Students will prepare short case write-ups on three cases (out of four) during the semester.  Case write-ups should address, in 1000-1200 words, the discussion question(s) for a given case and/or any additional questions asked by the professor. The write-up should not overly reiterate facts from the case but rather draw upon relevant material to address the case questions asked linking the case to course themes.

Case: Amazon.Com

1. The COVID-19 pandemic presented (and continues to present) a variety of opportunities and threats for Amazon.  This week’s course theme is on supply chains so make sure that gets at least a mention. 

   1)  How can Amazon balance the need to build resilience in its supply chain and logistics to serve customers with the need for protecting its employees and customers?

   2)  How can Amazon develop the capabilities it needs to address the challenges of the pandemic related to supply chain, logistics, order fulfillment, and people management?

   3)  Discuss Amazon’s response to the COVID-19 crisis (e.g. what were some innovations it developed?) Is this a crisis management success story or not?

   To get you started:

   https://www.engaged.com/senators-question-amazon-covid-19-whistleblower-firings-185144658.html

   https://www.forbes.com/sites/howardhyu/2020/05/01/how-tech-giants-are-winning-the-covid-19-fallout-even-apple/?sh=4472db776b86