APICS CSCP Actual Questions

When a company has adequate average available capacity but lacks surge capacity, increasing order-fulfillment lead times can provide the most capacity relief. By extending lead times, the company can spread out orders over a longer period, allowing for better resource allocation and reducing the pressure on production and distribution during peak times. This approach helps manage the flow of orders more effectively without requiring additional capacity or resources. Implementing allocation, increasing prices, or increasing product queue times may have some effects, but they do not directly address the issue of balancing capacity and demand as effectively as adjusting lead times.

Supplier certification procedures verify that a supplier implements, documents, and improves procedures related to customer requirements. This involves:

Procedure Implementation: Ensuring that suppliers have the necessary procedures in place to meet customer specifications.

Documentation: Verifying that these procedures are well-documented and followed consistently.

Continuous Improvement: Checking that suppliers have mechanisms for continuous improvement to adapt to changing requirements and enhance performance.

Customer Focus: Confirming that the supplier's processes are aligned with and responsive to customer needs and expectations.

References

"Supplier Certification: A Continuous Improvement Strategy" by Michael J. Trahan and Thomas P. Reid

APICS, "Supplier Management and Certification"

Context: Third-party logistics services (3PL) offer various benefits by leveraging their expertise and resources.

Options Breakdown:

A. On-time delivery of shipments due to higher inventory levels: Higher inventory levels are not typically an advantage of using 3PLs; rather, they manage inventory more efficiently.

B. Cost structure due to economies of scale: 3PLs serve multiple clients and thus can achieve lower costs per unit through economies of scale.

C. Access to smaller markets due to localization: While 3PLs can help with market access, this is not their primary advantage.

D. Risk visibility due to inventory consolidation: 3PLs can improve risk visibility, but the main advantage is cost-related.

Correct Answer Justification: The primary advantage of using a 3PL is the ability to achieve lower costs through economies of scale, as they distribute their fixed costs over a larger volume of shipments.

Context: Long-term collaborative relationships in business require various forms of communication and mutual understanding.

Options Breakdown:

A. Formal and informal communication: Essential for building trust, addressing issues promptly, and fostering collaboration.

B. Interconnected information systems: Important for operational efficiency but not sufficient alone for maintaining relationships.

C. One partner regularly exercising power: This could harm collaboration and trust.

D. Standardized terms of agreement: Important for clarity but insufficient alone to maintain long-term relationships.

Correct Answer Justification: Effective long-term relationships depend on both formal (contracts, meetings) and informal (regular check-ins, casual interactions) communication, ensuring transparency, trust, and responsiveness.