1.4 Strategic alignment of inventory levels
with demand variability and supply chain
responsiveness, considering factors such
as demand forecasting accuracy, lead
times, and product lifecycles
1.5 Evaluating the trade-offs between
using different transportation modes, such
as road, rail, air, or sea, considering factors
like cost, speed, reliability, and
environmental impact.
g) Prioritizing cost efficiency over supplier
reliability
h) Cost optimization versus speed
prioritization (1.1)
i) Managing inventory turnover while
minimizing stockouts
j) On-time delivery versus disruption
mitigation (1.2)
SECTION A
CONSISTS OF TWO QUESTIONS
Question 4
Case Study: Leevi Manufacturing Company in the Automotive Parts Industry
Leevi Manufacturing Company has established itself as a leading player in the automotive parts
industry, renowned for its production of various components critical for vehicles. With a history
of delivering high-quality products, Leevi Manufacturing has garnered a strong reputation among
automotive manufacturers and consumers alike.
Despite its standing in the industry, Leevi Manufacturing faces significant operational challenges
that threaten its competitiveness and market position. These challenges revolve around
inefficient production processes, struggles with demand forecasting and inventory management,
and vulnerability to disruptions in the global supply chain.
Leevi Manufacturing's production processes, while functional, suffer from inefficiencies that
hinder its operational performance. Outdated machinery and equipment, coupled with
insufficient workforce training, contribute to frequent breakdowns and disruptions in production.
Additionally, the layout of production facilities may not be optimized for workflow efficiency,
leading to bottlenecks and delays. These inefficiencies result in increased lead times and
difficulties in meeting production schedules, ultimately affecting customer satisfaction and
market competitiveness.
Another area of concern for Leevi Manufacturing lies in its struggles with demand forecasting and
inventory management. Inaccurate demand forecasts, driven by volatile market conditions and
limited visibility into customer demand, lead to imbalances in inventory levels. Consequently, the
company faces challenges of either overstocking, tying up capital and storage space, or
understocking, resulting in stockouts and missed sales opportunities. Ineffective inventory
control practices exacerbate these challenges, further impacting the company's ability to
optimize production efficiency and meet customer demand effectively.
Leevi Manufacturing's operations are vulnerable to disruptions in the global supply chain, posing
significant risks to its supply chain continuity. Reliance on single-source suppliers, geopolitical
risks, natural disasters, and transportation disruptions can all impact the company's production
schedules and customer satisfaction. Any delay in deliveries, quality issues with raw materials,
6