Solutions Manual for
Supply Chain Management A
Logistics Perspective, 12th Edition
By John Coyle, John Langley,
Robert Novack, Brian Gibson
(All Chapters 1-15, 100% Original
Verified, A+ Grade)
All Chapters Arranged Reverse: 15-1
This is the Original Solutions Manual
for 12th Edition, All Other Files in the
Market are Wrong/Old Questions.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Langley/Novack/Gibson, Supply Chain Management, 12e, .
Chapter 15: Strategic Challenges and Change for Supply Chains
Solution and Answer Guide
LANGLEY /NOVACK/GIBSON , SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, 12E , .CHAPTER 15: S TRATEGIC
CHALLENGES AND CHANGE FOR SUPPLY CHAINS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Answers to Study Question...........................................................................................1
Chapter case 15.1..........................................................................................................3
Case Questions........................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER CASE 15.2.......................................................................................................6
Case Questions........................................................................................................................................7
ANSWERS TO STUDY QUESTION
1. Which of the “Seven Back-to-Basics Principles for Supply Chain Success” do you feel
will be most critical to the success of supply chains in the future?
Answer: These seven principles are discussed in the text and in Figures 15.2 through 15.5. Some of these
may appear to be more or less important depending on the existing business circumstances, but each should
be considered on its own merits and importance.
2. Provide an example supply chain issue or problem that you feel may be addressed by
each of the key stages in the supply chain maturity model (i.e., descriptive;
diagnostic; predictive; prescriptive; and cognitive).
Answer: Evaluate the student’s work on its own merits.
3. Using the internet, identify 2-3 traditional retailers that have adopted one or many
of the five keys strategies necessary for success in an omni-channel environment.
How did they implement this strategy and what were the results?
Answer: Evaluate the student’s work on its own merits
4. Why is sustainability such a complex and challenging issue for organizations? How
can they simplify these challenges from a supply chain perspective?
Answer: The goal of sustainability is challenging and the best approach may be to consider sustainability
as a journey that will take time and effort to improve. There was a time when sustainable actions and
practices were considered by some organizations to represent increased cost that would have to be absorbed
with subsequent lower profit or passed off to customers with higher prices or some combinations of the
two. Also, it was assumed by some to mean a loss of efficiency placing organizations at a competitive
disadvantage, particularly on a global basis.
In the current economic environment, a growing number of organizations have conceded that there can be
revenue opportunities to offset the costs, especially when sustainability practices are not viewed narrowly
as simply recycling and disposal. For example, some organizations have recognized that their consumer
© 2025 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Langley/Novack/Gibson, Supply Chain Management, 12e, .
Chapter 15: Strategic Challenges and Change for Supply Chains
packaging practices were not conducive to their objective of achieving sustainability and made changes
which were environmentally-friendly and improved efficiency in the supply chain. A well-known example
was a change made with the mutual consent of P&G and Wal-Mart to reduce the size of the plastic
containers used in the sale of liquid detergents by reducing the water content of the product and making it
more concentrated. The consumer had to be convinced that the smaller size bottle would give them the
equivalent number of washer loads. Once that was accomplished, the resulting cost reductions in packaging
and transportation and the increased efficiency in utilizing space in warehouses and store shelves were
notable. It represented a win-win in terms of costs and sustainability. The reduction in unnecessary
packaging has become a growing practice among a variety of retail organizations and manufacturers to the
benefit of overall environmental sustainability. There are other examples of changes in supply chain
practices such as vehicle routing, increased load size, and vendor purchasing practices which have lowered
cost and reduced environmental pollution also.
One of the challenges facing organizations is that sustainability has many dimensions. At the most basic
level, sustainability requires companies to consider and manage the impact that their supply chain has on
both the natural and social environment in which they operate. The latter implies a commitment to social
responsibility and may be overlooked since it is usually the most challenging aspect for organizations. For
example, the “sweat shop” labor used by suppliers in underdeveloped countries may be difficult to
ascertain. Also, the argument is sometimes made by indigenous owners and managers, that overall it is
beneficial to the employees even if it could be classified as a sweatshop because they have no alternative
employment opportunities. The “best-in-class” companies do attempt to manage and control both the
natural and social and environmental issues on an integrated basis, but it is challenging especially for
human rights issues and product life impacts. It is here that collaborative efforts can play a major role as
long as everyone is consistent and in agreement as to what the best practices entail. This is particularly true
if the approach to sustainability suggested above recognizes that it is a journey with a path of continuous
effort. The improvement aspect requires the right balance of people, process and technology. With increase
in complexity in supply chains, there is a growing need for improved technology to drive innovation, cost
reduction and customer service.
