Exam 13: Supply Chain Process Integration

Due to supply rationing,a buyer is being allotted 90% of her total orders.As a result,the buyer inflates her subsequent orders in an attempt to meet her real needs for demand.This strategy is known as:

The primary enabler of the internal integration of key supply chain processes is a firm's:

The textbook states that "the bullwhip effect can be a pervasive and expensive problem along the supply chain." Answer the following questions in relation to the bullwhip effect: 1.Briefly describe the bullwhip effect. 2.List 2 key activities that cause the bullwhip effect.How do they exacerbate the problems associated with the bullwhip effect? 3.How can process integration help prevent/minimize the bullwhip effect? 4.List 2 other key activities that can act as deterrents against the bullwhip effect.How do they minimize and/or eliminate the problems associated with the bullwhip effect? 1.Vendor Managed Inventory Systems - VMI systems empower suppliers to manage inventories for their customers based on information supplied directly to the supplier via the customer's system.This not only allows for increased visibility,it also allows for suppliers to act at a time closer to the actual moment of need. 2.Increasing Information Visibility - Developing information systems which allow organizations and their supply chain members to more accurately assess the needs of the system/customers will allow for more effective planning and in turn provide a more efficient use of resources. 3.Decreasing Order Sizes - smaller order sizes help supply chain members more accurately track changes in demand.Such orders will be more frequent,and allows forecasts to be more accurate. 4.Maintaining a policy of Everyday Low Prices - this helps to minimize or eliminate price fluctuations which may cause irregular buying patterns,or create an enlarged sense of demand variability. 5.Reducing the length of the supply chain can reduce the bullwhip effect by reducing the number of occasions when forecasts are calculated. 6.Reducing lead times from order to delivery will allow organizations to order in a just-in-time manner,and allows for more small order quantities. 7.Attempting to limit shortage gaming by allocating product for sale to buyers based on demand histories.

The most basic security system should include procedures and policies for securing facilities,personnel,computer systems,and freight shipments.

Which of the key supply chain business processes refers to meeting customer requirements by synchronizing the firm's marketing,production and distribution plans:

Manufacturing flow management is the key process that helps balance customer demand and the firm's output capabilities.

List FIVE of the eight supply chain business processes.

The coordination and sharing of information and resources to jointly manage a process is referred to as:

According to the text,customer feedback mechanisms are developed as part of which supply chain business process:

Passive RFID Tags,which are mandated by Wal-Mart,are less expensive than active RFID tags,which have been used for healthcare and military applications.

Two methods for managing supply chain risk include utilizing a supply chain IT system and identifying backup suppliers.

The practice of buyers allowing suppliers to observe their demand,create a forecast,and determine their resupply schedules in the hopes of reducing inventories is called: