Module 9: Dell Laptop, al-Qaeda and The Curse of Oil

     This part of the book really threw around some numbers that I was unaware of regarding Dell's laptop sales of 150,000 per day. How is that kind of a production even possible? Supply chaining. As I read the process of Dell's supply chain I was really blown away by the process that takes place when someone simply places an order on their website. Dell shops around enough to find the best deals for good quality parts and integrates them into their supply chain. The simple "assembly line" concept is one that I've always understood, but the supply chaining has never been one I've thought about.
     With dell laptops (and computers, in general) being so complex with 30 different customizable parts to each one -- it is impressive that Dell has it so mastered. It's seems like the exact definition of a "well-oiled machine!" If I can go onto one website and build a computer with my custom specifications and have it in-hand within a week, that is impressive. Last week I was able to order a Dell Laptop for work and the experience was very simple. As I was filling it out I thought of what I read in this book remembering all of the different parties involved to make my order happen. I haven't received the order yet, but fully plan on being blown away by what it took for them to acquire and build the laptop that I ordered.
     While Dell uses a supply chain to effectively build computers, al-Qaeda uses a supply chain to product individuals of mass destruction. The program is called the Virtual Caliphate. In essence, they use this system to produce the suicide bombers for al-Qaeda to take care of specific missions where an individual of that caliber is required. This supply chain system allows them to quickly find replacements when one goes dark, or as one "graduates" from the program. This system is clearly not as fine-tuned as Dell's laptop supply chain, but it is the same concept.
     The demand for oil continues. The supply is there, and if the cost increases we have to cover it and increase the individual cost that we pay. What about the countries that are pulling in all of the money, what is there situation like? Imagine this, you hold the key to oil for anyone in the world to purchase. The demand continues to increase due to the continued popularity of the gas-powered engine. With enough money in this country, why do you (as a country) need to grow? The money is there, and it's going to continue to come through as long as the oil keeps flowing. This is what they call the "curse of oil." It is a curse because the cultural society shuts down, and has no intention of improving as long as money keeps flowing in.
     With oil it is going to be interesting to see how it evolves. The electric car is definitely changing vehicle travel as we know it. Sales are increasing, and awareness is also. As people get more aware of this new alternative to oil they will realize that it's not an absolute necessity even more. I wonder how this curse will change when that happens, because it will most likely effect the countries with the most oiled. Maybe in the long run, it will help this "curse" sink!