Deck 12: Aligning Supply Chains

Question 1

A recent annual 3PL study indicates that 3PL customers feel third-party suppliers should each focus on a narrow set of specialized services, rather than offering a broader range of generalized services.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Vertical integration refers to collaboration typically among buyers and sellers in the supply chain.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

A distinguishing characteristic of successful supply chains is the ability to achieve "alignment" between people, processes, and technologies.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

National Auto Parts has a collaborative relationship with one of its suppliers, Dri-Shield Windshield Wipers. National's inventory system feeds data directly to this supplier so that Dri-Shield can deliver optimal levels of inventory at the best times to National's stores. Which of the following best describes this example of collaboration?

A) Vertical
B) Horizontal
C) Lateral
D) Full

Question 5

Once a 3PL provider is chosen, it is not necessary for an organization to seek continuous improvements as the 3PL will handle that function.

Question 6

Information systems executives are becoming increasingly involved in implementing 3PL relationships, which is not surprising, considering the key role of IT in many of today's logistics and supply chain processes.

Question 7

The first stage in the process model for forming and sustaining supply chain relationships involves the process by which a manufacturer becomes fully aware of its logistics and supply chain needs .

Question 8

Collaboration is usually defined as a "business practice that encourages individual organizations to share information and resources for the benefit of all."

Question 9

The range of relationships with 3PLs ranges from being a vendor to being a vertical supplier.

Question 10

The "IT gap" refers to the difference between the internal IT capabilities of 3PL users and the IT expertise of the 3PL providers.

Question 11

4PL providers not only provide a broader scope of services to their clients and customers, but typically may be more strategically involved.

Question 12

A horizontal relationship refers to firms on the same level in the supply chain.

Question 13

Horizontal collaboration refers to a relationship that is _____ and/or _____.

A) 3PLs to 3PLs; service provider to service provider
B) buyer to buyer; seller to seller
C) flat across the chain; involving partners equal in size
D) collaboration with horizontal; vertical competitors

Question 14

Full collaboration is the dynamic combination of:

A) buyers, sellers, retailers, and 3PLs.
B) buyers, sellers, retailers, 3PLs, and appropriate government agencies.
C) both vertical and horizontal collaboration.
D) buyers and sellers only.

Question 15

A third-party logistics (3PL) firm is defined as a company that owns trucks and warehouses so as to offer integrated services.

Question 16

Many organizations are working more closely with:

A) customers.
B) customers and suppliers.
C) third-party logistics firms.
D) customers, suppliers, and various types of logistics suppliers.

Question 17

A financial based 3PL is a firm that takes a financial interest in an organization in order to underwrite the outsourcing of that firm's logistics.

Question 18

Which of the following statements best describes the reason the IT gap has not been eliminated in recent years?

A) The primary cause of the continuing IT gap is service providers' reluctance to invest in appropriate technology.
B) An inability to integrate IT systems between shipper organizations and service providers continues to cause an IT gap.
C) Until shipper organizations and service providers are willing to collaborate on designing and implementing shared IT systems, the IT gap will persist.
D) The continuing IT gap can be attributed to the complexity of the IT-needs of the shipper organizations and the extent to which their IT capabilities themselves need to be improved.

Question 19

Drivers and facilitators are internal issues that an organization must address before seeking a 3PL.

Question 20

One anticipated trend for the future is a narrowing of service offerings into specialty niches. ​

Question 21

What does it take to have an area of "core competency"? Provide an example.

Question 22

Which of the following did not rank as one of the top three benefits of using 3PL in the 24^th Annual 3PL Study ?

A) Reduced costs
B) Reduced shipping time
C) Improved customer service
D) Improved logistics effectiveness

Question 23

Define and discuss the term "4PL."

Question 24

Approximately two-thirds of 3PL customers think their providers supply:

A) tactical or operational services.
B) strategic or integrative services.
C) trucking and warehouse services.
D) a firm that can supply a competency that is not core to the firm.

Question 25

What are some of the types of activities often outsourced?

Question 26

Describe the steps in the process model for forming and implementing successful supply chain relationships. What step(s) do you feel is (are) most critical?

Question 27

What are some example types of services that may be available from a 4PL provider?

Question 28

TransNational Trucking has recently invested over $1 million in wireless technologies designed to give the trucking company greater visibility into shipments as they travel door to door. In what way is TransNational adding value to its customers?

A) Onboarding new customers more effectively
B) Realizing cost reductions
C) Utilizing information technology capabilities
D) Expanding global capabilities

Question 29

How would you distinguish between the following terms: alignment, relationships, and collaboration?

Question 30

What is meant by "collaboration" between supply chain organizations? What are the different types of collaboration?

Question 31

What are some of the more common "drivers" and "facilitators" of successful supply chain relationships?

Question 32

How would you distinguish between a vendor, a partner, and a strategic alliance? What conditions would favor the use of each?

Question 33

What are the basic types of 3PL firms, and which are most prevalent?

Question 34

Generally, there are two types of logistics relationships. Name both types, and pick one to discuss in more detail.

Question 35

Define what a "transactional" relationship is, and discuss how this occurs in logistics.