Chapter1 Writing

1- Discussion questions No1

“A supply chain consists of all parties involved, directly or indirectly, in fulfilling a customer request” (Chopra, Meindl). It is important to notice the supply chain commences at that time when a customer goes to a convenience store in order to purchase a soda. Evidently, there is a need that has to be gratified. To satisfy this customer request, different stages in the supply chain are to be effective and functional to make the soda available at that particular point of consumption.

Therefore, the purchase of a soda at a convenience store comprises numerous stages in the supply chain such as customers, retailers, wholesalers or distributors, manufacturers, and component or raw material suppliers (Chopra) .It is vital to underline the fact that customers play vital role in the supply chain. As they are the end link in the chain, they are considered the most significant.

In this case, the purchase a soda moves the product to the customer in order to fulfill the customer request. Similarly, the purchase of that soda moves the product information and the dollar value of the product towards the retailer at the same time. Consequently, the retailer is obligated to place an order from the vender to replenish his supply. When the order is placed, the retailer will transfer dollars back to the supply chain in order to keep the supply chain functioning. Lastly, the wholesaler or the distributor pass on information and dollars to the manufacturer.

2- Discussion questions No5

It is vital to emphasize that the success or failure of a company like Amazon is highly dependent upon the ability of its supply chain to be effective and functional. As the online seller of large variety of products, it is imperative that the flow of products to customers is fast and reliable in order to meet customers’ expectations. The customer satisfaction is one of its success factor. Both the flow of a dollar value of products and information all...