Read the following three articles. The first article features Gulfstream, a General Dynamics company, showing you how they use location to support their domestic and international supply chain links. The second article, provides a good overview of key location factors that need to be considered in defining an optimal spatial supply chain configuration. The third article is focused on the importance of a network based approach to optimizing location:
Thuermer, K. E. (2004). Gulfstream relies on international supply chains to deliver world class aircraft. World Trade, 17(11), 46-49.
Mentzer, John T. (2008 May) 7 Keys to Facility Location, Supply Chain Management Review, New York: Vol 12, Iss. 5 pg. 25, 1 pgs.
While the following article is focused primarily on distribution networks, it also has relevancy to inbound supply networks:
Geary, Steve (2009 Feb/Mar) It's the Network, Not the Node, Area Development Site and Facility Planning, Easton: Vol. 44, Iss. 1, pg. L4
Answer the following questions:
Q1) Does Gulfstream's headquarters and major assembly facilities in Savannah effectively use the location's site and situation attributes to achieve supply chain efficiency? (Explain)
Q2. How would you describe the relationship between Gulfstream's "just in time" manufacturing and its strategic decision to locate its major facilities in Savannah?
Q3. Does Gulfstream's manufacturing headquarters in Savannah optimize the "7 Keys to Facility Location" defined in the Mentzer article? (Be sure to discuss which of the 7 Keys are most relevant to the Savannah location).
Response in around 800 words plus references.