Evaluate the importance to DN of effective supply chain management.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. A01 Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of supply chain (max 2), may include: Supply Chain Management understanding; The process of creating content; Managing content; Delivering content to the consumer; Customer expectations; Employee skills; Suitable content; Quality issues; Cost control.
2. AO2 Application: Limited application: applies knowledge of effective supply chain management to DN once. Developed application: applies knowledge of effective supply chain management DN twice. content accessible on any device at any time / the magazine content should be available on all devices; Through all internet service providers and easily available to subscribers; Content suitable for target market (18-30); Not easily available to non-subscribers; Need to keep costs low; Allow DN to compete in the new market; Difference between local and national market.
3. AO3 Analysis: Limited analysis: candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis. Developed analysis: candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis. Do current employees have the right skills – to provide appropriate content?; Can the business survive inefficient management of the supply chain as costs need to be carefully controlled throughout the chain?; Large variation of formats required – will involve many suppliers of different platforms / devices; Multiple service providers add additional complexity – which can be challenging to manage; Need to provide a quality product – which requires careful monitoring throughout the supply chain; Content should be easy to find – how to ensure that this applies to all platforms / devices; Employees important part of the supply chain – they have concerns / careful workforce planning required.
4. AO4 Evaluation: Limited evaluation: unsupported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment. Developed evaluation: supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment. Developed evaluation in context: supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in context. A justified recommendation; Assessment of the decision; Identification of factors critical in the supply chain; How to ensure quality – what to compare to / what is quality content; Is there enough information to implement; Will revenue outweigh costs; Require complex negotiations with multiple platforms – do they have the expertise?; Discussion of further information required; Other factors more important e.g., marketing. Accept all valid responses.