Supply Chain Management Questionnaire

Part I.  True-False Questions [1 point each; total points = 15]__________

  1.  Principles and concepts from supply chain management can only be applied to physical products and NOT to intangible (digital or electronic) products.__________

  2.  While supply chain automation can help companies improve customer satisfaction, it does not guarantee that a firm will be profitable or achieve sales goals.__________ 

 3.Supply chain management includes the flow of goods and services, but not the flow of information, which is exclusively an information systems responsibility.__________ 

 4.  The first step in developing the most optimal supply chain is to map or flowchart it.__________ 

 5.  Lean manufacturing means producing goods with less; it applies fewer resources without affecting the quantity or quality of the goods produced.__________ 

 6.  Organizations can outsource various supply chain activities, thus shifting assets to various suppliers and vendors, generally resulting in reduced assets but increased expenses.__________ 

 7.  The SCOR Model is an example of a supply chain map or flowchart.__________ 

 8.  Because supply chain network design is so comprehensive, periodic review of the supply chain process map is not required.__________ 

 9.  Supply chain efficiencies are typically less difficult for competitors to duplicate in the short-term than are other marketing, manufacturing, or finance/accounting elements.__________ 

10.  The process of delivering products digitally (referred to as digital supply chains) and involving no physical supply chain at all, is very good conceptually, but there are no companies that have a digital supply chain today.__________ 

11.  Unlike other accounting approaches for evaluating strategy, the “balanced scorecard” method includes both financial and non-financial issues.__________ 

12.  While supply chain management can have significant impact on individual firms within the supply chain, the impact of SCM on gross domestic product (GDP) is relatively small.__________ 

13.  Supply chain metrics should be focused on customer needs, requirements and expectations.__________ 

14.  Product return rates are lower in Internet sales than in brick-and-mortar stores.__________ 

15.  A make-to-stock (MOS) manufacturing strategy produces products in advance of sales and hold them as finished goods inventory until demanded by customers.

Part II.  Multiple Choice Questions [3 points each; total points = 30]__________   1.  All of the following functions or activities would likely be part of supply chain management except:  A.  Collaboration efforts with suppliersB.  Logistics managementC.  Manufacturing operationsD.  Market research__________ 

 2.  Excluding pandemics, the most important ongoing or continuous issue facing procurement executives in domestic and/or global sourcing would be:  A.  Actions of competitors.B.  Contingency planning.C.  Cost reduction.D.  Major climatic events.__________ 

 3.  Which of the following would be the most important reason that a firm would implement a sustainable supply chain strategy?A.  To achieve corporate responsibility and/or product stewardship goals and objectives.B.  To achieve government compliance relative to environmental regulations.C.  To improve customer relations since many final customers have become “green conscious.”D.  To minimize environmental impacts from the firm’s entire product line.__________ 

 4.  Which of the following statements is FALSE?A.  Advances in information systems and technology have allowed organizations to better manage their supply chains.B.  Communication is the vital link between members of the supply chain and between customers and the supply chain.C.  Increasing amounts of products are being sold to consumers and businesses via the Internet.D.  The Internet and electronic commerce have not changed the way companies do business and the way firms relate to customers and suppliers.__________ 

 5.  Which of the following industries/sectors would not use supply chain management principles and concepts?A.  BanksB.  Government agenciesC.  ManufacturersD.  All these industries/sectors would utilize supply chain management principles and concepts.

4__________ 

 6.  Which of the following is not an example of structural or economic changes that are requiring companies to optimize their supply chain networks?A.  The “Amazon” factor.B.  Reduction in supply chain management costs.C.  Escalating customer demand for faster service.D.  Increasing demand volatility.__________ 

 7.  Which of the following statements regarding the increasing importance of purchasing and procurement is FALSE?A.  Complying with country-specific regulations and rules remains a challenge for most firms.B.  Digital technology growth is impacting every aspect of supply chain management.C.  Emergence of a global economy requires that organizations locate potential suppliers around the world or close to home.D.  It will become easier to manage complexities effectively in markets that are becoming more global.__________ 

 8.  Which of the following statements about customer service is FALSE?A.  All customers should receive the same high level customer service.B.  All customers require consistent service levels.C.  The costs of serving the “best” customers are often higher than serving less important customers.D.  Key accounts should receive higher service levels than customers that are not key accounts.__________

  9.  The “Amazon Factor” refers to:  A.  Variability in transportation lead times as markets and sources of supply expand globally.B.  Next day and same day delivery becoming commonplace.C.  Need for greater cooperation and collaboration between supply chain functions.D.  Rules, regulations and other uncertainties have increased risks to companies.__________ 

10.  Which of the following would NOT be an advantage of electronic procurement?A.  Cybersecurity.B.  Easier access to more suppliers.C.  Improve procurement and sourcing efficiency.D.  Lower operating costs