Free ISM INTE Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 4

To find the density of the shipment, we use the formula:

Density = Weight / Volume.

The volume of the shipment is calculated as (42/12) x (48/12) x (48/12) cubic feet. Thus, Volume = 56 cubic feet.

Density = 500 pounds / 56 cubic feet = 8.9 pounds per cubic foot.

This calculation shows the shipment's density as Option C. Reference: Basic principles of density calculation.

Point-of-use storage refers to the placement of inventory close to where it is needed in production. This approach supports just-in-time and Kanban systems by ensuring materials are readily accessible, reducing handling and transit times. Reference: Lean manufacturing principles emphasize minimizing waste, and point-of-use storage is a key strategy.

Monte Carlo simulations are used to understand the impact of risk and uncertainty in prediction and forecasting models. They work by running a large number of simulations with varying input variables to produce a distribution of possible outcomes. This method allows forecasters to see a range of potential results and their probabilities, thus reducing uncertainty and increasing confi-dence in the forecast. The goal is not to provide a single correct forecast but to understand the range and likelihood of different outcomes. References:

•Thesen, A., & Travis, L. E. (2009). Simulation for Decision Making. CRC Press.

•Charnes, J. M. (2012). Financial Modeling with Crystal Ball and Excel. Wiley.

Option B's process flow indicates that the final inventory (triangle) occurs after the second processing stage, suggesting a strategy of delayed differentiation. This approach allows customization or final product adjustments to occur closer to the point of customer delivery, reducing lead time for specific customer requirements and minimizing excess inventory of finished goods. Reference: Lean manufacturing and supply chain strategies.

Anticipation inventory refers to stock that is accumulated in advance of expected demand increases, such as seasonal spikes or promotions. This type of inventory helps companies manage supply chain fluctuations and maintain smooth operations. Reference: Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation.

Target cost is determined by subtracting the required profit margin from the selling price of the end product. This calculation helps in setting a cost benchmark that guides the firm's production and pricing strategies, ensuring profitability while meeting market price points.

Floating locations should be employed by BCD Manufacturing. This strategy allows for products to be stored flexibly, optimizing space utilization and improving efficiency in high-demand environments. Floating locations adapt to the varying velocity of different SKUs, enhancing warehouse operations. Reference: Warehouse management and flexible storage strategies.

Standardization ensures that products meet uniform quality standards, reducing variability and enhancing customer satisfaction. This advantage is vital in maintaining brand reputation and streamlining production processes.

Working with engineering to assess the impact of each defect type on customers helps prioritize corrective actions effectively. Addressing the defect with the highest customer impact first ensures that resources are focused on the most critical issues, improving product quality and customer satisfaction.

A decision tree is an effective tool for evaluating potential costs and benefits under conditions of uncertainty, such as varying forecasts for future sales. It allows the supply manager to visually map out different decision paths and their associated costs, probabilities, and outcomes. This helps in comparing different scenarios and making informed decisions about the raw materials needed for a new product launch. Decision trees are particularly useful in situations with multiple possible outcomes and complex decisions. References:

•Clemen, R. T., & Reilly, T. (2013). Making Hard Decisions with DecisionTools. Cengage Learning.

•Heizer, J., Render, B., & Munson, C. (2017). Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management. Pearson.