SECTION A [100 Marks] Read the statement below and answer the questions that follow. The process of integrating all parties engaged in the fulfilment of a product into a single system is known as supply chain integration. This necessitates a great deal of coordination and alignment to guarantee that everyone is working towards the same goal at all times. You have been employed as a supply chain manager at Edgars in South Africa. You are requested by the board of directors to present on the following topics and explain how your position would help the retail store to reduce costs and become competitive in the retail industry. Answer ALL the questions in this section.

Question 1 (20 Marks) Excessive inventory investment, poor customer service, lost revenues, misguided capacity plans, ineffective transportation, and missed production schedules can all result from inaccurate information from one end of a supply chain to the other. Critically explain the concept of organizational silos and why they make efficient supply chain management a challenge at Edgars. Make use of examples to support your answer.