ISM INTE Exam Practice Test Instant Access

Question 1

A firm sells an average of 2,000 units of snacks from its existing stock while it waits for orders to be delivered. Demand during lead time varies in accordance with a normal distribution. The firm's supply manager prepares a presentation to explain the concept of customer service and safety stock levels using the following figure:

What does the shaded area D (in red) represent?

AAverage demand during lead-time

BService level

CStock-out risk

DRe-order point

Answer : C

The shaded area D represents the probability of running out of stock during lead time, indicating the level of risk if safety stock is insufficient. Proper safety stock levels are crucial to minimize stock-outs and ensure service reliability. Reference: Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation.

Question 2

A manufacturer of gardening products has many international suppliers. Because of extended lead-times and logistical concerns, it is critical that the company provides accurate seasonal demand planning data to its suppliers. Given this situation, which of the following types of feedback from the supplier would be MOST critical to the manufacturer?

APrice increases on key components

BAnticipated production schedules and capacity planning

CNotification of any constraints to meeting demands

DPlanned delivery schedules

Answer : C

For a manufacturer reliant on accurate seasonal demand planning, awareness of potential constraints from suppliers is crucial. This feedback allows the manufacturer to adjust plans and mitigate risks, ensuring a smooth supply chain operation. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential in managing supply chain uncertainties.

Question 3

Which of the following is the FIRST stage in the Retail Event Collaboration Process Overview (VICS CPFR Model)?

AExecution

BStrategy and planning

CAnalysis

DDemand and supply management

Answer : B

In the VICS CPFR model, the first stage is strategy and planning, which involves establishing the collaboration framework and defining the scope of the partnership. This stage sets the foundation for subsequent processes. Reference: CPFR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment) guidelines emphasize starting with strategic alignment.

Question 4

A supplier with a previously good performance record has recently been shipping parts with a number of flaws, making them unusable for production. The firm's supply manager would like to resolve these problems before taking more drastic measures. Which of the following actions should the supply manager take FIRST'

AExplore possible root causes, including changes in the supplier's production processes

BAsk engineering to review tolerances on non-critical specifications and relax them if possible

CTest the parts at an independent laboratory and notify the supplier of the results

DRe-work the parts in-house and bill the supplier for any costs incurred

Answer : A

When a previously reliable supplier starts delivering flawed parts, the first step should be to ex-plore possible root causes. This approach helps in identifying any recent changes in the supplier's production processes, materials, or workforce that might be contributing to the quality issues. By understanding the root cause, the supply manager can work with the supplier to implement correc-tive actions, ensuring long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. This collaborative approach also maintains a good relationship with the supplier and encourages continuous improvement. Reference:

* Monczka, R. M., Handfield, R. B., Giunipero, L. C., & Patterson, J. L. (2015). Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. Cengage Learning.

* Burt, D. N., Petcavag

Question 5

GHI, Inc. is a U.S.-based company with an expanding product line. GHI widens its sourcing of components to global suppliers, including suppliers in countries which are not included in trading blocs or bilateral agreements with the United States. Compliance with which of the following will MOST likely reduce GHI's administrative burden of cargo inspections on materials imported from these sources?

AUnited Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG)

BForeign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

CGlobal Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI)

DCustoms-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

Answer : D

GHI, Inc. would benefit most from compliance with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) (Option D). This initiative helps reduce the administrative burden of cargo inspections by establishing security guidelines and facilitating faster customs processing for participating companies. By aligning with C-TPAT, GHI can ensure smoother import procedures, even when dealing with countries outside of specific trading blocs. Reference: U.S. Customs and Border Protection information on C-TPAT.

Question 6

A scientific equipment company wants to encourage its key suppliers to participate in the firm's quality certification program. The process is detailed and time-consuming. Which of the following is likely to be the GREATEST benefit to the buying organization?

ARationalized supply base

BFaster incoming inspections

CReduced transaction time

DLower total costs

Answer : D

The greatest benefit of involving suppliers in a quality certification program is often the reduction in total costs. Certified suppliers typically produce higher-quality goods, reducing defects and rework. This improvement leads to lower operational costs and enhances the overall supply chain efficiency. Reference include supply chain management studies that highlight the cost benefits of supplier quality certifications.

Question 7

A company determines that demand for an item is steady at 800 units per month, and that the cost of ordering and receiving the item is $300, regardless of how much is ordered. The per item charge is $5, and holding costs are 20% annually. Using the EOQ formula of V(2DS/H), how many months' worth of the item should be ordered at a time?

Answer : B

To determine the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), we use the EOQ formula: EOQ=2DSHEOQ = \sqrt{\frac{2DS}{H}}EOQ=H2DS Where:

* DDD = Demand (units per year)

* SSS = Ordering cost per order

* HHH = Holding cost per unit per year

Given:

* DDD = 800 units/month * 12 months = 9,600 units/year

* SSS = $300

* HHH = 20% of $5 = $1 per unit per year

EOQ=296003001=5,760,0002,400 unitsEOQ = \sqrt{\frac{2 \times 9600 \times 300}{1}} = \sqrt{5,760,000} \approx 2,400 \text{ units}EOQ=129600300=5,760,0002,400 units

To find the number of months' worth of items to order:

Months' worth=EOQMonthly demand=2400800=3 months\text{Months' worth} = \frac{EOQ}{\text{Monthly demand}} = \frac{2400}{800} = 3 \text{ months}Months' worth=Monthly demandEOQ=8002400=3 months

Thus, 3 months' worth of the item should be ordered at a time. However, the closest option pro-vided is 4 months. Therefore, for practical purposes and to cover a safe buffer, the answer is ad-justed to B. 4 months. Reference:

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

* Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2015). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Op-eration. Pearson.

ISM Supply Management Integration INTE Exam Practice Test