Question 1

Forecasting demand and translating that forecast into desired levels of purchasing, production, and distribution activities is part of which of the eight key supply chain processes?

Accepted Answer

Forecasting demand and translating it into desired levels of purchasing, production, and distribution activities is part of demand management, one of the key supply chain processes. Manufacturing flow management involves activities related to scheduling and monitoring the flow of materials and products through the manufacturing process. Customer service management focuses on meeting or exceeding customer expectations with regards to service, while customer relationship management involves managing and building relationships with customers.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a basic operations management activity?

Accepted Answer

Marketing is not a basic operations management activity. While marketing plays a crucial role in the success of a business, it is not directly related to the process of transforming raw materials into finished products or services, which is the primary focus of operations management. Distribution, storage, and transformation are all key activities within operations management.

Question 3

Which of the following is not one of the eight key supply chain processes?

Accepted Answer

The eight key supply chain processes are customer relationship management, customer service management, demand management, order fulfillment, manufacturing flow management, supplier relationship management, product development and commercialization, and returns management. Financial management is an important aspect of overall business management, but it is not considered one of the eight key processes specific to supply chain management.

Question 4

Which of the following would be most likely to enhance supply chain responsiveness?

Accepted Answer

Partnering with a local supplier in a foreign market can enhance supply chain responsiveness by reducing lead times and improving the ability to quickly adapt to local market demands.

Question 5

REHAU Inc. manufactures front and rear bumpers that are shipped directly to Mercedes-Benz assembly plants. REHAU Inc. is likely a _____________ for Mercedes-Benz.

Accepted Answer

REHAU Inc. is a first-tier supplier because they supply directly to Mercedes-Benz assembly plants.

Question 6

Scott Industrial Products has recently contracted with a local delivery company to ensure that orders are delivered on-time and in appropriate condition to their local customers. Which of the eight key supply chain processes is Scott most likely using for this decision?

Accepted Answer

Scott Industrial Products is most likely using the order fulfillment process to ensure on-time delivery and appropriate condition of their products to local customers.

Question 7

Processes turn _________ into ________.

Accepted Answer

Processes take inputs and turn them into outputs.

Question 8

A regional grocery chain has hired an analytics firm to build models to predict which customers are likely to become long-term customers of the chain's stores. These customers will then be carefully targeted with mailers and other marketing outreach. This is an example of which of the eight key supply chain processes?

Accepted Answer

This scenario involves using analytics to manage customer relationships and target specific customers with marketing outreach, which falls under the category of customer relationship management in the eight key supply chain processes.

Question 9

Collaboration within a supply chain leads to all of the following except __________.

Accepted Answer

Collaboration within a supply chain leads to enhanced customer satisfaction, reduced stockout costs, and reduced delivery costs. However, it does not lead to distorted information in the supply chain. In fact, collaboration helps to improve the accuracy and timeliness of information exchange between partners in the supply chain.

Question 10

A firm's primary goods and services suppliers are referred to as:

Accepted Answer

First-tier suppliers are the primary suppliers for a firm. They are the ones that provide the core materials and components needed for a company's goods and services. Market winners are not a category of suppliers, third echelon suppliers are not a commonly used term, and customers are those who purchase a firm's goods and services, not supply them.

Question 11

A company that manages its customer base in order to satisfy the customer and ensure that they continue to purchase goods and services is using which of the eight key supply chain processes?

Accepted Answer

Customer relationship management involves managing a company's interactions with customers in order to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. This process focuses on understanding customers' needs and preferences, and tailoring the company's products and services to meet those needs. By doing so, the company can build stronger relationships with its customers, which can lead to repeat business and increased sales over time.

Question 12

Which of the following is a business that would primarily be involved in the provision of services?

Accepted Answer

A package delivery company primarily provides services related to transporting packages from one location to another, rather than producing a physical product. Options A, B, and D involve producing physical products, which are not considered services.

Question 13

Which of the eight key supply chain processes refers to "making goods to satisfy target markets"?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturing flow management refers to the process of making goods to satisfy target markets, focusing on the production and manufacturing aspects of the supply chain.

Question 14

Process-related decisions may include all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Process-related decisions are focused on improving or optimizing the internal operations and activities of a company. Outourcing, process improvement, and cost reduction are all examples of process-related decisions. Marketing, on the other hand, is an external-facing activity and is therefore not directly related to internal processes.

Question 15

In a typical supply chain, goods flow in which of the following manners?

Accepted Answer

In a typical supply chain, goods flow from the supplier to the manufacturer, then to the distributor, then to the retailer, and finally to the consumer. Choice C correctly follows this flow, starting with the supplier and ending with the consumer. Choices A, B, and D do not follow the correct flow of goods.

Question 16

Which of the following is a business that would primarily be involved in the production of goods?

Accepted Answer

A furniture manufacturer is a business that would primarily be involved in the production of goods. They produce furniture products to sell to consumers or businesses. The other choices, such as a package delivery company, a bank, and a technical support call center, are primarily engaged in the service industry rather than the production of goods.

Question 17

Which of the eight key supply chain processes refers to "satisfying customer orders"?

Accepted Answer

The process that refers to "satisfying customer orders" is order fulfillment. The other processes are not directly related to this task.

Question 18

Process integration between a firm and its suppliers and customers is __________.

Accepted Answer

Process integration between a firm and its suppliers and customers is desirable as it helps in improving communication, reducing lead times, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency in the supply chain. It also leads to better coordination and collaboration between the different members of the supply chain, resulting in better performance and outcomes for all parties involved.

Question 19

Jim's Restaurant struggles with low demand during off-peak times of the day. To encourage customers to visit during off-peak times, the restaurant has implemented discounts during those times. Doing this is an example of which of the eight key supply chain processes?

Accepted Answer

Implementing discounts during off-peak times to encourage customers to visit is a strategy for managing demand.

Question 20

Which of the following definitions is most closely associated with "operations management"?

Accepted Answer

Operations management is concerned with managing the processes that create and deliver a firm's products or services. This involves planning, organizing, and controlling the various activities that add value to the product or service, including design, production, distribution, and customer service. Option D best captures this definition by emphasizing the importance of value creation and effective management of the firm's activities. Option A is too narrow in focus, as it only refers to the delivery of products to consumers. Option B is too specific to manufacturing and may not be applicable to service organizations. Option C refers to knowledge management, which is a separate but related function.

Quiz 1: Operations Management, Processes, and Supply Chain Management