1. When a customer calls Dell Computers to order a PC, Dell builds a PC based on the customer's unique require- ments and ships it directly to the customer-all in a matter of hours. What do you think Dell Computers' supply chain looks like? How important are Dell's suppliers and transportation partners to the success of the supply chain?
2. One of your friends states that "operations management and supply chain management are primarily of interest to manufacturing firms." Is this true or false? Give some examples to support your answer.
3. Think of all the different services provided by a typical college. How many can you name? What resources are required to perform these services? What are the important performance considerations-quality, cost, and so on-for these services?