1. Describe how Dell’s manufacturing processes represent a change in chain management from how things were done during the mass-production era. What does it mean that there has been a reversal of the flow of demand from a “push” to a “pull” system?

2. Describe the order processing system. How does it work in a company like Dell? As an order enters the system, what must management monitor? Why is it so important that the order processing system be executed well?

3. Describe the role that a supply chain manager at Dell might play. What would his or her responsibilities be? Why is there such high demand for supply chain managers in companies like Dell today? 

4. Describe the benefits that Dell and other companies receive from supply chain management. What benefits do supply-chain oriented companies commonly report? What has research shown?