Can SCM save the world?  Do the actions taken by a supply chain management professional have sufficient impact to damage or repair environmental, social and/or economic reality?

SCM like many other business aspects has its pros and cons. It saves the world through interdependence on resources. Countries and regions complement each other with natural and human resources.
On the other hand, as the good pass around in the form of global supply chain, so also the bad.
A major supply chain decision with ripple effects can cause a positive or negative impact to damage or repair environmental, social and/or economic reality.

Is anyone in on this with me? Please feel free to make your contributions and cite examples.

I would also add to these as measures to mitigate the effect:
A just-in-time (JIT) inventory system and point-of-sale (POS) system would enable companies to get direct information on demand and enable mangers request for more goods if required.

The supply chain could benefit from having more flexibility and resilience by having more standardized processes. My organization got sanctioned on violation of one of the governing body's policies. There was no trade of one of the major profit earning lines. Things were tough in those years for the organization and the recovery was through reallocating resources where the need was greatest and where we could gain more to cover part of the income gap and reduce our variance.

Other ways of improving flexibility and resilience are by:
* Strengthening and deepening relationship with suppliers where the company has very few, so that in 
  times of unforeseen circumstances, they can rely on them for help
* Having informed employees that share information and adequate communication with suppliers
* Having the right policies in place and ensuring they are practiced
* Diversifying the supply chain and keeping strong relationship with the suppliers
 

Supply chain mapping has been quite beneficial in my organization. I was wondering how it will be applicable in the financial sector, but come to think of it, it is everywhere in its operation. It is quite complex and more of an ultimate supply chain. It helps manage the flow of goods, services and knowledge.

My organization applies the SWOT analysis, it leverages on its strengths and opportunities and for its weaknesses and threats, it focuses on outsourcing, from market research firms, to staffing, training, maintenance (building, equipment and machines), cash evacuation (logistics), IT supplies (computers, counting machines, POS, ATM) etc. 

Supply chain mapping has been beneficial to my organization because it has increased efficiency, cycle time reduction, cost and time saving, reduced risk level, increased profit level. A little example in the aspect of risk. In fraud cases among outsourced staff, the sourcing company goes after guarantors and recovery of funds. This saves a lot of time from such distraction and the risk management is borne by another body. Another example is in the evacuation of cash, insurance coverage helps mitigate against loss of funds in the sitaution of an accident, theft or robbery. In the aspect of IT, supply of equipment is accompanied by maintenace and repair services. It doesn't stop at ordering equipment, it goes further in the map to maintenance, repair and replacement. 

A striking benefit is that the map relies on multiple suppliers and brands. It is a great risk mitigant. 

First of all, a brief description of what my organization is into and the type of market for better understanding of its competence. It is in the banking industry and financial services. It is regulated and has many competitors. It strategically focused to grow the retail segment of the market by providing a wide range of retail products and services.

My organization's core competenies are reflected in its vision, mission and values. Integrity, competence, leadership, accountability and passion. Exceptional customer experience using technology and people to exceed customer expectation. Its competencies are, being the best in the it's ability to roll out new products (first entrant of new products in the market), quality training of staff and continuous learning. Also had strategic partnership with international corporations.

My organization was the first to go into retail mass market and sustained it through digitalization of the banking system to reduce banking hall congestion and ease of transaction for customers. From one branch to 272 branches in the country, 317 branches globally with over 4500 workforce, serving over 10 million customers spread across six countries.

It was respected for its excellent innovation in providing value-adding solutions to customers' business needs. It was the first to target small businesses and fund them through Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) business development when it was first launched in the country.

Dedicated training school with quality training of staff at entry level and continuous training across all levels. Other banks poached their staff at the training school with offers of higher grade and pay.

These competencies gave them a large customer base, increased earnings and net profit. Total asset of N2.04 trillion and N131.4 billion in total revenue as at December 31, 2016.