The commitment to improve sustainability can follow many different paths including reduced packaging,
alternate modes of transportation (rail versus truck), minimizing transport miles, maximizing shipment size,
etc., all of which can also lead to increased profits through lower providing humane working conditions at
supplier factories can encounter organizational resistance because of increased costs. As some individuals
note, cost often drives behavior. However, when companies can get customer buy-in (collaboration), they
can gain a competitive advantage in the market place for such effort. However, it should be noted that
skepticism still remains in some quarters as to the financial viability of such efforts.
One successful approach to overcome organizational resistance is to effectuate collaboration in the supply
chain. The power of “partnerships” to establish a joint effort throughout the supply chain among suppliers,
producers, customers, logistics service providers, etc., can help make positive changes for the mutual
benefit of all and the collective approach can often produce more innovation and provide pressure for
increased cooperation. The opportunity that today’s consumers have for obtaining product information is
also becoming an important driver of change and improvement through the social media. Consumers share
evaluations and information among each other on a real time basis which is a powerful weapon for many
changes including sustainability practices. The information and transparency into organizational practices is
a dynamic that cannot be underestimated whether it is about sustainability or racism in organizations.
5.W hat special challenges and opportunities are presented for reverse flows by
globalization? What do you think is the biggest challenge and the greatest
opportunity? Why?
© 2025 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Langley/Novack/Gibson, Supply Chain Management, 12e, .
Chapter 15: Strategic Challenges and Change for Supply Chains
Answer: Global supply chains present challenges and opportunities for reverse flows. Some European
countries have been very proactive in passing so-called green laws, primarily for environmental reasons,
which means that companies doing business in these countries must be cognizant of these regulations and
policies. The green laws usually require reverse flows, for example returning packaging materials. Some
underdeveloped countries are very lenient in these areas, which may raise ethical issues for companies
doing business in these countries. The differences among countries and the complexity of global supply
chains mandate a critical evaluation and analysis of the issues associated with global reverse flows.
Evaluate the student’s biggest challenge and greatest opportunity on its own merits
6.W hat do you think would be some of the challenges with transforming supply chain
processes within an organization? Across a number of organizations that may
comprise a supply chain?
Answer: Some example challenges are listed below. Overall, it is very important to successfully make the
case that the transformation is beneficial to the organization as a whole as well as to the organization.
Similarly, for any firm participating in a supply chain it will be important that other supply chain
organizations recognize the value of the transformation to the functioning of the broader supply chain and
individual organizations comprising the supply chain.
Challenges within an organization:
Convincing executive-level management of the merits of transforming supply chain processes and
securing adequate funding and support for this initiative.
Gaining the support and involvement of other/related process areas of the business (manufacturing;
marketing; finance; HR; etc.)
Basic challenges of change management.
Challenges across supply chain:
Managing any impacts of the transformation on the overall supply chain and individual participants.
Effective communication with other supply chain participants to gain their support for the
transformation.
Managing current and future innovation and transformation that may affect functioning of overall
supply chain.
CHAPTER CASE 15.1
Amazon versus Alibaba1
As the e-commerce marketplace continues to grow, participating organizations have aggressively added to their
capabilities and are positioning themselves for the future. Internet shopping space in the U.S. is largely dominated
by Amazon, while Alibaba is doing the same in China. Each of these two giants has a significant, loyal base of
customers, and they both continue to innovate and grow and gain acceptance in their respective geographies and
beyond.
1 This case has been adapted from materials available at: Daniel Newman, “Alibaba vs. Amazon: The
Battle of Disruptive Innovation Beyond Traditional e-Commerce,” www.forbes.com, October 24,
2018; “Amazon’s vs. Alibaba’s Business Models: What’s the Difference?”, www.investopedia.com,
April 20, 2019; “Better Buy: Alibaba vs. Amazon,” www.fool.com/investing, December 15, 2018.
© 2025 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly
accessible website, in whole or in part.
