Word Count: 3000 word (+10% max) (excluding figures, tables, references) Logistics outsourcing has become a mainstay of international supply chains. Companies routinely subcontract their functions to third-party logistics service providers to gain competitive advantage. Logistics outsourcing has undergone a paradigm shift from a cost centre to a revenue centre in many supply chains. The ability to use outsourcing as a strategic tool and partner with vendors has proven globally that outsourcing can be a competitive differentiator in many supply chains. In this regard: (A) Describe the notion of ‘core competency’ and its relevance to the understanding of outsourcing. (B) Identify and explain the key drivers of logistics outsourcing. (C) Examine the barriers to outsourcing. (D) Analyse the evolution of logistics outsourcing during the last decade and argue whether or not outsourcing has complemented the strategic objectives of business organisations. Use relevant examples to support your arguments. Marks will be allocated as follows: Quality of description of core competency and its relevance in Part A (25%) Quality of discussion in Part B (20%) Quality of examination in Part C (20%) Quality of analysis in Part D (25%) Use of references and general structure (10%)Notes: (a) Your coursework is checked up for its coherent and sustained analysis, critical perspective, balanced structure and definitive conclusion; (b) The coursework is also checked up for evidence of (a) thorough understanding of outsourcing management concepts, processes and applications; (b) originality; and (c) strong analytical skills; (c) Your coursework is also checked up for the use of references. You are advised to desist from referring to non-academic, non-industrial sources (Wikipedia, blogs, etc.). General Guidelines to Students: – Each submission needs to cite the word count at the end of the coursework. – Students are advised to follow a minimum of 1.5 spacing for their coursework. Assessment Criteria: 1st – Exceptional (90% and above) – Very thorough research from a number of sources, including books, journals, the Internet and personal interviews. Very well-constructed, professional quality work producing high quality, meaningful outcomes that have real-world application. – An exceptional exploration of the topics with excellent integration of a wide range of material. – A very high level of insightful critical thinking and sophisticated argument. – Well written to a professional standard of presentation, showing extensive knowledge in the relevant areas.