1.

Introduction

In every organization, it is very important to be clear about the roles and responsibilities that
each person has within the processes of which he is a part.

Based on this, special emphasis is placed on the importance of the logistics manager in the
supply chain, since its performance directly benefits the profitability of the company, its
efficiency and efficiency.
2. General objective

 Recognize the importance of roles and responsibilities within the supply chain.

2.1 Specific objectives

 Complete sentences, based on information previously read in a text.

 Make a short story in English using regular and irregular verbs.
 Enrich the technical vocabulary.
 Project activity 16

Understanding roles and responsibilities in a supply chain

The supply chain has specific objectives within the physical distribution process, but to
successfully achieve such objectives, it is necessary to identify the responsibilities and functions
of every member involved in each of the actions that generate added value to the quality of the
micro-processes happening within the given supply chain.

Thus, to get a better insight on each of the positions and their corresponding functions within
the supply chain to achieve customer’s satisfaction, complete the following workshop. Please,
have in mind the following instructions:

1. Understanding jobs in supply chain.

o Before reading the text check the meaning of the key words in the dictionary or glossary
provided in the complementary material.

Key words:

Nouns: Merchandise, item, supplies, supplier, manufacturer, carrier, retailer,

wholesaler, consumer, employer, intermediary, stock, quality, quantity, staff, solution,
contract, performance, evaluation and improvement.

Verbs: To organize, to plan, to direct, to monitor, to supervise, to influence, to

allocate, to employ, to collaborate, to analyze, to gain, to resolve, to negotiate.

Logistics and supply chain managers professional profile

Logistics (distribution) and supply chain managers organize the safe and efficient storage and
distribution of goods (merchandise). They have to ensure that orders are fulfilled correctly.
They plan and manage the movement of goods in the supply chain; their job is to ensure that
the right products are delivered to the right place on time and in the most cost-efficient way.
Logistics and supply chain managers deal with many parties including suppliers of raw
materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
Typical employers of logistics and supply chain managers are distribution companies,
consultancies, manufacturers, major commercial organizations, retailers, etc. There could be a
very significant international focus within the job, where knowledge of international commerce,
finance and import/export laws are essential and fluency in a foreign language is
recommended.

International logistics managers must have an extensive knowledge of different modes of

transportation, since they manage the performance of international carriers and logistics
intermediaries.

Typical work activities of a logistics manager may include:

 Directing inbound or outbound logistics operations, such as transportation or warehouse

activities, safety performance, etc.

 Monitoring the quality, quantity, cost and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods.
Resolving problems concerning transportation, logistics systems, imports or exports,
customer issues.

 Keeping an accurate record of all orders, production times, and transportation of supplies
and manufactured items.

 Collaborating with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or

processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.

 Supervising the work of logistics specialists, planners, or schedulers. Allocating and

managing staff resources according to changing needs. Ordering and maintaining stock
inventory necessary for production.

 Dealing with customers and suppliers, and negotiating transportation rates or services.

 Developing business by gaining new contracts, analyzing problems and producing new
solutions.

2. Review questions.

o What do logistics and supply chain managers organize?

They plan and manage the movement of goods in the supply chain; their job is to ensure
that the right products are delivered to the right place on time and in the most cost-
efficient way.

o What do they plan and manage?

 o They plan and manage the movement of goods in the supply chain; their job is to ensure
that the right products are delivered to the right place on time and in the most cost-
efficient way

o What parties (people) do they deal with?

Logistics and supply chain managers deal with many parties including suppliers of raw
materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers

o What are typical employers of logistics and supply chain managers?

Typical employers of logistics and supply chain managers are distribution companies,
consultancies, manufacturers, major commercial organizations, retailers.

o What skills must international logistics managers have?

International logistics managers must have an extensive knowledge of different modes

of transportation, since they manage the performance of international carriers and
logistics intermediaries and knowledge of international commerce, finance and
import/export laws are essential and fluency in a foreign language is recommended.

