Question Bank : Fundamentals Of Supply Chain Management

 

UNIT 1 – Supply Chain & Supply Chain Management

1.1 Supply Chain & Supply Chain Management – Concepts, Stages, Objectives, Importance, Decision Phases, Process Views, and Process Flows

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Short Answer Questions:

1. Define Supply Chain.

2. What is Supply Chain Management (SCM)?

3. Mention the stages of a supply chain.

4. State any two objectives of a supply chain.

5. Why are supply chain decisions important?

6. What are the main decision phases in a supply chain?

7. What do you mean by process view of a supply chain?

8. List the types of flows in a supply chain.

9. What is material flow in SCM?

10. Define information flow and money flow in a supply chain.

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Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain the concept of Supply Chain and Supply Chain Management with suitable examples.

2. Describe the stages of a supply chain in detail.

3. What are the objectives of a supply chain? Discuss how they help in improving efficiency.

4. Explain the importance of supply chain decisions for business performance.

5. Discuss in detail the three decision phases in a supply chain: strategic, tactical, and operational.

6. Elaborate on the process view of a supply chain. How does it help in managing supply chain activities?

7. Describe the three types of process flows in a supply chain — material flow, information flow, and money flow.

8. Explain how coordination among supply chain stages enhances overall performance.

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Application/Case-Based Questions:

1. A company is struggling with delayed deliveries and stockouts. Identify which phase of the supply chain decision-making process might be the issue and suggest remedies.

2. Explain how an imbalance in material and information flow can affect customer satisfaction.

3. Illustrate with an example how efficient money flow can improve supplier relationships.

4. A firm wants to expand globally. How should it redesign its supply chain stages to support this growth?

5. Analyze the process flow of an e-commerce company like Amazon or Flipkart and explain how it maintains coordination between suppliers, warehouses, and customers.

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1.2 Drivers of Supply Chain Performance – Facilities, Inventory, Transportation, Information, Sourcing, and Pricing

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Short Answer Questions:

1. What are the key drivers of supply chain performance?

2. Define the role of facilities in supply chain management.

3. What is inventory management in SCM?

4. How does transportation affect supply chain performance?

5. Mention two ways information acts as a driver in supply chain efficiency.

6. What is sourcing in a supply chain context?

7. How does pricing influence supply chain performance?

8. Differentiate between responsive and efficient supply chains.

9. State any two factors affecting facility location decisions.

10. Why is information considered the backbone of modern supply chains?

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Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain the six drivers of supply chain performance in detail.

2. Discuss how facilities and inventory decisions influence supply chain responsiveness.

3. Describe the role of transportation and sourcing as performance drivers.

4. Explain how pricing acts as a strategic driver in balancing supply and demand.

5. How does effective information management improve supply chain visibility and decision-making?

6. Analyze the interrelationship among facilities, inventory, and transportation in achieving supply chain efficiency.

7. Compare the effect of each driver on cost and responsiveness trade-offs in a supply chain.

8. Discuss how digitalization has changed the role of information as a supply chain driver.

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Application/Case-Based Questions:

1. A company is facing high logistics costs and low responsiveness. Which supply chain drivers should be optimized to solve this problem?

2. Evaluate how a retail chain like Reliance Retail or D-Mart manages its inventory and facility network to maintain low prices and fast delivery.

3. Suggest pricing and sourcing strategies for a startup entering the online grocery supply chain.

4. Explain how real-time data sharing between suppliers and retailers enhances overall supply chain performance.

5. A firm is deciding whether to set up more warehouses or increase transportation frequency. Which supply chain drivers are involved, and how should the decision be made?

UNIT 2 – Transportation, Sourcing and IT in Supply Chain

2.1 Role of Transportation in a Supply Chain, Modes of Transportation and Their Performance Characteristics, Transportation Infrastructure and Policies

Short Answer Questions:

1. Define transportation in the context of a supply chain.

2. What is the role of transportation in achieving supply chain efficiency?

3. List different modes of transportation used in logistics.

4. What are the performance characteristics of road transport?

5. What factors affect the selection of a transportation mode?

Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain the role of transportation in a supply chain with suitable examples.

2. Discuss in detail various modes of transportation and their performance characteristics.

3. Describe the impact of transportation infrastructure on supply chain performance.

4. Explain how government transportation policies influence logistics decisions.

Application/Case-based Questions:

1. A company wants to distribute goods across India. How would you decide the best transportation mode for perishable goods?

