| SESSION | FEB MARCH 2025 |
| PROGRAM | MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) |
| SEMESTER | IV |
| COURSE CODE & NAME | DSCM401 GLOBAL LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT |
Assignment Set – 1
Q1. a. What are the factors influencing the global trade environment? Explain any two briefly
- How does production dispersion strategy contribute to promoting global trade? Explain briefly.
Ans 1.
Factors Influencing Global Trade Environment and Production Dispersion Strategy
- Factors Influencing the Global Trade Environment
The global trade environment is shaped by a combination of economic, political, technological, legal, and socio-cultural factors. These factors impact how countries and corporations interact, exchange goods, and operate international logistics networks. Trade policies, tariffs, currency fluctuations, bilateral agreements, and regulatory compliance all play a crucial role in influencing trade flows.
Government Trade Policies and Regulations
One key factor is Government Trade Policies and Regulations. Tariffs, import quotas, and subsidies can either promote or hinder international trade. Countries that promote open trade
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Q2.a. What are the types of tunnels? Explain the key benefits of tunnels in supply chain and logistics.
- Modern shipping technology is a vital lifeline of global trade and connectivity. Justify.
Ans 2.
Types of Tunnels in Logistics and Role of Shipping Technology
- Types of Tunnels and Their Benefits in Logistics
Tunnels are critical infrastructure components in the global logistics and supply chain network, enabling uninterrupted transport through mountains, under cities, or beneath water bodies. They help reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and lower fuel consumption in freight transport. Tunnels are primarily classified into railway tunnels, road tunnels, and undersea tunnels.
Railway tunnels
Railway tunnels are designed to facilitate fast, direct rail connections, especially in
Q3.a. What is a charter agreement for shipping? Differentiate between voyage charter and time charter agreements.
- Explain the key components of the ocean liner contract system.
Ans 3.
Charter Agreements in Shipping and Ocean Liner Contracts
- Charter Agreements in Shipping: Voyage vs. Time Charter
A charter agreement is a contract between a shipowner and a charterer to hire a vessel for the transportation of cargo. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the vessel will be operated, including payment, duration, and responsibilities. The two main types of charter agreements are voyage charters and time charters.
In a voyage charter, the ship is hired for a specific voyage between defined ports. The shipowner is responsible for operating the vessel, including providing crew and managing maintenance. The charterer pays freight for the cargo transported. This arrangement is ideal
Assignment Set – 2
Q4.a. Explain the role of cargo insurance in international Air Transportation
- Intermodal containers are essential in global logistics and supply chain management. Justify.
Ans 4.
Role of Cargo Insurance in Air Transport and Justification of Intermodal Containers
- Role of Cargo Insurance in International Air Transportation
Cargo insurance plays a vital role in securing the interests of stakeholders involved in international air transportation. It provides financial protection against risks of loss, theft, or damage to goods while in transit. The international movement of goods by air involves several stages and handling points, each posing potential risks such as mishandling, extreme weather, pilferage, turbulence, and customs delays. These risks can lead to significant
Q5.a. Explain various logistics intermediaries used in global logistics.
- What are Automated Clearing House’s (ACH) features in Global Logistics?
Ans 5.
Logistics Intermediaries and ACH Features in Global Logistics
- Logistics Intermediaries in Global Logistics
Logistics intermediaries are specialized service providers that facilitate the smooth flow of goods across international supply chains. These intermediaries play crucial roles in planning, coordination, compliance, and execution of global logistics operations. They bridge the gap between manufacturers, suppliers, carriers, and end customers.
Freight Forwarders
Freight Forwarders are among the most commonly used intermediaries. They organize the
Q6.a. Explain the components of a Cargo insurance policy.
- Explain the inventory holding costs in global sourcing.
Ans 6.
Components of Cargo Insurance and Inventory Holding Costs in Global Sourcing
- Components of a Cargo Insurance Policy
A cargo insurance policy is a contract that provides coverage against loss or damage to goods while in transit. The policy has several key components that define its scope, applicability, and coverage limitations.
Insured Party
The insured party is typically the exporter, importer, or logistics provider depending on the
| SESSION | FEB-MARCH 2025 |
| PROGRAM | MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION |
| SEMESTER | IV |
| COURSE CODE & NAME | DSCM402 CATEGORY MANAGEMENT IN PURCHASING |
Set – 1
Q1. What are the foundational elements of category management for retailers, and why are they important for success? 10
Ans 1.
Category Management
Category Management is a strategic approach that retailers use to manage product categories as individual business units. It aims to maximize the overall performance of a category by aligning products with consumer demand and business goals. Rather than managing products in isolation, category management looks at them in groups or categories from a customer’s perspective. Each category is treated as a separate entity with its own strategy, goals, and performance metrics.
Key Foundational Elements
The foundational elements of category management include category definition, role assignment, performance metrics, consumer insights, assortment planning, pricing strategies,
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Q2. Explain the key components of the annual planning approach. 10
Ans 2.
