Introduction

Multiple occasions may prompt a company to modify its supply chain approach. Most arguably, the gradual modification in every cycle of the product is to assist the company to uphold competitiveness. The entrance of a new manager could also prompt refurbishing of the pre-set visions hence, necessitating adjustment of the current supply chain. Establishment of a supply chain that is demand-responsive is stress-free and very possible (Roberto et al., 2011). As such, Yossi Sheffi, a renowned Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, presents the Functional Strategy Mapping Method (FSM), which directs and captures the supply chain technique of every firm. This paper presents itself as a good point of reference for the majority of supply chain managers intending to employ the FSM approach in their supply chains.

How Managers Achieve Improvements through Adopting the Practice

In various perspectives, a supply chain manager could achieve improvements for the company by adopting FSM practice. For instance, the approach ascertains the presence of effective communication in the supply chain approach of a particular firm; thus, making it easier for the supply chain criteria to oblige as a strong starting point for its evaluations (Roberto et al., 2011).

FSM method is of great significance to the managers as it aims to free the company from dependence on external information. It includes any relative data obtainable in outside setups and might not even apply to the real situations of a company. In the placement of outside information, FSM seeks to offer an intuitively and least appealing supply chain structure for the company (Roberto et al., 2011). The approach creates an even structure for the managers that enables them to carry out assessments of a company’s supply chain criteria. In most of the corporate setups, this technique is mostly applicable for persons who have an in-depth familiarization with the firm’s supply chain history.

Another importance of this strategy relies on its four broad criteria. In the first criteria, it supports the necessity that every undertaking in a firm projects the overall prospects of the organization. Subsequently, the FSM technique is also consistent because of its alignment with the objectives of senior executives of a firm. It makes sure that for a specific firm, every aspect of its supply chain is harmonious to one another, and it creates simplicity in the modification process of the product in its life cycle (Roberto et al., 2011). Coverage makes the third component, and its involvement is that as a senior manager, one must ensure that all areas of attention in the supply chain method are effectively thought of and minded. Sufficiency, as the last criterion, makes sure that both the strategic and functional prospects of the firm are content.

Controversies

Despite its tremendous significance towards influencing steady supply, experiences from various corporations and corporate agencies still identify two challenges it presents to managers. First, most managers find it hard handling feuds presenting themselves in set-ups associating with pending conflicts. Different workforce happens to develop varying views on varying matters, which the managers find challenging to conceptualize and resolve (Roberto et al., 2011). Another turmoil for managers is how to implement the FSM method to an organization, more so when such a firm is under refurbishments. For a firm that has already put the focus on achieving a select goal, will find it hard transitioning the format, hence lead to a difference in ideology.

Conclusion

In comparison to other methods, FSM still presents itself as the best tool to help managers evaluate consistencies within the supply chain. Through this, a firm becomes positive of exploring the affiliations between mutual compatibility and support for pertinent aspects from the FSM criteria. In summary, the FSM approach is significant as it identifies relative gaps in a supply chain and providing solutions to improve the firm’s undertakings.

References

Roberto. P., Mahendera. S., & Yossi. S. (2011). Expressing a firms supply chain strategy: A framework and a Method. Retrieved from

http://web.mit.edu/sheffi/www/documents/Robertopaper13-14-11.pdf

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