Giant now sets the standards in the industry with innovative marketing and promotions, efficient store designs and attractive product pricing. Owned by GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (GCH Retail), the chain currently comprises 128 Giant hypermarket and supermarkets throughout the country. For the record, GCH Retail is Malaysia's leading retailer, and it owns the Giant hypermarkets, Cold Storage supermarkets and Guardian pharmaceutical retail businesses in Malaysia. BizHive Weekly recently contacted the marketing department of Giant hyper market headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and was updated on Giant corporate profile by its marketing director, Ho Mun Hao. In the exclusive email interview, Ho said that Giant would continuously invest in its logistics and supply chain management in line with its philosophy of growing with its business partners and promoting the development of the retail industry.

(a) Explain how the supply chain management system works in Giant Hypermarket in order to achieve its operational excellence. (5 Marks) (b) Explain THREE (3) factors should be considered to provide more accurate information and to reduce uncertainty along the supply chain to Giant Hypermarket. (10 Marks)