JAIN (DEEMED-TO-BE UNIVERSITY)

BENGALURU, KARNATAKA
Unitwise Question Bank
Course Title: Supply Chain Management Programme Name: B.Tech – Mechanical
Engineering

Course: 20MEOE08 -Supply Chain Management

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Course code: 20MEOE08 Total Contact Hours: 45
Credits: 03 Hours per week: 03
UNIT – I 9 hours
INTRODUCTION: Fundamentals -need for supply chain management ––evolution- Role in
Economy - Importance - customer value, customer service & retention – value of out of stock-
setting customer service priorities- Logistics and shareholder value, logistics cost analysis-
Principles of logistics costing,

1 With a neat sketch explain the supply chain of a brewery/ soap 7 CO1
manufacturing company.

With a neat sketch explain the supply chain of any company of your
choice.
2 Discuss on the functions and objectives of Supply Chain Management 7 CO1

3 “A typical supply chain may involve a variety of stages”. Elaborate. 7 CO1

Consider the supply chain shown in Figure 1.5. The component supplier
after making the component sends the material to the material
warehouse. From the material warehouse, the material goes to the
manufacturer. After completion of manufacturing operations, the
material goes to the finished goods warehouse, where it is transferred to
the customer warehouse on receipt of an order. From the customer
warehouse, the product moves to the retail outlet, from where it is
purchased by the customer. This is basically what the philosophy of the
supply chain management recognizes. Without the retail store, the
supplier does not make any profit and without the supplier, the retail
store has no business. In either case, the customer gets no value. But
what does this mean in terms of the supply chain? Firstly, every product
that reaches an end user represents the cumulative effort of multiple
organizations. And secondly, organizations have to pay attention to
what is happening outside their “four walls” and manage the entire
chain of activities that ultimately delivers products to the final customer
in order to maximize profits. This means that the supply chain
philosophy extends the concept of partnerships into a set of beliefs that
each firm in the supply chain directly and indirectly affects the
performance of all the other supply chain members. It also affects the
ultimate, overall channel performance. This philosophy recognizes that
the purpose of supply chain management is to improve customer value
and satisfaction. It directs supply chain members to focus on developing
innovative solutions to create unique, individualized sources of
customer value.X
4 Briefly describe the evolution of Supply Chain Management 7 CO1
5 Elucidate on the prerequisite for implementing SCM more successfully. 7 CO1
6 Describe the different stages/decision phases of a supply chain 7 CO1
7 “SCM philosophy drives supply chain members to have a customer 7 CO1
orientation”. Explain.
8 Differentiate SCM and logistics. 7 CO1

9 Write short notes on customer value and customer service. 7 CO1

10 Briefly explain the impact of logistics and customer service on 7 CO1
marketing

11 Write short notes on Customer service and customer retention 7 CO1

12 What are the different components of logistics costing? 7 CO1
Logistics costing involves various components that contribute to the
overall expenses incurred in managing the movement and storage of
goods within a supply chain. Here are seven key components:

1. **Transportation Costs:**
- Expenses related to the movement of goods, including freight
charges, fuel costs, and transportation infrastructure expenses.

2. **Inventory Holding Costs:**

- The expenses associated with holding and managing inventory, such
as storage facility costs, insurance, taxes, and the cost of capital tied up
in inventory.

3. **Order Processing Costs:**

- The costs incurred in processing and fulfilling customer orders,
including labor costs, order picking, packing, and order processing
systems.

4. **Warehousing Costs:**
- Expenses related to the storage and handling of goods in
warehouses, including rent, utilities, labor, equipment, and
maintenance.

5. **Packaging Costs:**
- The costs associated with designing, producing, and using packaging
materials for products, including materials, labor, and equipment costs.

6. **Information Technology (IT) Costs:**

- Expenses related to the implementation and maintenance of
information systems used for logistics, including software, hardware,
and IT personnel costs.

7. **Returns and Reverse Logistics Costs:**

- The costs incurred in managing product returns, recycling, or
disposal, including transportation, processing, and restocking expenses.

Understanding and optimizing these components are essential for

businesses to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall
logistics performance.
13 Briefly explain the principles of logistics costing 7 CO1

14 What is Economic value addition? Explain the drivers of share holder’s 7 CO1
value.
UNIT – II 9 hours
Planning the Supply Chain: Logistics strategy- strategy options, designing a logistics strategy,
Implementation - Relating Strategy to Lower Decisions - Areas for Decisions in Implementation -
Managing Change
Sl.
1 Write short notes on logistics strategy. 7 CO2

2 Describe the different factors of focus of the logistics strategy 7 CO2

3 Write short notes on 7 CO2
Lean strategy
Agile strategy
4 Differentiate lean and agile strategy for logistics management. 7 CO2
5 Briefly explain any one of the following logistics strategy 7 CO2
Time based strategies
Environment based strategies
Diversification of specialization startegies
6 Elucidate on the factors to be considered in the design of a logistics 7 CO2
strategy
7 Discuss on the guideline for designing and implementing a logistics 7 CO2
strategy.
8 Enumerate some common problems with implementing logistics 7 CO2
strategies.
9 Enumerate and explain the decision areas related to implementation of 14 CO2
logistics strategy.

