23 Questions
What are the two dimensions along which the performance of a distribution network should be evaluated?
Customer needs that are met and cost of meeting customer needs
Which customer service measure is defined as the probability of having a product in stock when a customer order arrives?
Product availability
What does 'Order visibility' refer to in the context of distribution network design?
The ability of customers to track their orders from placement to delivery
What is one of the key decisions that managers must make when designing a distribution network?
Deciding if products will be delivered to the customer location or picked up from a preordained site
How is 'returnability' defined in the context of distribution network design?
The ease with which a customer can return unsatisfactory merchandise
What is the primary difference between a distribution chain and a supply chain?
A supply chain acquires raw material, produces products, and delivers to customers; a distribution chain manages the movement of products from suppliers to end consumers.
How does distribution management contribute to a firm's overall profitability?
It affects both supply chain cost and customer experience directly.
What is the role of a distribution network in achieving supply chain objectives?
Affecting supply chain objectives from low cost to high responsiveness.
Which statement best describes the movement within the distribution chain?
Raw materials are moved from suppliers to manufacturers, while finished products are moved from manufacturers to customers.
Why is distribution considered a key driver of a firm's profitability?
It directly impacts both supply chain costs and customer experience.
How can a poor distribution network impact service levels and costs for customers?
By hurting service levels and increasing the overall cost.
Why do firms try to consolidate and limit the number of facilities in their supply chain network?
To decrease facility costs by exploiting economies of scale
In which scenario is a distribution network with local inventory most suitable?
For low-volume, high-variety products with high transportation costs
Why does an e-business benefit from centralizing inventories?
To improve product availability and offer greater variety
What is a key advantage of a distribution network design involving manufacturer storage with direct shipping?
Lower transportation costs due to direct shipping
Why do firms reduce the number of facilities in their supply chain network?
To exploit economies of scale and decrease facility costs
What type of products benefit the most from a distribution network with local inventory?
Low-volume, high-variety products with high transportation costs
What type of products are better suited for distribution networks that ship directly to the customer?
High-value products with low and uncertain demand
How has e-business affected customer experience in terms of access and customization?
Improved by providing 24-hour access and a more customized experience
What is a disadvantage of selling a product online compared to a retail store in terms of response time?
Increased response time relative to a retail store
What is a characteristic of distribution networks that ship directly to customers in terms of inventory levels?
Carry low levels of inventory
How has the rise of e-businesses impacted supply chains in terms of transportation costs?
Increased transportation costs, especially for low-value products with predictable demand
In what scenarios has e-business proven most effective according to the text?
For high-value products with uncertain demand and customers willing to wait for delivery
This quiz covers the impact of changing distribution network design on customer service and costs in the supply chain, focusing on factors like inventories, transportation costs, and facilities. Test your knowledge on optimizing supply chain costs.
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