(a) The impact of catastrophic risks on supply chains such as the recent Covid-19 pandemic has caused supply chain managers to think more about how to make their supply chains resilient against these kinds of risks. What strategies do you think managers adopt in advance to mitigate the impact of these kinds of risks on supply chains? Discuss your ideas using some real examples.

(4 marks)

(b) Vendor managed inventory (VMI) is one type of retailer and supplier partnerships that is most exemplified by Walmart and Procter & Gamble. Explain VMI in detail.

(3 marks)

(c) Cross-docking is a strategy used by some companies such as Walmart. Explain what is cross-docking and describe the three (3) essential conditions for implementing an effective cross-docking strategy in any distribution system.