View Dr. Eckmann's supply chain presentation in week one. Below you will view three different images representing supply chains. These are simple conceptual diagrams of a supply chain showing the physical flows from the materials supplier to the consumer and/or the return/recycling of goods. Then answer: What is a supply chain? What are the similarities between the three figures below? What are the differences between the three figures below? Why are supply chains important?

Materials Supplier Producer Distributor Retailer Consumer Product Information Finances Supplier Manufacturer Distributor Product Information Figure 3 Raw Materials Figure 2 Retailer Shopper Finances Supplier Manufacturing Distribution Consumer Customer