1. What is a supply chain?
2. What are some recent trends in supply chain management ?
3. What is the bullwhip effect, and why does it occur ? how can it be overcome?
4. Explain why each of these is critical for a successful supply chain operation:
a. Integrated technology
b. Information sharing
c. Trust among trading partners
d. Real-time information availability
e. Event management capability
f. Procurement
5. Given the complexities, and risk involved with supply chains, might it make sense for a business organisation to vertically integrate and be its own supply chain?
6. From a system viewpoint, what are some of the environmental issues involved in a decision by a company to outsource manufacturing operations to a foreign country?