MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY
REGULAR UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2013/2014 ACADEMIC YEAR
THIRD YEAR FIRST SEMESTER
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
COURSE CODE: BBM 348
COURSE TITLE: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
DATE:23RD APRIL 2014 TIME: 2.00PM – 5.00PM
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Question ONE is compulsory
Answer any other TWO questions
This paper consists of 6 printed pages. Please turn over.
Question One
a) Johannes has been appointed the supply chain manager to a large company with branches spread all over east and central Africa. Describe six major obstacles that she must overcome to successfully achieve the company’s strategic fit. (12 marks)
b) Highlight five drivers of supply chain performance. (10 marks)
c) Briefly explain the following terms as used in supply chain management.
i. Bullwhip effect
ii. In-sourcing (8 marks)
Question Two
a) You are a supply chain manager for a large beer manufacturing company in Kenya. During an upcoming board meeting you are expected to present a case for the company to outsource the supply chain function. Discuss the factors that affect the decision to outsource the supply chain function. (12 marks)
b) Highlight the impact of supply chain decisions on the success of a firm. (8 marks)
Question Three
Using Prof. Michael Porter’s value chain model, describe the relationship between competitive and supply chain strategies. (20 marks)
Question Four
Network design decisions have a significant impact on organization’s performance. Discuss the factors influencing network design decisions. (20 marks)
Question Five
a) Information is used when making a wide variety of decisions about each of the supply chain drivers. Explain the role of information technology in a supply chain management. (12 marks)
b) Forecasts of future demand are essential for making supply chain decisions. Outline four characteristics of forecasts. (8 marks)
