All CORE Test Inside ISM Questions

To determine how many units JKL, Inc. needs to buy to justify changing suppliers, the following steps are taken:

Calculate the Cost Savings per Unit:

Current supplier cost per unit: X

New supplier cost per unit: X - $0.03

Savings per unit: $0.03

Determine the Transition Cost:

Transition cost to the new supplier: $12,000

Calculate the Break-Even Point:

The break-even point is when the total savings equal the transition cost.

Savings per unit × Number of units = Transition cost

$0.03 × Number of units = $12,000

Number of units = $12,000 / $0.03

Number of units = 400,000

Therefore, JKL, Inc. needs to buy 400,001 units to justify changing suppliers, as the 400,000 units would only cover the transition cost, and any additional units would result in actual savings.

References:

Cost-benefit analysis in supply chain management.

Break-even analysis principles in procurement decisions.

Requesting quotations using generic specifications and performance requirements with forecasted quantities to meet current and future needs is the best course of action for the supply manager. This approach ensures flexibility in selecting the most cost-effective and suitable vehicles while considering future demands. By focusing on specifications and performance, the supply manager can compare different brands and models objectively, ensuring that the chosen vehicles meet the company's operational needs and budget constraints. Additionally, considering future needs allows for strategic planning and potential cost savings through bulk purchasing or long-term contracts. References:

Lysons, K., & Farrington, B. (2016). Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Pearson.

CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) guidelines on vehicle procurement and fleet management.

Soliciting cross-functional input when developing a category management plan is crucial because it ensures that the plan considers the perspectives and requirements of various stakeholders and functional areas. This collaboration helps in creating a comprehensive and effective plan that addresses the needs of the entire organization, leading to more sustainable and long-term solutions.

References

CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). Cross-functional Team Collaboration in Category Management.

ISM (Institute for Supply Management). Benefits of Cross-functional Teams in Supply Management.

The ability to explain how and why decisions are made in support of business plans is important because it allows a supply manager to influence internal stakeholders. By clearly communicating the rationale behind decisions, supply managers can gain buy-in and support from other departments, ensuring alignment and cooperation. This influence is crucial for the successful implementation of supply chain strategies and achieving organizational goals.

References

ISM (Institute for Supply Management). Effective Stakeholder Management.

CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). Communication Skills for Supply Chain Professionals.