Inside the Global BBA: Supply Chain Management Course

In the 5th sessions of our Supply Chain Management class, Prof. Sandy and students dived into the captivating story of Seven-Eleven Japan (SEJ), a pioneer in convenience retailing. Led by Prof. Sandy, students delved into the secrets behind Seven Eleven Japan's supply chain strategies, uncovering the key ingredients that propelled it to the top.

Case Study: Seven-Eleven Japan Co.: Supply Chain Strategy and Structure

After a licensing agreement with Southland Corporation, Seven-Eleven Japan opened its first store in 1974. By 2016, with over 19,000 stores in Japan, SEJ's strategy of agile replenishment made it the country's top convenience store chain. Acquiring Southland Corporation less than 20 years later, SEJ pondered its supply chain's US viability, considering lower store density and greater distances. Identifying optimal markets for future growth became paramount.

Exploring the Inner Workings of Supply Chain Excellence

Students dived into the inner workings of 7-Eleven's Distribution Centers (DCs), the backbone of its operations. Through engaging discussions and practical examples, student gained insights into how these centers ensure products reach shelves efficiently, keeping customers satisfied.

Then, the class traced SEJ's journey from its modest beginnings to its current status as a retail giant with over 19,000 stores across Japan. SEJ's focus on matching supply with demand on a local level emerged as a cornerstone of its success, reshaping the convenience store landscape.

Illuminating Supply Chain Concepts

Students discussed  whether SEJ's strategies could be replicated in the US market, with its unique challenges of lower store density and greater distances between locations. The class delved into theories and concepts such as Cross Docking, Supply Chain Strategies (Efficiency vs. Responsiveness), and the Responsiveness Spectrum, which served as practical tools to shape students' comprehension of supply chain dynamics.

In this session, students didn't just study about supply chain — they dissected strategies, analyzed structures, and envisioned the future of supply chain excellence.