Chapter Questions
How would you distinguish between the following terms: alignment; relationships; and collaboration?
What are the basic types of supply chain relationships and how do they differ?
How would you distinguish between a vendor, a partner, and a strategic alliance? What conditions would favor the use of each?
What does it take to have an area of "core competency"? Provide an example.
Describe the steps in the process model for forming and implementing successful supply chain relationships. What step(s) do you feel is (are) most critical?
What are some of the more common "drivers" and "facilitators" of successful supply chain relationships?
What is meant by "collaboration" between supply chain organizations? What are the different types of collaboration?
What are the basic types of 3 PL firms, and which are in most prevalent use?
What are some example types of services that may be available from a 4PL provider?
What are some of the more frequently outsourced logistics activities? Less frequently outsourced?
Why do some firms choose not to use the services of $3 \mathrm{PL}$ firms?
n what ways are clients/customers counting on 3PLs for involvement with information technology-based services?
To what extent are clients/customers satisfied with $3 \mathrm{PL}$ services? What is the relative importance of cost, performance, and value creation as determining factors for evaluating and selecting 3PLs?
To what extent do clients/customers think of their 3PL providers in a strategic sense? What evidence suggests that this may change in the future, and what kind of change may be expected?