3. Completing a professional profile in the supply chain.

o Complete the following professional profiles using the words from the boxes for each
case:

A. Supply chain manager profile

depots / schedule / network / companies / transport / staff

As a supply chain manager works in the supply chain for a variety of organizations; he/she can
specialize in shipping goods on behalf of other 1) companies.

His/her main responsibilities will embrace tracking the movement of goods through 2) network,
overseeing the ordering and packaging process ready for dispatch and the arrival of shipments.
A supply chain manager is expected to monitor performance and make sure targets are met
and look at ways to improve the supply 3) staff.

He / she is also responsible for managing clerical, administrative and warehouse distribution 4)
depots. He / she works closely with purchasing officers, warehouse staff and 5) transport clerks
to make sure goods and materials arrive at the depot as scheduled. A supply chain manager
may be required to work evenings and weekends on a 6) schedule basis.
B. Warehouse logistics manager profile

Safety / profession / goods / overtime / managers / skills / duties / office

A warehouse manager has many 1) duties. He / she is responsible for the following operations:

 Processing orders.
 Organizing the dispatch and delivery of 2) goods.
 Ensuring goods are stored safely.
 Keeping staff fully trained.
 Maintaining health and 3) Safety standards.
 Keeping accurate records.
 Managing timesheets, etc.

Warehouses are often open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so shift work is very common in
this 4) profession and managers may work some weekends and evenings. Hours are usually 37
hours per week but there’s often the opportunity for 5) overtime.

Managers will spend some of their time in the 6) office and some of their time out on the shop
floor overseeing staff. They must be in touch with other 7) managers in the production chain to
ensure the management of goods is well coordinated. They manage a team of people, so good
communication and leadership 8) skills are necessary for this job.

C. Freight forwarder profile

Geographical areas / shipping lines / handling costs / freight forwarding / by

air / transportation of goods / appropriate route / payment of freight

A freight forwarder is an intermediary who acts on behalf of importers, exporters or other

companies or persons, organizing the safe, efficient and cost-effective 1) freight forwarding.
Taking into account the type of goods and the customers’ delivery requirements, freight
forwarders arrange the best means of transport, using the services of 2) shipping lines, airlines
and road and rail freight operators. In some cases, the 3) transportation of goods company
itself provides the service.

Companies vary in size and type, from those operating on a national and international basis to
smaller, more specialized firms, who deal with particular types of goods or operate within
particular 4) Geographical areas.
Typical work activities of a freight forwarder include:

 Investigating and planning the most 5) appropriate route for a shipment.

 Arranging appropriate packing, taking account of climate, weight, nature of goods and cost,
and the delivery and warehousing of goods at their final destination.
 Negotiating contracts, transportation and 6) payment of freight.
 Preparing documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements, packing
specifications, and compliance with overseas countries’ regulations.
 Offering consolidation services 7) by air, sea and road; liaising with third parties to move
goods.
 Arranging insurance and assisting the client in the event of a claim.
 Offering tailored IT solutions and electronic data interchange (EDI) connections.
 Arranging 8) handling costs and other charges or collection of payment on behalf of the
client.
 Utilizing e-commerce, internet technology and satellite systems to enable real-time tracking
of goods, etc
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 4. Conclusions

The value of recognizing the different actors that are part of the supply chain allows to
demonstrate not only strengths, or weaknesses within each process, allowing the opportunity
for change, improvement, and continuous evaluation.

It is important to value each person as the individual with skills and attitudes that bring value to
the organization, and in turn value it as a fundamental stop of a team, recognizing its role and
responsibilities within the processes.

Descargado por Wen Galvis (galviswen08@gmail.com)

5. References

 https://www.icesi.edu.co/blogs/supplychain0714/files/2014/07/Martin_Christopher_Lo
gistics_and_Supply_Chain_Management_4th_Edition 2011-1.pdf

 https://es.dreamstime.com/producci%C3%B3n-del-jugo-e-personaje-de-dibujos-
animados-divertido-image106510265

 https://www.canva.com/design/DAEOcxQYf1o/ao6xaHmSEOAvRs3qmyZQgQ/edit

Descargado por Wen Galvis (galviswen08@gmail.com)