1. Give five examples of products with a predictable variability in demand. For each product, determine if the variability in demand is due to a seasonal or non-seasonal factor.
2. What is the main purpose of S&OP?
3. Propose at least three solutions for matching supply with demand for a highly seasonal product. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
4. What are the two main leverages of managing supply?
5. What are some advantages and disadvantages of using seasonal workforce?
6. Find three examples of pairs of products with complimentary demand patterns (e.g., lawn mower and snow blower).
7. What is the main advantage of using common components in manufacturing?
8. If a promotion increases the demand mainly due to forward buying, should it be offered during low or high demand season? What if it is mainly due to stealing share?
9. Why having a high cost of changing capacity favors promotion during the low-demand season?