2. Analyze how poor infrastructure affects supply chain costs and delivery times.

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2.2 Role of Sourcing in a Supply Chain, In-House or Outsource, Third- and Fourth-Party Logistics Providers

Short Answer Questions:

1. What is sourcing in supply chain management?

2. Differentiate between in-house sourcing and outsourcing.

3. Define Third-Party Logistics (3PL).

4. What is Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL)?

5. Mention two advantages of outsourcing logistics functions.

Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain the role of sourcing in achieving supply chain efficiency.

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of in-house versus outsourced sourcing.

3. Compare and contrast 3PL and 4PL providers with examples.

4. Explain the strategic importance of sourcing decisions in supply chain management.

Application/Case-based Questions:

1. A manufacturing company is planning to outsource its logistics. Recommend whether it should go for 3PL or 4PL and justify your choice.

2. How does effective sourcing improve cost efficiency and customer satisfaction?

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2.3 Role of IT in Sourcing

Short Answer Questions:

1. Define the role of Information Technology (IT) in sourcing.

2. What are e-procurement systems?

3. Mention any two benefits of using IT in sourcing.

4. What is supplier relationship management (SRM)?

5. How does IT improve transparency in sourcing?

Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain the role of IT in improving sourcing decisions and supplier coordination.

2. Discuss the impact of digital technologies on global sourcing strategies.

3. Describe various IT tools used in sourcing and supply chain management.

4. How does IT integration enhance supply chain visibility and performance?

Application/Case-based Questions:

1. A company uses manual sourcing methods and faces delays. Suggest IT solutions to overcome this issue.

2. Evaluate how ERP systems can improve sourcing efficiency.

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UNIT 3 – Logistics and Customer Service

3.1 Meaning, Basic Concepts of Logistics – Logistical Performance Cycle, Inbound, In-Process, Outbound Logistics

Short Answer Questions:

1. Define logistics.

2. What is the logistical performance cycle?

3. Differentiate between inbound and outbound logistics.

4. What is in-process logistics?

5. Mention any two objectives of logistics.

Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain the concept of logistics and its role in business operations.

2. Describe the stages of the logistical performance cycle.

3. Discuss inbound, in-process, and outbound logistics with examples.

4. Explain how effective logistics improves overall supply chain performance.

Application/Case-based Questions:

1. A company faces delays in raw material procurement. Identify which part of the logistics cycle is affected and suggest solutions.

2. Illustrate how outbound logistics influences customer satisfaction.

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3.2 Objectives, Importance, Scope, Functions (Logistics Mix), Changing Logistics Environment

Short Answer Questions:

1. State any two objectives of logistics.

2. Why is logistics important in modern business?

3. What do you mean by logistics mix?

4. List any four components of the logistics mix.

5. Mention two recent changes in the logistics environment.

Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain the objectives and importance of logistics.

2. Discuss the scope of logistics in supply chain management.

3. Describe the functions/components of logistics mix in detail.

4. How has the logistics environment changed in recent years?

Application/Case-based Questions:

1. Explain how globalization has changed the logistics environment.

2. Suggest strategies for a company to adapt to changing logistics trends.

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3.3 Customer Service – Key Element of Logistics

Short Answer Questions:

1. What is customer service in logistics?

2. State two objectives of customer service.

3. List the elements of customer service.

4. What are the different levels of customer service?

5. What are the rights of customers?

Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain why customer service is a key element of logistics.

2. Discuss the objectives and elements of customer service in detail.

3. Describe the levels of customer service and their importance in supply chain management.

4. Explain the rights of customers and how logistics supports them.

Application/Case-based Questions:

1. A company’s delivery delays are causing customer dissatisfaction. Suggest improvements in logistics to enhance service quality.

2. Analyze the relationship between customer service and brand loyalty in logistics.

UNIT 4 – Global Logistics and IT in Supply Chain Management

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4.1 Role of Information Technology in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Short Answer Questions (Remembering / Understanding – 2 Marks each)

1. Define Information Technology (IT) in the context of supply chain management.

2. What is the role of IT in logistics operations?

3. Mention any two IT tools commonly used in logistics.

4. What do you mean by supply chain visibility?

5. Define Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

6. State two benefits of IT-enabled logistics.

7. What is the importance of real-time information in logistics?

8. What is an ERP system?

9. Mention two examples of IT applications in warehouse management.

10. Define logistics information system (LIS).

Long Answer Questions (Applying / Analyzing – 5 to 10 Marks)

