Strategic Operations & Logistics
MIDTERM REVIEW 1
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,1. Multiple Choice: What is the primary goal of strategic operations
management?
a) Cost reduction
b) Quality improvement
c) Flexibility enhancement
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Rationale: Strategic operations management aims to achieve a
balance between cost, quality, and flexibility to maximize the
overall efficiency and effectiveness of an organization.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The ________ effect is a phenomenon where
small changes in consumer demand can cause large variations in
orders placed upstream.
Answer: Bullwhip
Rationale: The bullwhip effect refers to the increasing swings in
inventory in response to shifts in customer demand as one moves
further up the supply chain.
3. True/False: Outsourcing is a strategic operation that can only
reduce costs but not improve quality.
Answer: False
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, Rationale: Outsourcing can also lead to quality improvement
when tasks are allocated to specialized vendors who have the
expertise and capabilities that the outsourcing company may lack.
4. Multiple Response: Which of the following are key components
of a logistics strategy?
a) Transportation
b) Inventory management
c) Information technology
d) Customer service
e) Procurement
Answers: a), b), c), d), and e)
Rationale: A comprehensive logistics strategy includes managing
transportation, inventory, information, customer service, and
procurement to ensure efficient and effective flow of goods.
5. Multiple Choice: In the context of supply chain management,
what does the acronym SCM stand for?
a) Supply Chain Management
b) Supply Chain Monitoring
c) Supply Chain Manipulation
d) Supply Chain Maximization
Answer: a) Supply Chain Management
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, Rationale: SCM stands for Supply Chain Management, which
involves the active management of supply chain activities to
maximize customer value and achieve a sustainable competitive
advantage.
6. Fill-in-the-Blank: The process of acquiring goods and services
from external sources is known as ________.
Answer: Procurement
Rationale: Procurement is the process of finding, agreeing to
terms, and acquiring goods, services, or works from an external
source, often via a tendering or competitive bidding process.
7. True/False: Just-in-time (JIT) is an inventory strategy that
increases inventory holding costs.
Answer: False
Rationale: JIT is an inventory strategy that aims to improve a
business's return on investment by reducing in-process inventory
and associated carrying costs.
8. Multiple Response: Which of the following factors influence the
choice of a distribution network?
a) Market demand
b) Product characteristics
c) Competition
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