Supply chain information technologies allow greater information tracking and availability both across a single organization and among multiple partners within a wider supply chain. Information on purchase orders, manifests, invoices, electronic payments, forecasts, and receiving/acknowledgment is routinely exchanged between organizations in a fast, accurate, and low-cost manner.

Directions: Read through the case study Online Purchasing at McDonalds on page 507 in the textbook and answer the questions below.

1. Getting franchisees to adopt the online ordering system is a major challenge. What techniques would you use to encourage adoption?
2. Draw a supply chain map showing the various parties in McDonalds supply chain: food growers, manufacturers, distributors, corporate headquarters, and restaurants. Describe the type of information that needs to be exchanged between the partners in each pair of partners. What is each organization looking for in its information systems?
3. Describe differences in how McDonalds should handle information and planning for (1) regular food items, (2) nonfood items like wrappers or napkins, and (3) promotional or one-time items like Happy Meal toys.