Question 1

At the most basic level, information flows record and retrieve critical data, then execute and control physical and monetary flows, and are referred to as _____.

Accepted Answer

The description provided in the question is most closely related to transaction processing systems (TPS), which are designed to record and retrieve data related to basic business transactions (such as sales and inventory) and execute physical and monetary flows (such as processing payments and updating inventory counts). The other options listed (Internet-based information technology, EDI, strategic decision making, and DSSs) are not as directly related to the basic functions described in the question.

Question 2

A _____ system is often used to search for patterns or relationships in the data.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A _____ system is often used to...

Question 3

In a regular reverse auction, prices are anonymous, and the identity of the competitors is provided to all sellers.

Accepted Answer

In a regular reverse auction, the identity of the sellers is provided to all competitors, not the other way around. Prices are still anonymous.

Question 4

A reverse auction is a software tool that extends the tradition bid process to permit suppliers to configure their bids in any number of alternatives ways.

Accepted Answer

A reverse auction is a type of auction where the roles of buyer and seller are reversed, with sellers competing to offer the lowest price. It does not involve suppliers configuring their bids in multiple alternative ways.

Question 5

Price should be a very important element of the reverse auction process but not the only one.

Accepted Answer

While price is a significant factor in a reverse auction, other elements such as quality, delivery time, and supplier reputation must also be considered for a successful outcome.

Question 6

SMAC is the new enterprise IT model delivering an organization that is more connective, collaborative, real-time, and productive.

Accepted Answer

SMAC stands for Social, Mobile, Analytics, and Cloud. It is a new enterprise IT model that aims to deliver a more connected, collaborative, real-time, and productive organization. SMAC technologies enable businesses to interact with their customers and employees using social media, mobile devices, analytics, and cloud computing.

Question 7

Sell-side e-sourcing systems are controlled by buyers and are tied into the buyers' intranets and extra-nets.

Accepted Answer

Sell-side e-sourcing systems are actually controlled by sellers, not buyers. These systems are designed to help sellers manage and promote their products or services to potential buyers.

Question 8

A set of SRM sourcing modules acts as an interactive system designed to support purchasing managers in making effective decisions concerning supplier selection, contract management, contract compliance, and so on.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the purpose and function of SRM sourcing modules.

Question 9

Contract management and compliance provides oversight of the front end of the sourcing process.

Accepted Answer

Contract management and compliance provide oversight of the back end of the sourcing process, which includes monitoring supplier performance and ensuring adherence to contractual terms and regulations. The front end of the sourcing process typically involves identifying business needs and selecting potential suppliers.

Question 10

In a _____ system, decisions are automated, with exceptions dealt with manually.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a _____ system, decisions are automated,...

Question 11

A public cloud is a proprietary network or a data center that supplies hosted services to a limited number of people.

Accepted Answer

A public cloud is a network or data center that supplies hosted services to the public, rather than a limited number of people.

Question 12

Real-time updating refers to the process of downloading all data buckets into the main system on a regularly scheduled basis.

Accepted Answer

Real-time updating refers to the process of continuously updating data in the main system as new data becomes available, not just on a regularly scheduled basis.

Question 13

The most important benefit of a visibility system is not that the system is able to correct a supply chain problem, but that it allows people to become aware of problems earlier and thus take corrective actions more quickly that they would otherwise.

Accepted Answer

A visibility system provides real-time insights into the supply chain which allows for quicker decision making and proactive problem-solving before issues become major problems. This helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Question 14

B2B marketers are using Facebook and other social networking providers such as LinkedIn to facilitate the sales process.

Accepted Answer

B2B marketers have increasingly been using social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to engage with potential customers and facilitate the sales process. These platforms provide opportunities for targeted advertising, content sharing, and building long-term relationships with prospects.

Question 15

Making information visible does not require a degree of collaboration between the parties.

Accepted Answer

Collaboration is often necessary to ensure that information is accurately shared, understood, and utilized effectively by all parties involved.

Question 16

The goal of spend analysis is to determine what goods and services are purchased, what suppliers they are purchased from, and where the demand for the items originates in the organization.

Accepted Answer

The goal of spend analysis is indeed to determine what goods and services are purchased, what suppliers they are purchased from, and where the demand for the items originates in the organization.

Question 17

Web-based EDI is a much less expensive system than traditional EDI and presents fewer standards issues.

Accepted Answer

Web-based EDI eliminates the need for expensive hardware and software installations and upgrades, making it a more cost-effective solution. It also relies on internet standards, which are more widely adopted and consistent compared to traditional EDI standards, resulting in fewer standards issues.

Question 18

The dangers of poor execution of supply chain processes include increased lead and cycle times, higher costs, and less-informed decision making.

Accepted Answer

Poor execution of supply chain processes can lead to delays in lead and cycle times, which can result in increased costs. In addition, inaccurate or incomplete information can lead to less-informed decision making, which can also result in increased costs and reduced efficiency.

Question 19

Participants in blog sites are free to post their reactions, and individuals can respond to other participants' responses.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Participants in blog sites are free to post their reactions and comment on other people's responses.

Question 20

In essence, blog posting encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that is in real time and over the Internet.

Accepted Answer

Blog posting refers to creating and publishing content on a blog, which is a website or portion of a website consisting of regularly updated posts. It is not necessarily subscription-based or pay-per-use, as many blogs are free to access for readers and writers.

Quiz 18: Supply Chain Information Systems and Electronic Sourcing