1. Based on the case study above, define just-in-time (JIT) inventory method AND give any

FIVE (5) benefits of applying cross-docking inventory method.

(Please type no handwriting)

Case Study 2: Walmart's Inventory Management Walmart Inc.'s inventory management is one of the biggest contributors to the success of the multinational retail business. Considering the mammoth size of the company, effective and efficient inventory management is of critical importance in operational effectiveness. Walmart is known for cutting-edge technological applications for its inventory management aspect of operations. The company has perfected the art of innovating its inventory management methods and strategies. Thus, Walmart is an example of the benefits of advanced technology and innovation in optimizing inventory management performance. While there are a variety of other factors contributing to the success of this business, advanced inventory management is one of the core organizational capabilities that enable Walmart's leadership in the global retail industry. Such leadership establishes the company's competitive advantages relative to firms like Target and Amazon in the retail market. Also, the competitive effects of the digital content distribution operations of companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are dampened partly through Walmart's high inventory management efficiencies, along with related strategies and product development approaches. Walmart's inventory management is a key success factor in the firm's ability to grow to its current industry position as the leading retailer in the world. The company's strategies for various business areas are linked to inventory management in terms of how strategic approaches support or exploit benefits brought through innovations in inventory activities. In this regard, such strategies applied in inventory management directly relate to Walmart's operations management and productivity strategies. Walmart's Vendor-Managed Inventory Model Walmart's success in managing its inventory is partly due to the effective implementation of the vendor-managed inventory model. In this model, suppliers access data from the company's information systems, such as data on current inventory levels and the rate at which certain goods are sold. Suppliers decide when to send additional goods to Walmart, while the company monitors and controls the actual transit of goods from warehouses to the stores. This strategy shifts some of the inventory control activities onto the side of the suppliers. Walmart's vendor-managed inventory has the benefit of minimizing delays in the movement of inventory across the supply chain. This benefit is achieved because suppliers can directly access current data about the inventory of their goods at Walmart stores. Another beneficial effect of using the vendor-managed inventory model is the minimization of costs in inventory management activity. The company does not need to spend for extra personnel to manage each supplier's goods. Instead, this financial and human resource expense is directly passed on to Walmart's suppliers. Just-in-Time Cross-Docking in Walmart's Inventory Management Walmart uses different methods to manage its inventory. Just-in-time inventory is the application of the just-in-time (JIT) method to inventory management. This method involves measures and activities for the operational objective of minimizing storage and related costs. At Walmart, the just-in-time inventory method is applied in the form of cross-docking. In cross-docking, suppliers' trucks and the company's trucks meet at the company's warehouses or merchandise distribution centers. Goods are transferred from the suppliers' trucks directly to Walmart's trucks, which deliver the goods to the stores. The main benefit of cross-docking at Walmart's warehouses is the minimization of inventory size. Fewer goods are stored at the warehouses. A smaller inventory is less costly to maintain. Also, cross-docking enables Walmart to quickly deliver goods to the stores. This condition enables the firm to rapidly respond to fluctuations in demand and related changes in the market. Thus, this method of inventory management supports Walmart's operational efficiency and business resilience