Annual Planning in Category Management
Annual planning in category management refers to the systematic process of developing a year-long roadmap for managing categories to achieve business objectives. It sets the direction for assortment planning, promotional activities, pricing strategies, and supplier negotiations for the year. This structured approach aligns category goals with overall business strategy and ensures continuity and adaptability in execution.
Establishing Business Objectives
The first step in annual planning is setting clear and measurable business objectives for the
Q3. Discuss the importance of data and gaining insights on suppliers with regards to Category Management 10
Ans 3.
Importance of Data and Supplier Insights in Category Management
Role of Data in Category Management
Data serves as the backbone of effective category management. It provides factual and objective information that supports decision-making across all phases—from assortment planning and pricing to promotions and supplier negotiations. Accurate data helps identify trends, consumer preferences, seasonal variations, and performance gaps within a category. In today’s data-driven retail environment, decisions based on assumptions or intuition are no
Set – 2
Q4. Explain the seven stages of strategic sourcing plan. 10
Seven Stages of Strategic Sourcing Plan
Strategic Sourcing
Strategic sourcing is a systematic and data-driven approach to optimizing an organization’s procurement activities by aligning purchasing strategies with business goals. Unlike traditional sourcing, which focuses on short-term savings, strategic sourcing emphasizes long-term value creation, supplier collaboration, and risk mitigation. The process is carried
Q5. Discuss what is meant by Supplier selection? Why is it essential 5+5
Ans 5.
Supplier Selection and Its Importance
Defining Supplier Selection
Supplier selection is the process of identifying, evaluating, and choosing suppliers who can provide the required goods or services at the best value. This process involves assessing various parameters such as product quality, pricing, delivery capabilities, compliance, and long-term reliability. The goal is to select suppliers that align with the organization’s operational and strategic needs. Supplier selection is a critical component of procurement and supply chain management because the right supplier relationship significantly influences cost, efficiency, and quality.
Steps Involved in Supplier Selection
The process typically begins with defining the procurement requirement in terms of quantity,
Q6. Explain the category strategy of Hershey’s and state how it helped the company maintain its space in the market 5+5
Ans 6.
Hershey’s Category Strategy and Its Market Impact
Hershey’s Category Strategy
Hershey’s, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world, employs a comprehensive category management strategy that has helped it maintain a strong presence in the confectionery market. The company strategically manages its product categories—chocolates, sweets, and snacks—as individual business units. Each category is analyzed for performance, customer behavior, and market trends. Hershey’s leverages consumer insights,
| SESSION | FEB-MARCH 2025 |
| PROGRAM | MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) |
| SEMESTER | 4 |
| COURSE CODE & NAME | DSCM403 PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING FOR PROJECTS |
Assignment Set – 1
Q1. Explain the concept of Procurement. Also, to detail the various types of Procurement. 3+7
Ans 1.
Concept of Procurement and Types of Procurement
Concept of Procurement
Procurement is a strategic business function that involves the process of acquiring goods, services, or works from an external source. In the context of project management, procurement includes all the activities necessary to acquire resources essential for completing a project within scope, budget, and time. Procurement goes beyond simple purchasing—it includes identifying needs, developing specifications, sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier performance. Effective procurement helps in cost control,
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Q2. Detailed the factors influencing contracting strategies. 10
Ans 2.
Factors Influencing Contracting Strategies
Contracting Strategies
Contracting strategies refer to the approach taken to define, allocate, and manage responsibilities and risks in a contract between a buyer and a seller. These strategies outline how goods, services, or works will be procured, delivered, and paid for during a project. The objective is to create a legal framework that supports project goals while minimizing risks for both parties. Selecting the right contracting strategy is essential for managing timelines, quality, and budget in any project.
Project Complexity and Scope
One of the most important factors influencing contracting strategies is the complexity and
Q3. Detailed the concept of Fixed-Price Contract. Further to explain the advantages and disadvantages of fixed-price contracts. 2+4+4
Ans 3.
Concept, Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed-Price Contracts
Concept of Fixed-Price Contracts
A fixed-price contract is a procurement arrangement in which the contractor agrees to deliver goods, services, or works at a pre-determined price regardless of the actual costs incurred during execution. This type of contract is often used when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change during the course of the project. The buyer is assured of price stability, while the seller assumes the risk of cost overruns. Fixed-price contracts are
Assignment Set – 2
Q4. Explain various contents of a Contracts. 10
Contents of a Contract
A contract is a legally binding agreement that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of the parties involved in a transaction. In project procurement, contracts serve as the formal foundation for the relationship between the buyer and supplier or contractor. For a contract to be effective, it must include specific clauses that address operational, financial, legal, and risk-related aspects of the agreement. These elements provide clarity, reduce
Q5. What do you mean by Payment Security? Detail various types of Payment Security.
Ans 5.
