Question $1$

$(25$ marks$)$

Describe the concept of strategic fit between competitive strategy and supply chain strategy. In your answer:

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Explain what strategic fit means and why it is important.

$(4)$

$1\mathrm{.}2$ Discuss how to achieve strategic fit in terms of aligning strategies, structuring resources and designing the supply chain.

$(6)$

$1\mathrm{.}3$ Elaborate on understanding customer needs, supply uncertainties and developing supply chain capabilities and responsiveness.

$1\mathrm{.}4$ Analyse how the supply chain levers of capacity, inventory, time, information and pricing can help absorb uncertainty.

$(5)$

$1\mathrm{.}5$ Compare the different scopes of strategic fit from narrow functional scope to overall supply chain scope. How does broadening the scope, impact supply chain performance?

$(5)$