For each question, I will be looking for your ability to logically and critically support your answers. Broad statements without sufficient support are not acceptable. Your answers must be comprehensive, succinct, and without spelling or grammatical errors.

1. What is a 3PL? Discuss why some firm's might choose NOT to use the services of 3PL firms? What does it take to for a firm have an area of "core competency"? Provide an example.

2. "Supply chain relationships don't mean anything. At the end of the day, it depends entirely on who has the most power. It's the big boys in the supply chain who decide just how much of a relationship there's going to be." Discuss the implications of this statement.

3. The influence and impact of federal, state, and local governments seems to be increasing in importance for supply chains. Why? Discuss how regulatory and political conditions might act as barriers to international logistics and global supply chain management.

4. Logistics information systems and technology play an increasingly important role in logistics and supply chain management. Discuss the importance of timely, relevant, and accurate information as it relates to international logistics and supply chain management.

5. Define and discuss supplier development and explain why it is becoming more prominent in some organizations. What factors make supplier selection and evaluation so difficult?