Question 1

Which of the following is not a cause of the distribution challenges in BOP countries?

Accepted Answer

Too much channel conflict is not a cause of distribution challenges in BOP countries, as channel conflict is a common issue in all markets and not specific to BOP countries only. The other options (A, B, C, and E) are all common causes of distribution challenges in BOP countries, such as low purchasing power, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate training of channel members.

Question 2

The scope of green supply chain management includes all of the following,except:

Accepted Answer

The scope of green supply chain management includes all of the above aspects, including the manufacturing process, materials sourcing, packaging, and the life cycle of the product. These are all components that can be optimized to reduce environmental impact and minimize waste.

Question 3

Among the reasons for the existence of gray markets are:

Accepted Answer

All of the above reasons contribute to the existence of gray markets. A company's price-discount policy can create price discrepancies between regions, which incentivizes buyers to purchase from lower-priced regions and resell in higher-priced regions. Differential currency exchange rates can also make it more profitable for buyers to purchase goods in a lower-priced currency and resell in a higher-priced currency. Differential cost structures across retailers can lead to price discrepancies between retailers within the same market, creating opportunities for buyers to purchase from lower-priced retailers and resell at higher prices. Highly selective distribution can also create shortages of supply, leading buyers to seek out alternative sources of the product, including the gray market.

Question 4

Which of the following would be an example of a reverse auction?

Accepted Answer

Reverse auction involves suppliers bidding for contracts. Options A, B, and D do not involve reverse auction. Option E includes options that do not necessarily involve reverse auction.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a mis-matched supply chain strategy?

Accepted Answer

Apple's supply chain is better characterized by its efficiency and responsiveness rather than risk-hedging. Apple's strategy focuses on maintaining high levels of control over its supply chain, ensuring product quality, and responding quickly to market changes, rather than primarily hedging against supply chain risks.

Question 6

Which of the following is not descriptive of outsourcing?

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing is not limited to the manufacturing process. It can be applied to a variety of business processes such as IT, customer service, and accounting.

Question 7

The notion of the "long tail" is most aptly applied to sales in which industry?

Accepted Answer

The long tail theory suggests that there is a large potential market for niche products, even though individually they may only sell a few units. This is most applicable to industries such as movies and music, where there are a vast number of niche genres and sub-genres that have dedicated audiences. The other industries mentioned - athletic shoes, flower bouquets, and magazine subscriptions - tend to have more mainstream products and less variation in demand.

Question 8

The purpose of export restrictions is:

Accepted Answer

Export restrictions are often put in place to protect a country's national security interests by limiting the trade of certain goods, technologies, or information that could be harmful if they fell into the wrong hands. This can include military equipment, sensitive technologies, and other items that may be used for nefarious purposes. While export restrictions may have an impact on a country's trade deficit, that is typically not the primary reason for implementing such measures. Additionally, promoting single or dual use of sensitive technologies is not an overarching goal of export restrictions, but rather a consideration that may inform which items are subject to trade limitations.

Question 9

Which of the following is not descriptive of an online vertical marketplace?

Accepted Answer

Selling shrink-wrapped software is not a characteristic of online vertical marketplaces. The other options all describe aspects of vertical marketplaces, such as industry-specific focus, e-business solutions, building links between suppliers and customers, and improving supply chain efficiency.

Quiz 9: Distribution Channels and Supply Chain Management in High-Tech Markets