L5M7 Questions and Answers

Differentiation Strategyinvolves offering products withunique attributesthat customers value and are willing to pay more for, thus achieving competitive advantage.

Short cited term: “differentiation – unique product features at premium price.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 177)

AnAgilesupply chain prioritisesflexibility and responsivenessto customer and market changes—ideal for dynamic industries like electronics.

Short cited extract: “Agility = rapid response to changing demand.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.155)

The5S Methodology—Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain—originates from Lean philosophy to promote efficiency and discipline in operations.

Short cited extract: “5S – a Lean technique for organisation and cleanliness in the workplace.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.166)

Relationship effectiveness is damaged bymistrustand poorfeedback/communication. Spend level alone is not inherently harmful if expectations are aligned. Short cited terms: “trust,” “communication/feedback” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.93).

Meeting expectations (B) is not exceeding them. Exceeding is demonstrated byunexpected extra valuesuch aslower-than-expected priceora free add-on. Short extract: “exceeding expectations—delighting customers with additional/unexpected value.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.121)

TheTheory of Swift Even Flowstates that organisational efficiency improves as the flow of materials, information, and cash becomessmooth and consistentthrough the chain.

Short cited term: “balancing demand and inventory to achieve swift, even flow.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 37)

BPRexamines and redesignsworkflows and processesto remove waste and maximise efficiency and customer value.

Short cited extract: “BPR – radical review of workflows to achieve major efficiency improvements.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 111)

Centralised procurementenables bettercost coordination, standardisation, and leverage through bulk purchasing, ensuring consistency across sites.

Short cited extract: “Centralised structures coordinate savings and achieve economies of scale.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 69)

Risk management seeks toprevent and mitigate major risks, whiletolerating low-impact riskswhen elimination isn’t feasible.

Short cited extract: “Low-level risks can be tolerated if likelihood and impact are minimal.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.49)

Non-critical itemsinvolve low value and low risk, usually managed viatransactional or arm’s-lengthrelationships where trust plays a minor role.

Short cited term: “non-critical = low trust required.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 221)

In supplier preferencing,nuisancecustomers havelow value/attractivenesswithlimited growth potential. Short cited terms: “nuisance,” “low attractiveness/low value” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.86).

TQMis along-term philosophydemanding sustained commitment; benefits emerge gradually through continuous improvement.

Short cited extract: “TQM is a long-term commitment where results may not be immediate.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 118)

On the relationship spectrum,arm’s-lengthis alow-collaborationstyle (onlyadversarialis lower), characterised by limited information sharing and short-term focus. Short cited term: “relationship spectrum … arm’s-length (low collaboration)” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.80).

According toPorter’s Five Forces, new automated competitors represent athreat of new entrants, introducing innovation and market pressure.

Short cited extract: “New entrants increase competition and threaten existing players.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.56)

Six Sigma is adata-driven methodologyaimed ateliminating defectsand reducing variation to improve quality and performance. Short cited terms: “data-driven,” “eliminate defects” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.110).

Outsourcing can improvequalitywhen a specialist provider performs the activity better than in-house teams.

Short cited extract: “Outsourcing to specialist providers can enhance quality and performance.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 94)

ACost Leaderdetermines the market price standard and can influence both price reductions and increases. Their efficiency allows them to lead pricing trends.

Short cited term: “cost leader sets price standard in market.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 179)

Offshoring typically seekscost reduction(e.g., labour arbitrage) while maintaining service/output levels; other motives are secondary. Short cited term: “cost reduction/advantages” (L5M7 Study Guide, domain 1.4 discussion).

AClient Experience Strategyfocuses on enhancing theend-to-end customer journeyby understanding customer needs, personalising interactions, and incorporating feedback.

Short cited extract: “Customer experience strategy includes listening to feedback and personalising interactions.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.183)

Inventory valuation requires data onquantity in stockandunit purchase cost. These determine the total inventory value at any given time.

Short cited extract: “Inventory value = number of items × purchase cost.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p.147)

TheKraljic Matrixplotssupply riskagainstprofit (cost) impactto determine supplier strategy (leverage, bottleneck, routine, strategic).

Short cited extract: “Matrix axes – profit impact vs supply risk.” (L5M7 Study Guide, p. 83)