Independent Living Question Dec 09

The Marketing and Sales function is obviously connected to the Outbound Logistics function. In fact, M&S would come before OL in the natural sequence of events, thought in the value chain is shown after usually.

It is not clear where one function stops and the next begins. The internet could be used for marketing and that could generate sales, which in a well-integrated system would seamlessly lead to outbound logistics - the physical picking, packing and distribution of the goods.

What we have identified here is a linkage ie that the different processes on the VC are NOT independent. For example, HR management will influence operations and other areas. Better training (HR) will lead to better operations and lower after sales service costs.

You will not lose marks by discussing something that a company does under a different heading. The important thing to identify is how the company adds value ie something that customers are willing to pay for. In fact, the wrong approach is to look at each function as a 'silo' isolated from other functions.

Hope that helps.