Question 1:

(a) Explain what you understand by supply chain management.

(b) An important decision facing most purchasing managers is whether to source each individual product or service from a single-sourcing or multi-sourcing (Slack, Chambers, and Johnston, 2001:419). Discuss why single-sourcing has become more attractive to companies.

(c) Discuss the following supply chain strategies:

(i) Vertical integration
(ii) Keiretsu networks
(iii) Virtual companies

Question 2:

Operations strategies are developed to ensure managers deliver goods or services that are better, cheaper and more responsive to customer needs. Comment on any three of the following factors that can affect an organisation's operations strategy:

(i) Globalisation
(ii) Legislation
(iii) Marketing mix
(iv) Costs
(v) Quality