Problem $2$

$($a$)$ What is the bullwhip effect? What is the origin of the term?

$($b$)$ Do you think that eliminating intermediaries would always get rid of the bullwhip effect? Under what circumstances might it not work?

$($c$)$ Discuss the four initiatives recommended for ameliorating the bullwhip effect in supply chains.

$($d$)$

Amazon.com is a purely e$-$commerce company, yet Barnes & Noble maintains both retail bookstores and a significant internet business. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Bames and Noble's strategy $($as contrasted to Amazon's$)?$