Question 1

Forecasting demand with state-of-the-art software tracking a combination of previous month's and previous year's sales is an example of which requirement for successful value chain management?

Accepted Answer

Forecasting demand with state-of-the-art software is a part of organizational processes, which includes the use of technology, tools, and methodologies to efficiently manage the value chain.

Question 2

Boeing's carbon-fibre composites provided many benefits: reduced weight leading to 20 percent fuel reduction; ability to withstand higher pressure and suffer less corrosion; and higher cabin humidity leading to a more comfortable interior cabin.The fact that the composites also reduced assembly time by 75 percent is an example of a benefit of ________.

Accepted Answer

The reduction in assembly time is a key benefit of lean manufacturing, which aims to eliminate waste and streamline production processes. Just-in-time production and outsourcing can be part of a lean manufacturing strategy, but the reduction in assembly time specifically points to a focus on lean principles. Coordination and collaboration are also important in increasing efficiency, but they are not directly related to the reduction in assembly time.

Question 3

Walmart using sales data from point-of-sale terminals to trigger reordering stock instantaneously is an example of which value chain management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Walmart's use of point-of-sale data to trigger stock reordering is an example of technology investment in value chain management strategy.

Question 4

Boeing's use of a global network of suppliers to build a technologically advanced aircraft in 10% of the time compared to manufacturing it alone is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

Boeing's use of a global network of suppliers to build aircraft in less time is an example of lean manufacturing principles, which focus on streamlining supply chains and eliminating waste. This approach often involves outsourcing non-core activities to specialized suppliers, allowing companies to focus on their core competencies. Just-in-time production and technology investment may also be involved, but are not the primary focus in this case. A business model refers to how a company generates revenue and profits, and is not directly related to the production process.

Question 5

Boeing's use of a global network of suppliers to build the Dreamliner is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

Offshoring refers to the practice of locating business processes or production in foreign countries, typically to take advantage of lower labor costs or other favorable conditions. Boeing's use of global suppliers, including some in low-cost countries, is an example of offshoring.

Question 6

Walmart's pressure on suppliers for increased fees is part of their ________.

Accepted Answer

Walmart's pressure on suppliers for increased fees is part of their business model. Walmart's business model focuses on offering low prices to customers by cutting costs wherever possible, including negotiating with suppliers for lower prices and fees. This pressure on suppliers is a key aspect of Walmart's business strategy.

Question 7

The managerial practice of understaffing will impact which service quality dimension the most?

Accepted Answer

The service quality dimension that will be impacted the most by the managerial practice of understaffing is time. When a business is understaffed, delays in service are more likely to occur, which can lead to longer wait times for customers, lower productivity, and decreased overall efficiency. This is especially important in service settings where time is a critical factor, such as healthcare, transportation, and hospitality.

Question 8

The school landing a major corporate donor was a predecessor to which of the following activities?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The school landing a major corporate donor...

Question 9

Which activity cannot be done at the same time by a team member as you are preparing a one-page executive summary for a team project?

Accepted Answer

Doing a final edit of the complete document cannot be done simultaneously with preparing a one-page executive summary, as both tasks require a comprehensive understanding of the entire document, which would divide the team member's focus.

Question 10

Glidan is one of the world's largest t-shirt manufacturers.When the company's growth outpaced the supply of textiles,the company established manufacturing in Barbados.This is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

Offshoring is the practice of moving business operations to a foreign country, typically to take advantage of lower labor costs. In this case, Gildan established manufacturing in Barbados to address the supply shortage of textiles, which is an example of offshoring.

Question 11

The grouping of the offices by functional area is an example of a(n)________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The grouping of the offices by functional...

Question 12

Meeting the goal of higher customer satisfaction through restocking shelves during the day is an example of achieving quality through ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Meeting the goal of higher customer satisfaction...

Question 13

The grouping of the offices by functional area applies best to which service quality dimension?

Accepted Answer

Grouping offices by functional area provides greater convenience for customers by allowing them to easily locate the office that provides the service they need. This improves the convenience dimension of service quality.

Question 14

Some faculty are against the plan to move offices into functional hubs.They are happy with the way offices have always been allocated.Their resistance is likely most attributed to which obstacle to successful value chain management?

Accepted Answer

Organizational barriers refer to the resistance to change within an organization, which can be caused by factors such as bureaucracy, lack of communication, and fear of the unknown. In this case, the faculty's resistance to the plan to move offices into functional hubs is likely due to their comfort with the current system and their fear of the unknown.

Question 15

The Kronos software is aimed at improving which supply chain management element?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Kronos software is aimed at improving...

Question 16

Walmart's collaboration with suppliers is meant to provide improved procurement as well as ________.

Accepted Answer

Walmart's collaboration with suppliers aims to improve logistics, which involves the efficient management of the supply chain to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products.

Question 17

Joe Fresh (Loblaws)decided to locate some of its production back in Canada after a factory collapsed in Bangladesh.This is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

Reshoring is the act of bringing back jobs and production to the home country that were previously offshored or outsourced. In this case, Joe Fresh decided to locate some of its production back in Canada after the tragedy in Bangladesh, which is an example of reshoring.

Question 18

Managers blocking changes to scheduling enhancements would be an example of which obstacle to value chain management?

Accepted Answer

Organizational barriers refer to obstacles in the structure or processes of an organization that impede the implementation of value chain management initiatives. Managers blocking changes to scheduling enhancements is an example of such a barrier.

Question 19

Walmart will have to balance ________ with lowering inventory with their changes to the stores.

Accepted Answer

Walmart needs to maintain a balance between meeting customer demand and lowering inventory levels with their store changes. If they lower inventory levels too much, they risk not having enough product to meet customer demand, which could lead to lost sales and dissatisfied customers. However, if they stock too much inventory, they risk tying up unnecessary capital and incurring additional storage costs. Therefore, finding the optimal inventory level is crucial for Walmart's success.

Question 20

Which element of the supply chain is most involved in the capital project?

Accepted Answer

The facilities element of the supply chain is most involved in the capital project, as it involves the construction or modification of facilities (e.g. factories, warehouses, distribution centers) in order to increase capacity or efficiency in the supply chain. Suppliers may provide materials or equipment for the project, but are not necessarily involved in the overall management of the project. Production and customers may be affected by the capital project, but are not directly involved in its implementation.

Quiz 6: Operations Management