Assume that you are the distribution manager for a large national retailer. You have been assigned the responsibility for identifying three potential locations for the construction of a warehouse and distribution center. The idea behind such a center is that the firm can use its enormous purchasing power to buy many products in specific quantities they need and then ship from the warehouse. The final location chosen will need an abundance of land. The warehouse itself, for example, will occupy more than four square acres of land. In addition, the location needs to be close to railroads and major highways; shipments will arrive by both rail and truck, although outbound shipments will be exclusively by truck. Other important variables are that land prices and the cost of living should be relatively low and that weather conditions should be mild (to minimize disruptions to shipments). Select three cities in the central or south-central area of the country based on the criteria outlined above. Use the Internet to learn about these cities. Determine the following facts: General description of area Workforce characteristics: age, education, unemployment rate, etc. Transportation information – major roads, rail lines, seaports, airports, etc. Educational Information: are there colleges in the area that can provide training, trade schools. Health Care Information: hospitals, health care services, etc. Quality of life: museums, recreational activities, music, etc. Miscellaneous: add anything here that you think might be important to selecting this location Provide this information to me in a sectional format – a minimal example is provided below – IT IS IMPORTANT TO DO AN EXCELLENT JOB ON THIS PROJECT – The minimal format will only yield a minimal grade. You should carefully review the grading rubric for this assignment. YOU WANT TO PRESENT YOUR INFORMATION IN A VISUALLY PLEASING, PROFESSIONAL MANNER At the end of your three city review, make a recommendation of which city you would select and tell me why. Be specific! Page 1: Cover Page: Including name and assignment Page 2: Provide table of contents and project parameters (what the report is about and what is important to look for in each city. (In other words – city qualification criteria.) Page 3 on: #1 City Name: Overview – 300 words General description of area Workforce characteristics Transportation information Educational Information Health Care Information Quality of life Miscellaneous #2 City Name: Overview – 300 words General description of area Workforce characteristics Transportation information Educational Information Health Care Information Quality of life Miscellaneous #3 City Name: Overview – 300 words General description of area Workforce characteristics Transportation information Educational Information Health Care Information Quality of life Miscellaneous FINAL PAGE – What city do you recommend? Tell me why.
