability.

This project challenges students to analyze Hioki’s current supply chain model, identify areas of vulnerability, and propose solutions that balance efficiency, risk management, and corporate responsibility in a dynamic global landscape.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
Corporate Responsibility & Citizenship
  • Evaluate how Japanese business culture, trust, and loyalty influence supply chain partnerships.
  • Assess Hioki’s sustainability commitments and recommend enhancements in social and environmental responsibility.
  • Propose ways Hioki can align global sourcing strategies with ethical and fair business practices.

Inventory Planning & Supply Chain Management
  • Identify supply chain risks and opportunities related to inventory planning, logistics, and procurement.
  • Recommend strategies for reducing costs, improving responsiveness, and managing uncertainties while maintaining supply chain resilience.
  • Explore regional vs. global supply chain models and diversification strategies to mitigate potential disruptions.

Managing Supply Chain Partnerships
  • Assess current supply chain relationships and vendor dependencies in the context of Japanese business culture.
  • Recommend best practices for maintaining supplier loyalty while integrating new sourcing strategies.
  • Identify strategic partnerships to enhance Hioki’s market agility and supplier reliability.

Boosting Productivity with Artificial Intelligence
  • Examine AI-driven tools and automation technologies that could enhance supply chain efficiency.
  • Propose data analytics and predictive modeling solutions to optimize demand forecasting and inventory management.
  • Assess how AI-powered solutions can improve quality control, logistics, and production flow at Hioki.

Pandemic’s Impact on Supply Chain Strategies
  • Analyze how COVID-19 and future pandemic risks have reshaped supply chain management for multinational corporations.
  • Evaluate new business continuity planning models for maintaining operations and supplier relationships in times of crisis.
  • Propose risk mitigation frameworks that integrate flexibility, digital transformation, and real-time supply chain monitoring.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • A comprehensive supply chain risk analysis with strategic recommendations.
  • Clear insights into how Japanese business culture shapes supply chain resilience.
  • Data-backed recommendations on AI integration for supply chain efficiency.
  • Actionable strategies to improve supplier partnerships, sustainability, and inventory planning.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Milestone #1 Due

 Mar 10 2021 Submission Required

Temp Check #3 Due

 May 11 2021 Evaluation

Program Kickoff

 Sep 14 2021 Event

Milestone #4 Due

 Nov 11 2021 Submission Required

Temp Check #1 Due

 Evaluation

Temp Check #2 Due

 Evaluation

OFFICIAL PROJECT END

Peer Evaluation Due

 Evaluation

Self Evaluation Due

 Evaluation

Milestone #2 Due

 Submission Required

Milestone #3 Due

 Submission Required

OFFICIAL PROJECT LAUNCH

REMINDER OF CONFIDENTIALITY

Kickoff Evaluation Due

 Evaluation