2. It is important because from this companies can deliver right product to right person at right time and at right place without any hassle. Today, companies are more focused about service than the product and that is the reason there is a need for effective and efficient management of the supply chain. It reduces the total cost during the trade and maximizes the value of the product. It provides healthy competition in the business because of globalization. It helps in developing core competency. It helps in choosing the right channel members.

3. Example: Toyota motors, Japan has gained competitive edge

4. Give one example of a company that has excelled in managing its supply chain. What makes its supply chain work? Has this given a competitive advantage to the company?

5. Dell has excelled in managing its supply chain. Dell has good supply chain base which includes:

6. The customer

7. Dell’s website

8. Dell assembly plant

9. Dell’s suppliers

10. Their suppliers

11. New product development strategy: DELL

12. Designing products that are easily customizable, i.e. designing common platforms across several products.

13. Supply chain responsiveness: DELL

14. Respond to wide range of quantities demanded

15. Try to meet short lead times

16. Handle a large variety of products

17. Build high innovative products

18. Handle supply uncertainity

19. Drivers of supply chain: DELL

20. Facilities: low facility costs

21. Inventory: low inventory costs

22. Transportation: high transportations costs

23. Information: high information costs

24. All this has given competitive advantage to the company as Dell is one of the most successful organizations in the world because of its supply chain management. They are more focused on service rather than the product. They believe in delivering high quality with low price and with extraordinary service (supply chain management).