DBA Operations Management and Supply Chain Strategy

Question 1

What is the core principle of 'lean manufacturing' as applied in US operations management?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating waste (muda) to improve flow and create value for customers

Answer

Maximizing production output at any cost

Answer

Reducing workforce to minimize labor costs

Answer

Outsourcing all non-core activities

Question 2

In supply chain management, what does 'the bullwhip effect' describe?

Accepted Answer

The amplification of demand variability as orders move up the supply chain from retailer to manufacturer

Answer

The cracking sound in a whip-like conveyor belt

Answer

A management technique for motivating workers

Answer

Rapid market fluctuations caused by social media

Question 3

What is 'Six Sigma' in operations management?

Accepted Answer

A data-driven quality management approach targeting no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities

Answer

A project management methodology for IT teams

Answer

A financial reporting standard for manufacturers

Answer

A supply chain optimization software platform

Question 4

Which inventory management model determines the optimal order quantity that minimizes total inventory costs?

Accepted Answer

Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model

Answer

ABC analysis

Answer

Just-in-Time (JIT) system

Answer

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

Question 5

In US supply chain management, what is 'nearshoring'?

Accepted Answer

Relocating production or sourcing to geographically close countries (e.g., Mexico for US firms)

Answer

Moving production to the cheapest offshore location globally

Answer

Bringing manufacturing back to the US from overseas

Answer

Establishing regional distribution centers within the US

Question 6

What is 'total quality management' (TQM)?

Accepted Answer

An organization-wide philosophy and set of practices focused on continuous quality improvement involving all employees

Answer

An inventory counting system

Answer

A government-mandated quality inspection program

Answer

A software quality assurance testing protocol