Questions and Correct Answers Already Graded A+
Outsourcing - CORRECT ANSWER-Definition: hiring a third party to perform a set of
tasks for a fee
Increased Competitive Pressure:
Forces companies to focus on what they do best and outsource other activities
Core Competencies:
Create superior value by managing core competencies better than competitors
,technology - CORRECT ANSWER-Information technology can be viewed as an enabler of
SCM
- Internet
- Enterprise resource planning (ESP) software
- Wireless and satellite communication
- Global positioning systems (GPS)
- Radio frequency identification (RFID)
The proper level of optimality (the best we can achieve under xyz circumstances) is what: -
CORRECT ANSWER-The supply chain as a whole
What is supply chain management? - CORRECT ANSWER-the design and management of
flows of products, information, and funds throughout the supply chain
what is the primary goal of supply chains today? - CORRECT ANSWER-to create value for
both the organization and its customers. This involves optimizing processes, reducing costs,
improving quality, and enhancing customer satisfaction
What does SCM consist of? - CORRECT ANSWER-suppliers, producers,
wholesalers/distributors, retailers, customers
,SCM Activities - CORRECT ANSWER-Coordination: coordinate the movement of goods,
services, and funds throughout the supply chain
Information Sharing: share forecasts, point of scale data, planned promotional campaigns,
inventory levels
Collaboration: jointly plan, operate, and execute business decisions as one entity
what are the 3 supply chain flows - CORRECT ANSWER-physical (products)
financial (funds)
information
flow of products (physical) - CORRECT ANSWER-From sourcing of raw materials to
finished products delivered to the final customer
Reverse Logistics*
- Reverse the physical flow of products from the consumer back up the supply chain
- Ex. "return policies"
flow of information - CORRECT ANSWER-Simplified supply chain utilize data from point-
of-scale back to suppliers
, Realtime information reduces uncertainty and inventory levels
flow of funds (financial) - CORRECT ANSWER-Funds are transferred in both directions
along the supply chain
Bullwhip Effect - CORRECT ANSWER-Fluctuation and disorientation of information
increases as it moves up the supply chain
- Each stage of the chain carries progressively more inventory
- The longer the supply chain, the greater the opportunity for the bullwhip effect
How to combat bullwhip effect - CORRECT ANSWER-Sharing point-of sale information
with all members of the supply chain can combat the bullwhip effect
Main characteristics of the Bullwhip Effect: - CORRECT ANSWER-Distortion of
information about true customer demand
Problem gets worse as inaccurate information moves up the supply chain from retailers, to
manufacturers, to suppliers (like a bullwhip uncoiling)
In response to inaccurate information, each stage in the chain carries progressively more
inventory to compensate for the lack of information