Supply Chain Management Midterm Exam Questions Now
Explain the trade-off between environmental sustainability goals and operational performance (cost, quality, speed) in this case. Describe one real, verifiable method (e.g., life cycle assessment, circular supply chain, or third-party certification like B Corp) that FreshFruit should have used before launching Project GreenLeaf to avoid the greenwashing accusation. Part 6: The Digital Pivot (Technology & Integration) The Story: A new interim CEO was hired—you. You implement a cloud-based SCM platform that connects suppliers, warehouses, and retailers in real time. Within 3 months, you reduce spoilage to 8%, cut freight costs by 22%, and forecast accuracy improves to 89%. But the old warehouse manager quits, complaining, "You’re replacing human intuition with robots."
Map the transportation modal choices (ocean, air, truck, rail) that FreshFruit used. For each, state one advantage and one disadvantage for perishable goods. Then, propose two specific KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) that FreshFruit should monitor with a Transportation Management System (TMS) to prevent future bankruptcies and delays. Part 5: The Sustainability Trap (Green SCM) The Story: To repair their brand, the CEO launched "Project GreenLeaf": all packaging would be biodegradable, and they would offset carbon by planting trees. However, the new packaging fell apart in high humidity, causing 20% more product damage. The tree-planting partner turned out to be a fraud (no trees planted). Customers accused FreshFruit of greenwashing. Sales dropped another 30%. supply chain management midterm exam questions
Conduct a qualitative risk assessment of the VietDelta exclusive contract. Identify two specific supply chain risks (e.g., geopolitical, logistical, financial). Then, recommend one risk mitigation strategy (e.g., dual sourcing, contingency clauses, safety stock) that FreshFruit should have used before signing. Finally, perform a break-even analysis to decide: Should they pay the penalty and switch to RioAzul? You implement a cloud-based SCM platform that connects
Instructions: Read the story below. Then answer the questions that follow. Each question tests a specific SCM principle illustrated in the narrative. Assume you are the new Supply Chain Director. Part 1: The Glory Days (Forecasting & Demand Planning) The Story: FreshFruit Co. was a mid-sized distributor of organic tropical fruit in the Midwest. For a decade, they used a simple rule: "Order 20% more than last year’s same month." It worked well until a viral TikTok video featured their "Dragon Fruit & Lychee Smoothie Bowl." Overnight, demand for dragon fruit exploded by 600%. For each, state one advantage and one disadvantage
Draw (or describe in words) a causal loop diagram showing how one failure triggered the next. Identify the single root cause that, if fixed first, would have prevented the most damage. Justify your choice in two sentences. End of Exam.