DQ 1

Forecasting and the Economic Environment

Identify changes in forecasting methodologies and approaches (for practices such as contracting, advanced payments, outsourcing to fix a price, continuous and fixed budgeting, simulations, or regression analysis) that have been influenced by current economic conditions.

Has the current economic environment changed your organization's forecasting approaches to logistics within the supply chain?

If so: Describe at least one new approach that is a specific result of the changes in the current economic environment. How is this change unique to these times? Will these changes help to maintain your organization's competitive edge?

If not: Would you recommend the implementation of new forecasting approaches? In what ways might a continuation of past techniques and approaches be dysfunctional? Briefly describe one specific new approach you would recommend.

DQ 2

Levels of Customer Service

Has the philosophy that there are different levels of customers had any material effect on the value of your organization's customer service?

Identify and explain the different levels of customer service in your organization.

How are these differing levels associated with the cost-benefit financial approach?

Is there a financial rationale for designating these differing levels? Can this be quantified?

Has any aspect of the different levels approach been negative to the customer, or to the organization?