Question 1:

1. Advanced planning and scheduling can be completed at a firm, divisional, or geo-graphic level. Describe the challenges and benefits for each strategy In what situations would you recommend that a firm implement APS at a firm, divisional, or geographic level and why?

2. CPFR has been shown to improve forecasting accuracy for manufacturers. What are the major challenges associated with using CPFR? Given its demonstrated benefits, discuss when CPFR should or should not be used by firms.

3. The chapter describes a situation where Whirlpool and Lowe's are collaborating to jointly developing a merchandizing and operations plan. What are the benefits and risks to each organization? What are the challenges to Whirlpool, as it has other major cus¬tomers to consider?

Question 2:

1. How does improved supply chain visibility improve the planning process?

2. Describe the S&OP process. What are the major trade-offs that must be considered?

3. Identify and discuss the major forecast components. Why is it important to decompose demand into these components when developing new forecasts?

4. Compare and contrast time series and causal forecast techniques. Under what condi-tions would each be appropriate?

5. Discuss how a minor change in demand at the retail level can significantly impact sup¬ply chain variation at distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers.

6. Describe the major components of an advanced planning and scheduling system. What are the major challenges in implementing such a system?