HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
Academic Year 2025:
January – June
Formative Assessment 1:
Business
and
Supply
Chain
Management
(HBMN131-1)
NQF Level, Credits:
5, 15
Weighting:
20%
Assessment Type:
Essay Questions
Educator:
Dr A. Mugari
Examiner:
L. van Heerden
Due date:
27 March 2025
Total:
100 Marks
Instructions:
•
This assessment consists of four (4) questions.
•
It is based on Units 1-4 of the prescribed textbook.
•
All the questions are compulsory.
•
Your assessment must be typed using:
o Font: Arial
o Font size: 12
o Line spacing: 1.5
•
A Copyleaks Report will be issued via ColCampus once the assignment is
submitted. Please ensure that you follow the correct steps when uploading your
assignment, to ensure that the Copyleaks Report is correctly issued. You should be
working towards a similarity rating of 30% or less. Where a Copyleaks Cheat
Detection Report is issued, your submission will automatically be treated as if you
received a similarity rating in excess of 30%. Currently, no marks will be deducted for
a similarity rating that exceeds 30%.
1
HBMN131-1-Jan-Jun2025-FA1-LvH-V.2-07012025
•
You are encouraged to consult other reputable sources to answer the
questions.
2
HBMN131-1-Jan-Jun2025-FA1-LvH-V.2-07012025
Question 1:
[25 Marks]
Read the extract and answer the question that follows:
Corporate Social Responsibility in Supply Chain Operations
In recent years, a rising number of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have pledged to
work only with suppliers that adhere to social and environmental standards. Typically,
these MNCs expect their first-tier suppliers to comply with those standards, and they ask
that those suppliers in turn ask for compliance from their suppliers—who ideally ask the
same from their suppliers, and so on. The aim is to create a cascade of sustainable
practices that flows smoothly throughout the supply chain, or, as we prefer to call it, the
supply network.
Full Article:
Villena, V.H. and Gioiga, D.A. 2020. A more sustainable supply chain. Available at:
https://hbr.org/2020/03/a-more-sustainable-supply-chain [Accessed 07 January 2025]
1.1 Define Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and explain its role in contemporary
business.
(5 marks)
1.2 Discuss the key drivers of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in South Africa,
focusing on social, ethical, governmental, and market factors. Provide examples of how
the drivers influence CSR practices in the supply chain sector.
Question 2
(5x4=20 marks)
[30 Marks]
You are an aspiring entrepreneur who has identified an opportunity to launch a sustainable
logistics startup in South Africa. Your goal is to provide eco-friendly delivery solutions that
cater to e-commerce businesses, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
Required
Using the entrepreneurial process, identify the steps you would take to develop this venture.
Propose strategies for managing the startup, focusing on innovative practices, and
addressing potential challenges. Use examples to illustrate how these strategies can lead
to business success.
3
(6x5= 30 marks)
HBMN131-1-Jan-Jun2025-FA1-LvH-V.2-07012025
Question 3
(25 Marks)
3.1. Differentiate between management and leadership.
(4 marks)
3.2 In your opinion, which type of leadership power is most appropriate in supply chain
environments. Motivate your answer.
(5 marks)
3.3 In a short essay, highlight how a supply chain manage can practice ethical leadership
and effective communication to ensure efficient operations of supply chain activities.
In your answer, consider the following aspects that relate to ethical leadership:
•
Equality
•
Respect
•
Common good
•
Honesty
In your answer, consider the following aspects that relate to effective communication:
•
Use of the right information
•
Feedback
•
Mode of communication
•
Communicating goals
(8+8=16 marks)
Question 4
[20 Marks]
Explain how the South African retail market environment—focusing on competitors,
consumers, the labour market, and suppliers—affects a company’s supply chain
performance. Provide specific examples of strategies a company could implement to
address these challenges and remain competitive in the market.
[Total: 100 Marks]
4
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