mplified supply chain model, supply chains are viewed from the perspective of a focal firm. The Ford Motor Company $($Ford$)$ is erican multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Consider the following scenario, n Controls Inc. $($JCI$)$ molds cars' interior parts, such as door panels, overhead systems, and dashboards. JCI is Ford's direct r$.$ JCl receives finished applicate used on door panels from Lakeland Finishing $($LKF$).$ If Ford is the focal firm, then LKF is Ford's supplier; JCl is Ford's supplier, and LKF is JCI's supplier.