OPS 350 Week 2 Discussion 1

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to other students.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

You may not recognize the corporate name, but Deckers Outdoor Corporation's footwear products are among some of the most well known brands in the world. From UGG sheepskin boots and Teva sport sandals, to Simple shoes, Deckers flip-flops and Tsubo footwear, Deckers is committed to building niche footwear brands into global brands with market leadership positions. Net sales for fiscal year 2007 were close to $449 million. The video focuses on Decker’s forecasting process, but along the way gives important insights on how it manages its supply chain, beginning with the design of new prototypes and ending with final shipments from its warehouse to retail stores or online customers.

Discuss   1). How much does the forecasting process at Deckers correspond with the "typical forecasting

process" described at the end of this chapter? 2). Based on what you see in the video, what kinds of information technology are used to make forecasts, maintain accurate inventory records, and project future inventory levels. 3). What factors make forecasting at Deckers particularly challenging? How can forecasts be made for seasonal, fashionable products for which there is no history file? What are the costs of over-forecasting demand for such items? Under-forecasting? 4). What are the benefits of leveling aggregate demand by having a portfolio of products that create 365-day demand? 5). Deckers plans to expand internationally, thereby increasing the volume of shoes it must manage in the supply chain and the pattern of material flows. What implications does this strategy have on forecasting, order quantities, logistics, and relationships with its suppliers and customers?

Reply to at least two of your classmates. Be constructive and professional in your responses.

Substantive Post Criteria

Please remember the criteria for a substantive post. A substantive post demonstrates substance and contribution to the understanding and application of ideas by doing one or more of the following:

Reflection about meaning: Describe what something means or new insights it provides or raise a question as a seed for clarification or further discussion.

Analysis: Discuss relevant themes, concepts, main ideas, components, or relationships among ideas. Or, identify hidden assumptions or fallacies in reasoning.

Elaboration: Build on ideas of others or ideas found in the readings by adding details, examples, a different viewpoint, or other relevant information.

Application: Provide examples of how principles or concepts can be applied to actual situations or discuss the implications of theory for practice.

Synthesis: Integrate multiple views to provide a summary, a new perspective, or a creative refashioning of ideas.

Evaluation: Assess the accuracy, reasonableness, or quality of ideas.