APICS CSCP Exam - Topic 3 Question 111 Discussion

Actual exam question for APICS's CSCP exam

Question #: 111
Topic #: 3

A firm experiences a supply chain interruption from a second-tier supplier. Which of the following actions is the firm likely to take to minimize future interruptions?

ARequire the supplier to submit weekly cycle count reports.

BRequire the supplier to implement a sales and operations planning process.

CMap the supplier's supply chain to identify risks and opportunities.

DConduct an ISO 14001 audit of the supplier.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

To minimize future supply chain interruptions from a second-tier supplier, the firm should map the supplier's supply chain to identify risks and opportunities. This involves:

Supply Chain Mapping: Creating a visual representation of the supplier's supply chain helps in understanding the flow of materials, components, and information.

Identifying Risks: By mapping the supply chain, the firm can identify potential points of failure, such as single-source dependencies, geographic risks, or capacity constraints.

Assessing Opportunities: Mapping also reveals opportunities for improvement, such as alternative suppliers, process enhancements, or inventory optimization.

Proactive Risk Management: With a comprehensive view of the supply chain, the firm can develop risk mitigation strategies, such as diversifying suppliers, increasing safety stock, or enhancing communication channels.

'The Supply Chain Risk Management Guide' by James B. Rice Jr. and Craig A. Zsidisin

APICS, 'Risk Management in the Supply Chain'

by James at May 04, 2025, 09:34 PM

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Salome

4 months ago

Wait, an ISO audit? Does that really help with interruptions?

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Ezekiel

5 months ago

A seems a bit too basic for long-term solutions.

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Mirta

5 months ago

C is the best option to identify risks.

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Jesus

5 months ago

Totally agree, mapping is crucial!

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Adelle

5 months ago

B could also be useful, but C is more comprehensive.

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Vallie

5 months ago

Conducting an ISO audit seems more about compliance than minimizing interruptions. I lean towards C for risk identification.

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Margurite

6 months ago

I think implementing a sales and operations planning process sounds important, but I can't recall if it directly addresses interruptions. B seems plausible.

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Bo

6 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like requiring weekly reports could help with visibility. Maybe A is a good option too?

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Pete

6 months ago

I remember we discussed how mapping the supply chain can help identify risks, so I think option C might be the best choice.

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Donte

6 months ago

I'm a little confused by the options here. I'm not sure if conducting an ISO 14001 audit is directly relevant to addressing the supply chain interruption. I'll need to review my notes on supply chain risk management strategies.

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Loren

7 months ago

I'm feeling pretty confident about this one. Requiring the supplier to implement a sales and operations planning process seems like the best way to minimize future interruptions. That will help the supplier better align supply and demand.

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Casie

7 months ago

Okay, I've got this. The firm is likely to map the supplier's supply chain to identify risks and opportunities. That way they can proactively address any vulnerabilities in the supplier's operations.

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Wilson

7 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure about this one. The options seem to cover a range of different supply chain management strategies. I'll need to think through the pros and cons of each approach.

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King

7 months ago

This seems like a straightforward supply chain management question. I think the key is to focus on actions the firm can take to improve visibility and control over the supplier's operations.

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Jacqueline

11 months ago

I agree, C is the way to go. Gotta get that full visibility on the supply chain to prevent future hiccups. Plus, it's the most proactive approach out of the options given.

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Yaeko

9 months ago

D: Conducting an ISO 14001 audit might be helpful too, but mapping the supply chain seems more proactive.

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Lottie

9 months ago

C: Totally agree, having full visibility can help prevent hiccups down the line.

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Lucy

10 months ago

B: Yeah, it's important to identify risks and opportunities to prevent future interruptions.

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Lenna

11 months ago

A: I think mapping the supplier's supply chain is definitely the best way to go.

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Edmond

11 months ago

I think requiring the supplier to implement a sales and operations planning process could be beneficial as well.

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Elouise

11 months ago

I believe conducting an ISO 14001 audit of the supplier could also help in minimizing future interruptions.

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Staci

11 months ago

Haha, an ISO 14001 audit? What does environmental management have to do with supply chain interruptions? Seems like a bit of a stretch to me.

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Tatum

10 months ago

C: True, understanding the supplier's operations can help identify potential risks.

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Cyril

10 months ago

B: It could be part of their overall risk management strategy.

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Margot

11 months ago

A: Maybe they want to ensure the supplier is environmentally responsible.

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Camellia

12 months ago

I agree with Twanna. It's important to understand the supplier's supply chain to minimize future interruptions.

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Leah

12 months ago

That's a good point. Mapping the supplier's supply chain is key to understanding where vulnerabilities lie. It's the only option that directly addresses the root cause of the problem.

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Micah

10 months ago

That's a good point. Mapping the supplier's supply chain is key to understanding where vulnerabilities lie. It's the only option that directly addresses the root cause of the problem.

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Antione

11 months ago

C) Map the supplier's supply chain to identify risks and opportunities.

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Jill

11 months ago

B) Require the supplier to implement a sales and operations planning process.

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Ronny

11 months ago

A) Require the supplier to submit weekly cycle count reports.

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Rolland

1 year ago

C) Mapping the supplier's supply chain seems like the most logical approach to identify and address potential risks. This gives you a comprehensive view of the entire supply chain.

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