Let's break down these terms:

1. **Mission:**
- *Definition:* The mission is the fundamental purpose or reason for an organization's existence. It outlines what
the organization aims to achieve and often reflects its core values and long-term objectives.

2. **Corporate Strategy:**
- *Definition:* Corporate strategy is the overall plan that guides the actions and decisions of an entire
organization. It involves setting long-term goals, determining the scope of the organization's activities, and
allocating resources to achieve strategic objectives.

3. **Business Strategy:**
- *Definition:* Business strategy is a subset of corporate strategy that focuses on how a particular business unit or
division will compete in its market. It involves making choices about products, markets, and competitive
positioning to achieve success within a specific business context.

4. **Logistic Strategy:**
- *Definition:* Logistics strategy is a component of business strategy that specifically addresses how a company
will manage the movement and storage of goods to meet customer requirements efficiently. It involves decisions
regarding transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution network design.

5. **Logistic Planning:**
- *Definition:* Logistic planning refers to the detailed process of outlining the steps and actions necessary to
execute the logistics strategy successfully. It involves setting specific goals, determining resource requirements,
and establishing timelines for the implementation of logistics activities.

6. **Logistic Operation:**
- *Definition:* Logistic operations encompass the day-to-day activities involved in executing the logistics plan.
This includes the physical movement of goods, order processing, inventory management, and coordination with
various stakeholders to ensure the smooth functioning of the supply chain.

In summary, the mission sets the overarching purpose of the organization, corporate strategy guides the overall
direction of the entire organization, business strategy focuses on a specific business unit's competitive approach,
logistic strategy addresses the management of logistics functions, logistic planning details the steps to implement
the logistics strategy, and logistic operations involve the practical execution of logistics plans on a day-to-day basis.
These elements are interconnected and contribute to the overall success of an organization in delivering value to its
customers and achieving its long-term objectives.
10 Write short notes on managing the change while implementing SCM. 7 CO2
11 It is often more difficult to implement a logistics strategy than to design 7 CO2
one. This is why most logistics plans fail in the practice rather than the
theory. Do you think that this is necessarily true? What can
organisations do to improve the implementation?

Implementing a logistics strategy can be more challenging than

designing one due to the complexities of execution, resource
constraints, and resistance to change. Organizations can enhance
implementation success by fostering clear communication, engaging
key stakeholders early on, and conducting pilot programs to identify
and address challenges. Investing in technology, providing employee
training, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement are
crucial steps. By addressing these factors, organizations can improve
adaptability, streamline processes, and create a collaborative
environment, increasing the likelihood of successful logistics strategy
implementation in the dynamic real-world context.
12 What factors affect the choice of logistics strategy? Take an 7 CO2
organisation that you are familiar with, and say exactly how you would
set about designing a logistics strategy.

Designing a comprehensive logistics strategy for an e-

commerce company requires a detailed analysis of various interrelated
factors. Start by conducting a thorough assessment of the existing
supply chain, including transportation, warehousing, and order
fulfillment processes. Understand the nature of the products offered,
considering their size, weight, and any specific handling requirements.
Evaluate the technology infrastructure, identifying opportunities to
enhance visibility and streamline operations through advanced tracking
systems and analytics.
Customer expectations play a pivotal role, influencing decisions on
delivery speed, flexibility, and order visibility. Analyze the cost
structures associated with different logistics options, including
transportation costs, inventory holding costs, and facility expenses.
Sustainability considerations are increasingly crucial, prompting the
integration of eco-friendly practices such as optimizing transportation
routes and adopting environmentally conscious packaging.

Assess the regulatory environment to ensure compliance with local and

international regulations, and develop contingency plans to address
potential risks and disruptions. Engage stakeholders, including suppliers
and logistics partners, to foster collaboration and alignment of interests.
Implement a system for continuous monitoring and improvement based
on key performance metrics and stakeholder feedback, allowing the
organization to adapt its logistics strategy to changing market dynamics
and optimize operational efficiency while meeting customer
expectations.
13 When customers judge products, they include factors like availability, 7 CO2
lead time and after sales service – and these are part of logistics. Is it
reasonable to say, therefore, that logistics plays a role in the design of a
product?

