Consider a computer manufacturer’s supply chain 

a. What are the major first tier suppliers? 

b. Provide examples of three second tier suppliers 

c. Provide examples of conflicting objectives between supply chain members 

d. What are the risks that rare and unexpected event could pose to this supply chain? Please provide an example. 

e. Assume the manufacturer has a plant located in North America to supply to the local market. But it use Asian suppliers. The firm sells its product over the Internet, and use a JIT approach to manage its production line. Given the long distance between the Asia and North America, how can the firm ensure on time delivery of supply and maintain low inventory?