ISM Supply Management Integration Exam Practice Test

Answer : D

In the context of low-cost country sourcing and minimizing risk when importing goods, the selection of appropriate Incoterms 2020 rules is crucial.

DAP (Delivered at Place) is the most suitable Incoterm for a firm wanting to assume the least amount of risk. Under DAP, the seller is responsible for all costs and risks associated with delivering the goods to a specified destination, which includes transportation, export customs clearance, and any other logistical arrangements until the goods are made available for unloading at the buyer's location. This significantly reduces the buyer's risk as the seller handles most of the transportation and logistics.

Other Incoterms, such as:

CFR (Cost and Freight): The seller pays for the cost and freight to bring the goods to the port of destination. However, the risk is transferred to the buyer once the goods are loaded on the vessel.

CPT (Carriage Paid To): Similar to CFR, but can be used for any mode of transport. The seller covers transport costs to a specified destination, but the risk transfers to the buyer upon handing over the goods to the first carrier.

EXW (Ex Works): The buyer assumes all risks and costs from the seller's premises onward, making it the highest risk for the buyer.

Incoterms 2020 by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

'A Guide to Incoterms 2020' by the International Trade Centre (ITC)

Answer : C

Parts that were used for maintenance of equipment sold in the previous year but cannot be used on current equipment are best described as obsolete. Obsolete inventory refers to items that are no longer usable or saleable due to advancements in technology or changes in market demand. These parts should be identified and removed from active inventory to free up space and reduce carrying costs. Reference:

* Heizer, J., Render, B., & Munson, C. (2017). Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management. Pearson.

* Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2015). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Op-eration. Pearson.

Answer : D

An oligopoly is a market structure where a few sellers dominate the market and many buyers ex-ist. In such a market, prices and output levels are often controlled by the leading firms or through collusion, such as forming a cartel. These firms hold significant market power, which allows them to influence prices and other market factors. Oligopolies are common in industries where high en-try barriers exist, such as telecommunications, airlines, and oil and gas. Reference:

* Perloff, J. M. (2016). Microeconomics: Theory and Applications with Calculus. Pearson.

* Mankiw, N. G. (2014). Principles of Microeconomics. Cengage Learning.

Answer : A

When a previously reliable supplier starts delivering flawed parts, the first step should be to ex-plore possible root causes. This approach helps in identifying any recent changes in the supplier's production processes, materials, or workforce that might be contributing to the quality issues. By understanding the root cause, the supply manager can work with the supplier to implement correc-tive actions, ensuring long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. This collaborative approach also maintains a good relationship with the supplier and encourages continuous improvement. Reference:

* Monczka, R. M., Handfield, R. B., Giunipero, L. C., & Patterson, J. L. (2015). Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. Cengage Learning.

* Burt, D. N., Petcavag

Answer : B

To determine the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), we use the EOQ formula: EOQ=2DSHEOQ = \sqrt{\frac{2DS}{H}}EOQ=H2DS Where:

* DDD = Demand (units per year)

* SSS = Ordering cost per order

* HHH = Holding cost per unit per year

Given:

* DDD = 800 units/month * 12 months = 9,600 units/year

* SSS = $300

* HHH = 20% of $5 = $1 per unit per year

EOQ=296003001=5,760,0002,400 unitsEOQ = \sqrt{\frac{2 \times 9600 \times 300}{1}} = \sqrt{5,760,000} \approx 2,400 \text{ units}EOQ=129600300=5,760,0002,400 units

To find the number of months' worth of items to order:

Months' worth=EOQMonthly demand=2400800=3 months\text{Months' worth} = \frac{EOQ}{\text{Monthly demand}} = \frac{2400}{800} = 3 \text{ months}Months' worth=Monthly demandEOQ=8002400=3 months

Thus, 3 months' worth of the item should be ordered at a time. However, the closest option pro-vided is 4 months. Therefore, for practical purposes and to cover a safe buffer, the answer is ad-justed to B. 4 months. Reference:

* Heizer, J., Render, B., & Munson, C. (2017). Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management. Pearson.

* Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2015). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Op-eration. Pearson.

Answer : B

Given the short lead time and the need for rapid market entry, leveraging an existing strategic supplier's capabilities is optimal. This approach minimizes delays and leverages established relationships and processes, ensuring the product can be developed and delivered efficiently.

Answer : B

Standardization involves reducing the variety of items performing similar functions. This process streamlines inventory, reduces costs, and simplifies procurement by focusing on a limited range of products. It supports efficiency and cost management in supply chain operations, as referenced in supply chain management best practices.