1) Assume Apple's business strategy has been to introduce a new iPad generation around October of each year, just in time for the Christmas season. Thinking across the entire supply chain, what are the supply chain advantages of this approach? What are the supply chain challenges to this approach?

2) The text (p 26/27) refers to "The Four PerformanceDimensions". I call them the "Metrics for Success" and would add two additional dimensions: (5) Safety and the Environment, and (6)Innovation. These performance metrics are key to not only supply chain strategies,but also business strategies. Looking at Dell and Costco, how do you suppose these firms weigh the relative importance of these dimensions? Is the importance of each the same or different in both companies? Can the importance change within a single firm from customer to customer?

3) Let's look at Apple and Dell. Where do you think that these firms fall considering efficient vs. responsive supply chain strategies? Explain your choice! How does that strategy impact their suppliers or companies they use to deliver their products to customers?

4) Choose a company and a product - not mentioned in any of our readings or discussions - and briefly explain how at least two of the major drivers are impacting that firm's supply chain.

5) A key goal of the supply chain manager is to reduce that gap between supply and demand. There are proactive ways to accomplish this (forecasting) and reactive ways (operational tactics such as pricing, product placement, and promotions). Although many strategies may have to be employed, which would you recommend as the primary strategy -- and who would you recommend as key players in developing and implementing it?