Meaning and Types of Payment Security
Payment Security
Payment security refers to the mechanisms used to ensure that the buyer fulfills their financial obligations under a contract. It protects the seller or contractor from the risk of non-payment or delayed payment by the buyer. In project procurement and construction contracts, especially in international settings, payment security provides assurance that the contracted amount will be paid as per the agreed terms. It is particularly crucial in long-term, capital-
Q6. Write a detailed note on Finalizing a Contract. Also, to discuss Key steps involved in finalizing a Contract.
Ans 6.
Finalizing a Contract and Key Steps Involved
Contract Finalization
Finalizing a contract refers to the process of concluding all negotiations and formalizing the agreement between parties into a legally enforceable document. It marks the transition from planning and discussion to execution and implementation. The finalization phase ensures that all terms, obligations, deliverables, timelines, and legal implications are clearly understood, agreed upon, and documented. A finalized contract offers legal protection and minimizes misunderstandings during project execution.
This process is especially critical in large or complex projects involving multiple
| SESSION | FEB – MAR 2025 |
| PROGRAM | MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) |
| SEMESTER | 4 |
| COURSE CODE & NAME | DSCM404 SUPPLY CHAIN COST MANAGEMENT |
Assignment Set – 1
Q1. What is Cash to Cash Cycle and why is it important? Discuss the various challenges faced in managing cash to cash cycle and what are the strategies to control it. 6+4
Ans 1.
The Cash to Cash Cycle in Supply Chain Management
Definition and Importance of Cash to Cash Cycle
The Cash to Cash (C2C) Cycle is a critical financial metric in supply chain management that measures the time gap between when a company pays for raw materials and when it receives payment for its finished goods. It reflects the number of days a company’s cash is tied up in its operations before it is converted back into liquid cash flow. Mathematically, it is calculated as: C2C = Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO) + Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) – Days Payable Outstanding (DPO). A shorter C2C cycle implies a more efficient supply chain
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Q2. Discuss the Pros and Cons of Make, Buy and Ally Strategy with respect to sourcing decisions in Supply Chain Management. 10
Ans 2.
Analysis of Make, Buy, and Ally Strategies in Sourcing Decisions
Sourcing Decisions in Supply Chain
Sourcing decisions are at the core of supply chain cost management and influence operational performance, flexibility, and profitability. Companies have three strategic options for sourcing: make (in-house production), buy (outsourcing from external vendors), and ally (forming strategic partnerships or joint ventures). Each strategy has its merits and drawbacks, and the choice depends on factors like core competencies, cost efficiency, capacity, market
Q3. Discuss in detail the Eight-step Process of AIM and DRIVE 10
Ans 3.
The Eight-Step Process of AIM and DRIVE Frameworks
AIM and DRIVE in Supply Chain Costing
The AIM and DRIVE frameworks are structured approaches used in supply chain cost management and decision-making. AIM stands for Analyze, Innovate, and Manage, while DRIVE represents Define, Review, Identify, Verify, and Execute. These frameworks support continuous improvement, cost efficiency, and strategic alignment across supply chain functions. They help companies develop actionable strategies for reducing operational waste,
Assignment Set – 2
Q4. How can organizations effectively select key cost drivers within their supply chain and manage their overall cost structure 10
Ans 4.
Selecting Key Cost Drivers and Managing Cost Structure in Supply Chains
Identifying Cost Drivers in the Supply Chain
Cost drivers are the underlying factors that influence the cost of activities within a supply chain. Identifying them accurately is the first step toward effective cost management. Organizations can begin by mapping their entire supply chain network and analyzing each process, from sourcing and production to distribution and returns. Key cost drivers vary depending on the industry and the nature of operations, but common ones include transportation costs, inventory holding, warehousing, order processing, labor, and
Q5. Discuss the different types of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Costs of any supply chain. What are the key challenges and considerations in implementing allocation-based systems for cost measurement within the supply chain? 7+3
Ans 5.
Understanding Cost Types and Allocation-Based Measurement in Supply Chain
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Costs in Supply Chains
Supply chain costs can be categorized into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary costs. Primary costs are the direct costs incurred during supply chain operations, such as procurement expenses, manufacturing costs, transportation charges, and warehouse rent. These are easily identifiable and usually represent the bulk of the supply chain budget. Secondary costs are indirect yet still traceable to supply chain functions. These include costs
Q6. What are the crucial aspects of Shipping Cost calculation in Supply Chain? 10
Ans 6.
Crucial Aspects of Shipping Cost Calculation in Supply Chain
Shipping Costs in Supply Chain
Shipping costs are a fundamental component of supply chain expenses, directly affecting pricing, profitability, and customer satisfaction. These costs encompass all expenditures related to the transportation of goods from suppliers to customers, including domestic and international logistics. In a globalized business environment, accurate calculation and management of shipping costs are critical for maintaining competitive advantage and meeting service-level expectations.
Factors Affecting Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are influenced by multiple variables. First, distance and location significantly