Supply Chain Management A
Logistics Perspective, 12th Edition
By John Coyle, John Langley,
Robert Novack, Brian Gibson
(All Chapters 1-15, 100% Original
Verified, A+ Grade)
All Chapters Arranged Reverse: 15-1
This is the Original Solutions Manual
for 12th Edition, All Other Files in the
Market are Wrong/Old Questions.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Langley/Novack/Gibson, Supply Chain Management, 12e, .
Chapter 15: Strategic Challenges and Change for Supply Chains
Solution and Answer Guide
LANGLEY /NOVACK/GIBSON , SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, 12E , .CHAPTER 15: S TRATEGIC
CHALLENGES AND CHANGE FOR SUPPLY CHAINS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Answers to Study Question...........................................................................................1
Chapter case 15.1..........................................................................................................3
Case Questions........................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER CASE 15.2.......................................................................................................6
Case Questions........................................................................................................................................7
ANSWERS TO STUDY QUESTION
1. Which of the “Seven Back-to-Basics Principles for Supply Chain Success” do you feel
will be most critical to the success of supply chains in the future?
Answer: These seven principles are discussed in the text and in Figures 15.2 through 15.5. Some of these
may appear to be more or less important depending on the existing business circumstances, but each should
be considered on its own merits and importance.
2. Provide an example supply chain issue or problem that you feel may be addressed by
each of the key stages in the supply chain maturity model (i.e., descriptive;
diagnostic; predictive; prescriptive; and cognitive).
Answer: Evaluate the student’s work on its own merits.
3. Using the internet, identify 2-3 traditional retailers that have adopted one or many
of the five keys strategies necessary for success in an omni-channel environment.
How did they implement this strategy and what were the results?
Answer: Evaluate the student’s work on its own merits
4. Why is sustainability such a complex and challenging issue for organizations? How
can they simplify these challenges from a supply chain perspective?
Answer: The goal of sustainability is challenging and the best approach may be to consider sustainability
as a journey that will take time and effort to improve. There was a time when sustainable actions and
practices were considered by some organizations to represent increased cost that would have to be absorbed
with subsequent lower profit or passed off to customers with higher prices or some combinations of the
two. Also, it was assumed by some to mean a loss of efficiency placing organizations at a competitive
disadvantage, particularly on a global basis.
In the current economic environment, a growing number of organizations have conceded that there can be
revenue opportunities to offset the costs, especially when sustainability practices are not viewed narrowly
as simply recycling and disposal. For example, some organizations have recognized that their consumer
© 2025 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Langley/Novack/Gibson, Supply Chain Management, 12e, .
Chapter 15: Strategic Challenges and Change for Supply Chains
packaging practices were not conducive to their objective of achieving sustainability and made changes
which were environmentally-friendly and improved efficiency in the supply chain. A well-known example
was a change made with the mutual consent of P&G and Wal-Mart to reduce the size of the plastic
containers used in the sale of liquid detergents by reducing the water content of the product and making it
more concentrated. The consumer had to be convinced that the smaller size bottle would give them the
equivalent number of washer loads. Once that was accomplished, the resulting cost reductions in packaging
and transportation and the increased efficiency in utilizing space in warehouses and store shelves were
notable. It represented a win-win in terms of costs and sustainability. The reduction in unnecessary
packaging has become a growing practice among a variety of retail organizations and manufacturers to the
benefit of overall environmental sustainability. There are other examples of changes in supply chain
practices such as vehicle routing, increased load size, and vendor purchasing practices which have lowered
cost and reduced environmental pollution also.
One of the challenges facing organizations is that sustainability has many dimensions. At the most basic
level, sustainability requires companies to consider and manage the impact that their supply chain has on
both the natural and social environment in which they operate. The latter implies a commitment to social
responsibility and may be overlooked since it is usually the most challenging aspect for organizations. For
example, the “sweat shop” labor used by suppliers in underdeveloped countries may be difficult to
ascertain. Also, the argument is sometimes made by indigenous owners and managers, that overall it is
beneficial to the employees even if it could be classified as a sweatshop because they have no alternative
employment opportunities. The “best-in-class” companies do attempt to manage and control both the
natural and social and environmental issues on an integrated basis, but it is challenging especially for
human rights issues and product life impacts. It is here that collaborative efforts can play a major role as
long as everyone is consistent and in agreement as to what the best practices entail. This is particularly true
if the approach to sustainability suggested above recognizes that it is a journey with a path of continuous
effort. The improvement aspect requires the right balance of people, process and technology. With increase
in complexity in supply chains, there is a growing need for improved technology to drive innovation, cost
reduction and customer service.
