Background:

The supply chain consists of the following activities in the completion of goods and services:

1. Procure raw materials (PROCUREMENT AND PURCHASING)

2. Transformation of those raw materials in WIP and finished goods and services (PRODUCTION PLANNING, INVENTORY CONTROL, MATERIALS MANAGEMENT)

3. Delivery of those goods and services through a distribution system (LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION)

Activities of the supply chain cut across accounting, finance, marketing, and the operations disciplines.

Questions for Thought:

1. Is the concept of the supply chain new or has it just been re-labeled?

2. Where does UPS lie in the supply chain?

3. How does supply chain management interface with accounting, finance, marketing, and operations?