The building of a Dell laptop is quite an amazing process. The customer calls into Dell’s call center and speaks with a representative about what they are looking for in a laptop. The customer informs the representative of what they would like to computer to have as far as software based upon their needs and how they would like the computer to operate. They inform the representative of the special features that they require for the computer. The representative then processes the customer’s payment and sends the customer’s order to the Dell production team in Malaysia by email.
In Malaysia the required parts for the computer are then ordered from the Supplier Logistic Centers near Pengang. The suppliers get a signal that tells them what components are needed and immediately pull the parts for delivery. The parts are delivered to the production team within ninety minutes. The Supplier Logistic Center will make shipments to the Dell factory in Pengang every two hours. The parts are received at the factory and are unloaded, bar coded, registered and placed in bins for assembly.
A Dell team member in Pengang receives the order once all the parts for the particular computer. The parts are pulled and placed in a special carrying tote designed to protect the parts. A team member will then assemble the computer by hand and properly label each computer. The computer is then sent down the line for the software ordered by the customer to be loaded onto the computer. Once the software is downloaded the computer is then sent down the line for boxing and labeling. Once the computer is properly packaged it is then put on a plane for shipment to the customer. The entire process from beginning to end takes only approximately thirteen days. This is an amazing process that definitely encompasses the idea of the self-directed consumer. Each computer is specifically designed for the every customer. These computers are not like those that you can purchase in various electronic stores or warehouse conglomerates. They are designed by the customer for the customer.
I am of the firm belief that al-Qaeda doe have a supply chain. As distorted and corrupt as it may be, there is obviously a supply chain at work. They are able to recruit members world-wide and solicit funds for their cause by using the internet and satellite television. Al-Qaeda is able to broadcast their ideas world-wide through the internet reaching every possible sympathizer. They are able to obtain funding for their madness and recruit willing victims for their suicide bomber tactics. New suicide bombers are recruited and sent to Beirut for training as soon as one is sent out.
Friedman stated that instead of producing products and profit al-Qaeda is producing mayhem and murder. Most supply chains are based upon the business of producing products and profit not causing the destruction of people as in the case of al-Qaeda. Friedman further states that al-Qaeda uses the tools of collaboration uploading to raise money, recruit followers and stimulate and disseminate ideas; out sourcing to train recruits and supply-chaining to distribute the tools and suicide bombers to undertake operations. Through their supply-chaining, al-Qaeda is able to spread their ideas and convince people to carry out bombings in various places around the world. The flattening of the world has not only benefited the ambitious business person, but the underhandedness of al-Qaeda.
The curse of oil is the monarchs and dictators run the oil states are getting rich by drilling natural resources so that they can stay in power forever. These supposed leaders use the oil money to dominate all power in their state. They control every aspect of the state such as the army, police and intelligence. They have to be able to maintain control of the oil tap to remain in power. They never have to tax their people; therefore, there is no representation for the people. The dictators and monarch do not have to listen to the people or inform them of how those monies are being spent as the monies are obtained through taxes. They remain in control. The development of their country falls to the way side and the people are left behind. The rich remain rich and the poor remain poor. The states without oil have the most development and growth. They are developing the skills of their people, developing freedoms for their people and relations for importing and exporting. The states being held by the monarchs and dictators are being left behind and those that are not are developing and growing at fast pace. They are taking advantage of the business of imports and exports.
The flattening of the world through the internet has done amazing things for people around the world both good and bad. The self-directed consumer is able to have a computer specifically designed for them and shipped right to their door step. Whereas the ugliness of terrorism is also benefiting from the flattening of the world.
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