The commitment to improve sustainability can follow many different paths including reduced packaging,
alternate modes of transportation (rail versus truck), minimizing transport miles, maximizing shipment size,
etc., all of which can also lead to increased profits through lower providing humane working conditions at
supplier factories can encounter organizational resistance because of increased costs. As some individuals
note, cost often drives behavior. However, when companies can get customer buy-in (collaboration), they
can gain a competitive advantage in the market place for such effort. However, it should be noted that
skepticism still remains in some quarters as to the financial viability of such efforts.
One successful approach to overcome organizational resistance is to effectuate collaboration in the supply
chain. The power of “partnerships” to establish a joint effort throughout the supply chain among suppliers,
producers, customers, logistics service providers, etc., can help make positive changes for the mutual
benefit of all and the collective approach can often produce more innovation and provide pressure for
increased cooperation. The opportunity that today’s consumers have for obtaining product information is
also becoming an important driver of change and improvement through the social media. Consumers share
evaluations and information among each other on a real time basis which is a powerful weapon for many
changes including sustainability practices. The information and transparency into organizational practices is
a dynamic that cannot be underestimated whether it is about sustainability or racism in organizations.
5.W hat special challenges and opportunities are presented for reverse flows by
globalization? What do you think is the biggest challenge and the greatest
opportunity? Why?
© 2025 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Langley/Novack/Gibson, Supply Chain Management, 12e, .
Chapter 15: Strategic Challenges and Change for Supply Chains
Answer: Global supply chains present challenges and opportunities for reverse flows. Some European
countries have been very proactive in passing so-called green laws, primarily for environmental reasons,
which means that companies doing business in these countries must be cognizant of these regulations and
policies. The green laws usually require reverse flows, for example returning packaging materials. Some
underdeveloped countries are very lenient in these areas, which may raise ethical issues for companies
doing business in these countries. The differences among countries and the complexity of global supply
chains mandate a critical evaluation and analysis of the issues associated with global reverse flows.
Evaluate the student’s biggest challenge and greatest opportunity on its own merits
6.W hat do you think would be some of the challenges with transforming supply chain
processes within an organization? Across a number of organizations that may
comprise a supply chain?
Answer: Some example challenges are listed below. Overall, it is very important to successfully make the
case that the transformation is beneficial to the organization as a whole as well as to the organization.
Similarly, for any firm participating in a supply chain it will be important that other supply chain
organizations recognize the value of the transformation to the functioning of the broader supply chain and
individual organizations comprising the supply chain.
Challenges within an organization:
Convincing executive-level management of the merits of transforming supply chain processes and
securing adequate funding and support for this initiative.
Gaining the support and involvement of other/related process areas of the business (manufacturing;
marketing; finance; HR; etc.)
Basic challenges of change management.
Challenges across supply chain:
Managing any impacts of the transformation on the overall supply chain and individual participants.
Effective communication with other supply chain participants to gain their support for the
transformation.
Managing current and future innovation and transformation that may affect functioning of overall
supply chain.
CHAPTER CASE 15.1
Amazon versus Alibaba1
As the e-commerce marketplace continues to grow, participating organizations have aggressively added to their
capabilities and are positioning themselves for the future. Internet shopping space in the U.S. is largely dominated
by Amazon, while Alibaba is doing the same in China. Each of these two giants has a significant, loyal base of
customers, and they both continue to innovate and grow and gain acceptance in their respective geographies and
beyond.
1 This case has been adapted from materials available at: Daniel Newman, “Alibaba vs. Amazon: The
Battle of Disruptive Innovation Beyond Traditional e-Commerce,” www.forbes.com, October 24,
2018; “Amazon’s vs. Alibaba’s Business Models: What’s the Difference?”, www.investopedia.com,
April 20, 2019; “Better Buy: Alibaba vs. Amazon,” www.fool.com/investing, December 15, 2018.
© 2025 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly
accessible website, in whole or in part.
