Answer ALL questions below. $[100$ MARKS$]$ SECTION A $[40$ MARKS$]$ Read the scenario below and answer ALL questions in this section. In $2022,$ a prominent South African retail chain, known for its vast network of supermarkets, faced significant challenges due to incorrect forecasting during the holiday season. The company overestimated demand for certain perishable goods, such as fruits and vegetables, expecting a surge in consumer purchases. However, due to economic downturns and changes in consumer behaviour, actual demand was much lower than anticipated. As a result, the retailer experienced high levels of waste, increased costs in disposal and markdowns, and strained relationships with suppliers who had scaled up production based on inaccurate forecasts. This misstep highlighted the critical role of accurate forecasting in strategic operational planning, where the integration of real$-$time data and market analysis could have mitigated losses. It also showcased how poor forecasting can disrupt supply chains, causing inefficiencies in inventory management and eroding profitability. QUESTION $1(20$ Marks$)$ Relating to the scenario above, examine the role of forecasting in strategic operational planning. How can incorrect forecasting impact an organisation$$s operations and supply chain? QUESTION $2(20$ Marks$)$ In a South African manufacturing plant, a large automotive company noticed a decline in operational efficiency and an increase in employee absenteeism due to musculoskeletal disorders. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the outdated workstations did not adhere to ergonomic principles, leading to repetitive strain injuries and fatigue among workers. The company decided to redesign the workstations by incorporating adjustable seating, ergonomic tools, and optimal workstation layouts. Based on the scenario above, discuss the importance of ergonomics in the design of work systems. How does it impact operational efficiency and employee well$-$being? SECTION B $[60$ MARKS$]$ Answer ALL three $(3)$ questions in this section. QUESTION $3(20$ Marks$)$ Just$-$in$-$Time $($JIT$)$ inventory management, a strategy aimed at reducing inventory costs by aligning production schedules closely with demand, has gained popularity in global supply chains. Evaluate the risks of adopting Just$-$in$-$Time $($JIT$)$ inventory management in a global supply chain. QUESTION $4(20$ Marks$)$ In the South African automotive industry, inventory management plays a critical role in balancing demand and supply, particularly in the face of volatile market conditions caused by fluctuating exchange rates, labour strikes, and unpredictable global supply chains. Explain the role of inventory management in balancing demand and supply in a volatile market. Use the automotive industry as an example. QUESTION $5(20$ Marks$)$ In the context of the manufacturing company's initiative to optimise operations and minimise environmental impact while maintaining profitability, discuss the key principles of Total Quality Management $($TQM$)$ and how they can be applied to improve the company's production processes.