Yes, it is reasonable to say that logistics plays a significant role in the

design of a product. Logistics encompasses a wide range of activities,
including the management of the supply chain, transportation,
inventory, warehousing, and after-sales service. These elements directly
influence factors that customers consider when evaluating a product,
such as availability, lead time, and after-sales service.

For example, a well-designed product should take into account the

efficiency of its supply chain and distribution network to ensure that the
product is readily available to customers when and where they need it.
The lead time from production to delivery is crucial, and an effective
logistics strategy can help minimize delays and optimize the overall
speed of product delivery.

After-sales service is another critical aspect influenced by logistics. A

product's lifecycle involves maintenance, repairs, and customer support,
and a well-designed logistics system can ensure that spare parts are
available, repairs are conducted efficiently, and customer inquiries are
addressed promptly.

In essence, considering logistics in the design phase enables companies

to create products that are not only innovative and functional but also
supported by a robust and customer-centric supply chain. By integrating
logistics considerations into the product design process, organizations
can enhance customer satisfaction, improve overall product
performance, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
UNIT – III 9 hours
Planning Resources and Controlling Material Flow: Types of Planning Capacity Planning -
Adjusting Capacity - Tactical Planning - Short-term Schedules- Material Requirements Planning -
Extending the Role of MRP -Principles of Just-in-time -Achieving Just-in-time Operations -
Extending JIT Along the Supply Chain

1 With neat sketch explain the different timing and sizes of capacity 7 CO3
expansion done to match demand and supply.
2 Enumerate and explain the ways of making short term adjustments to 8 CO3
match demand and supply.
3 With a neat sketch describe the iterative nature of planning 8 CO3
4 Enumerate and explain most common methods of generating plans. 7 CO3
5 What are the two approaches for scheduling? Explain the four rules of 8 CO3
scheduling
6 With a neat sketch explain the procedure for Material Requirement 7 CO3
Planning (MRP).
7 Write short notes on MRP II 6 CO3
8 Write short notes on ERP 6 CO3
9 Discuss how the view on holding stock changes in the perspective of 7 CO3
JIT.
10 “JIT is a way of reducing stock levels, but it is much more than 7 CO3
this.” Discuss.
Or
Explain the wider or extended effects of JIT.
11 Enumerate the benefits and problems of JIT 8 CO3
12 Write short notes on ECR- efficient Consumer Response 7 CO3
13 What are the problems of using ECR? How can these problems be 7 CO3
overcome?

UNIT – IV 9 hours
Synchronous supply chain- extended enterprise and the virtual supply chain- role of information-
‘Quick response’ logistics- Production strategies for quick response- Logistics systems dynamics
Sustainable supply chain - The triple bottom line- Greenhouse gases and the supply chain-
Reducing the transport-intensity of supply chains – Carbon footprint and supply chain-Reduce,
reuse, recycle

1 Discuss on the benefits of synchronizing Supply Chain 6 CO4

2 Enumerate the steps involved in synchronizing a supply chain. 8 CO4
3 With examples, explain the role of information in supply chain 7 CO4
management.
4 Illustrate the contribution of internet in various stages of SCM 8 CO4
5 Write short notes on crossdocking 6 CO4
6 Discuss briefly on ‘Quick response’ logistics CO4
7 Explain with example, the bull whip effect in logistics. 7 CO4
Explain ‘Forrester Effect’ with respect to promotion activity.
 Discuss the bullwhip effect in supply chain and explain how it is
measured.
8 What is triple bottom line? Why is it important? 7 CO4
9 What practical steps can organisations take to improve the transport- 7 CO4
intensity of their supply chains?
10 Elucidate on the transportation strategies that can be used by 7 CO4
management to help reduce costs.
11 Discuss on the significant implications of SCM at every stage in a CO4
company’s value chain in vew of sustainability.
12 Briefly discuss on the 3Rs of sustainable supply chain management CO4

UNIT – V 9 hours
Overcoming the barriers to supply chain integration: creating the logistics vision- the problems with
conventional organizations- Developing the logistics organization- Logistics as the vehicle for
change- Benchmarking
Managing risk in supply chain: Understanding the supply chain risk profile- organizing for global
logistics – thinking global acting local – The future of global supply chain
Supply chain of the future: emerging mega-trends-shifting centres of economic activity, The multi-
channel revolution seeking structural flexibility
SL.no Questions Marks CO
1 Discuss on the effect of gradually shifting centre of gravity of SCM 6 CO5
towards the point of final demand.
2 Spurred on by the arrival of the Internet, there has been a dramatic 7 CO5
growth in recent years of the use of alternative channels of distribution -
Comment
3 Illustrate how the supply chain of future will be different from the 7 CO5
conventional one.
4 Elucidate on the key enablers of structural flexibility. 7 CO5
5 Citing some examples explain the multi channel revolution in SCM. 7 CO5