WGU D473 • TASK 1 • ORIGINAL PRACTICE EXAMPLE 2026
Northstar’s network needs
a controlled redesign
A fully worked synthetic model demonstrating A1–A3 data analysis
and B1a–B3b recommendations
PRACTICE ONLY — not Endothon data, not an official answer, and not evaluator-confirmed
, WGU D473 • ORIGINAL PRACTICE EXAMPLE
Three measurable gaps define the project charter
B1a • CONCISE PROBLEM STATEMENT
SERVICE FREIGHT
Northstar Sealants averages 82.7% on-time delivery
against a 95.0% target while freight cost per unit
and annualized inventory carrying cost remain
82.7% $7.23
above their management targets. These service and 12.3 points below $1.23 per unit
target above target
cost gaps expose retail customers to stockouts,
increase premium freight and working-capital
expense, and limit profitable national growth. INVENTORY
27.0% annualized
PROJECT SCOPE
7.0 points above carrying-cost target
Redesign network service coverage, optimize transportation
sourcing and routing, and synchronize inventory replenishment
across four 3PL locations.
Synthetic Northstar Sealants case • Not an official WGU submission 02
Northstar’s network needs
a controlled redesign
A fully worked synthetic model demonstrating A1–A3 data analysis
and B1a–B3b recommendations
PRACTICE ONLY — not Endothon data, not an official answer, and not evaluator-confirmed
, WGU D473 • ORIGINAL PRACTICE EXAMPLE
Three measurable gaps define the project charter
B1a • CONCISE PROBLEM STATEMENT
SERVICE FREIGHT
Northstar Sealants averages 82.7% on-time delivery
against a 95.0% target while freight cost per unit
and annualized inventory carrying cost remain
82.7% $7.23
above their management targets. These service and 12.3 points below $1.23 per unit
target above target
cost gaps expose retail customers to stockouts,
increase premium freight and working-capital
expense, and limit profitable national growth. INVENTORY
27.0% annualized
PROJECT SCOPE
7.0 points above carrying-cost target
Redesign network service coverage, optimize transportation
sourcing and routing, and synchronize inventory replenishment
across four 3PL locations.
Synthetic Northstar Sealants case • Not an official WGU submission 02
