Deck 12: Aligning Supply Chains

Question 1

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

Answer 1

True

Question 2

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

Answer 2

False

Question 3

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

Answer 3

True

Question 4

3PL's are asset-based logistics providers that physically move product through the supply chain

Question 5

A Third Party Logistics firm is defined as a company that owns trucks and warehouses so as to offer integrated services.

Question 6

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

Question 7

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

Question 8

Horizontal collaboration refers to a relationship that is _____ and/or _____.
A) 3PLs to 3PLs; service provider to service provider

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

Question 9

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 10

Full collaboration is the dynamic combination of:
A) buyers, sellers, retailers, and 3PLs.

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

Question 11

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

Question 12

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

Question 13

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 14

Vertical collaboration refers to:

A) collaboration among buyers and sellers in the supply chain.
B) collaboration among carriers and shippers.
C) collaboration that moves up the supply chain.
D) collaboration with competitors.

Question 15

Whether the relationship may or may not be with a provider of logistics services, today's supply chain relationships are most effective when collaboration occurs among the _____ who are involved.

A) participants
B) third party logistics providers
C) customers
D) suppliers

Question 16

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

Question 17

Outsourcing and contract logistics are terms sometimes used to describe third-party logistics.

Question 18

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 19

Vertical relationships more than horizontal relationships have been identified as highly useful to the achievement of long-term supply chain objectives.

Question 20

Many organizations have directed significant attention toward working more closely with supply chain partners, including not only customers and suppliers but also various types of logistics suppliers.

Question 21

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

Question 22

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

Question 23

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

Question 24

The least-frequently used IT-based services by customers of 3PLs are:

A) transportation management (execution).
B) warehouse/distribution management.
C) global trade management and transport sourcing.
D) strategic and customer-related.

Question 25

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

Question 26

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

Question 27

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

Question 28

What are some of the types of activities often outsourced?

Question 29

Define and discuss the term "4PL."

Question 30

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 31

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

Question 32

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

Question 33

A third-party logistics firm may be defined as:
A) an outsource service.

A) a firm that owns trucks and warehouses.
B) a firm that owns trucks and warehouses and provides computer support.
C) an external supplier that performs or manages all or part of a company's logistics functions.

Question 34

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

Question 35

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.