1. Explain the role of Information Technology in improving logistics and supply chain coordination.

2. Discuss the key IT systems used in logistics – EDI, ERP, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

3. How does IT enhance supply chain visibility and decision-making?

4. Describe how automation and digital tools improve transportation and inventory management.

5. Evaluate the impact of IT on reducing supply chain costs and improving customer satisfaction.

6. Discuss the challenges in implementing IT systems in logistics.

7. Explain how data analytics and Artificial Intelligence are transforming modern supply chains.

Application / Case-Based Questions (Analyzing / Evaluating – 10 Marks)

1. A logistics firm wants to improve its tracking and delivery accuracy. Suggest IT-based solutions.

2. Evaluate how ERP integration has helped companies like Amazon or DHL in achieving operational excellence.

3. A manufacturer still uses manual systems for inventory control. Recommend IT tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

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4.2 Managing the Global Supply Chain, Impact of Globalization on Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Short Answer Questions

1. Define a global supply chain.

2. What is meant by globalization in logistics?

3. Mention two benefits of managing a global supply chain.

4. What are global sourcing and global distribution?

5. State any two challenges in managing global supply chains.

6. What is the importance of standardization in global logistics?

7. What is meant by cross-border logistics?

8. List two strategies for managing global supply chain risk.

9. Define international trade logistics.

10. What are trade barriers?

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain the concept and characteristics of a global supply chain.

2. Discuss the impact of globalization on logistics and supply chain management.

3. Describe the major challenges in managing a global supply chain.

4. Explain how global sourcing and outsourcing strategies influence logistics performance.

5. Analyze how global trade policies and agreements affect supply chain decisions.

6. Discuss the importance of managing global suppliers and transportation networks.

7. Evaluate the role of technology in managing global supply chain operations.

Application / Case-Based Questions

1. A company wants to expand into global markets. Suggest steps to design an effective global supply chain.

2. Analyze how globalization has changed the sourcing and distribution strategies of multinational firms.

3. Identify the challenges faced by exporters due to global logistics complexities and suggest measures to overcome them.

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4.3 Global Logistics Trends, Global Issues and Challenges in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Short Answer Questions

1. List any two recent global trends in logistics.

2. What is green logistics?

3. Define reverse logistics.

4. Mention two technological trends shaping global logistics.

5. What is the significance of sustainability in global logistics?

6. What are the main global challenges in logistics management?

7. Define supply chain resilience.

8. What do you mean by logistics cost optimization?

9. Mention two environmental issues affecting global logistics.

10. What is digital transformation in global supply chains?

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain major global trends influencing logistics and supply chain management today.

2. Discuss environmental and ethical issues in global logistics operations.

3. Analyze the role of sustainability and green practices in global logistics.

4. Evaluate the challenges of managing logistics in volatile global markets.

5. Explain how digitalization, automation, and AI are shaping global logistics trends.

6. Discuss the impact of geopolitical tensions and trade wars on global supply chains.

7. Compare pre-globalization and post-globalization supply chain challenges.

Application / Case-Based Questions

1. Global disruptions such as pandemics or conflicts affect supply chain continuity. Suggest strategies to build resilience.

2. Evaluate how a multinational company like Apple or Tesla manages global logistics challenges.

3. A company faces delays due to customs regulations. Recommend steps to ensure smooth global logistics operations.

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4.4 Overview of e-Supply Chain and e-Logistics

Short Answer Questions

1. Define e-supply chain.

2. What is e-logistics?

3. Mention two advantages of e-supply chain systems.

4. What is the role of the Internet in supply chain management?

5. Define electronic procurement (e-procurement).

6. State two differences between traditional and e-supply chains.

7. What are online tracking systems?

8. Mention any two components of e-logistics.

9. What is cloud-based logistics management?

10. Define digital integration in supply chains.

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain the concept and importance of e-supply chain management.

2. Describe the components and working of e-logistics systems.

3. Discuss the advantages and limitations of e-logistics.

4. Analyze how e-supply chains improve efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness.

5. Explain the technologies enabling e-logistics – IoT, RFID, GPS, and cloud computing.

6. Compare traditional supply chains with e-supply chains in terms of cost, speed, and flexibility.

7. Evaluate how e-logistics supports customer satisfaction and real-time decision-making.

Application / Case-Based Questions

1. An e-commerce company wants to strengthen its e-logistics operations. Suggest digital tools and methods.

2. Analyze how Flipkart or Amazon uses e-supply chain systems for efficiency and customer satisfaction.

3. A startup faces delays due to lack of coordination between suppliers and transporters. Suggest e-supply chain solutions to resolve this.