Module 9

The building of a Dell laptop is really a collaboration of many people from many different companies working together to create a computer. The source materials come from many different mines all over the world. The processers come from Intel, the hard drives are made by WD and the outer casing is made by Dell. When an order is sent to Dell for a new laptop all of these companies bring these parts together to a Dell facility and create a working computer. Then Dell takes the computer and installs the operating system and all the software needed. Dell is a great example of a supply chain. The part of Dells supply chain that I find most interesting is the fact that they have many different companies that can provide each individual part of their computers. By having many companies providing parts they keep everyone working to have the best parts possible and keep the prices competitive.

Even though supply chains are generally considered as good things, they can just as easily be used for evil. Al-Qaeda must have a very secure supply chain in place to help them create weapons as well as provide the basic necessities for living to those who are hiding. When Al-Qaeda wants to create weapons I don’t think they can just walk into the store and buy all the things it takes to make a homemade bomb. They have to get the different parts from different places and then put them all together in a secure location.

Oil is a substance that is used by nearly everybody in the world on a daily basis. It is used in many ways from cars to cooking oil. The curse of oil is that there is a limited amount on the planet and it will one day run out and when it does life will change drastically for 99% of people. Because of the necessity for oil those who want it are willing to pay greatly for it without worrying about what the people selling them the oil will do with the money. This creates a very corrupt system that is very valuable. The world needs to start figuring out ways to reduce our reliance on oil.