CSCA study plan

Define supply chain management and map the end-to-end flow of materials, information, and cash across plan, source, make, deliver, and return.

Explain how the bullwhip effect arises and list at least four operational causes (e.g., order batching, price promotions, rationing and shortage gaming).

Compare push, pull, and push-pull (hybrid) supply chain designs and identify which product types fit each.

Calculate basic inventory turnover and days of supply from given cost-of-goods and average inventory figures.

Draft a one-page glossary of 20 core SCM terms with your own definitions and one example each.

Distinguish the major supply chain performance metrics (perfect order fulfillment, cash-to-cash cycle, fill rate, forecast accuracy) and state what each does and does not capture.

Analyze a short case scenario and identify where a firm's supply chain strategy is misaligned with its competitive priorities.

Explain the role of segmentation, postponement, and risk pooling in reducing cost while maintaining service levels.

Compute the cash-to-cash cycle from days inventory outstanding, days sales outstanding, and days payable outstanding.

Write a 300-word recommendation for a fictional manufacturer that is choosing between centralized and decentralized distribution.

Compare the five main transportation modes (road, rail, air, water, pipeline) on cost per unit, speed, capacity, and suitability.

Explain Incoterms categories and correctly match at least six common terms (EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP, FCA) to who bears cost, risk, and customs responsibility.

Describe the procurement cycle from need identification through supplier selection, contracting, and payment.

Calculate total landed cost for a purchase that includes freight, duties, insurance, and handling.

Differentiate centralized versus decentralized procurement and list two advantages of each.

Evaluate supplier selection criteria using a weighted scorecard and justify the weighting choices.

Explain the purpose and structure of an RFI, RFP, and RFQ and select the appropriate instrument for three given buying situations.

Describe key contract terms that affect supply risk: lead time, payment terms, penalties, warranty, and force majeure.

Outline warehouse layout and material handling principles that reduce travel time and picking errors.

Identify three procurement ethics and compliance risks and the controls that mitigate them.

Distinguish independent from dependent demand and explain which forecasting and planning methods apply to each.

Compute a moving average and a simple exponential smoothing forecast from a given demand history, and calculate the resulting forecast error (MAD or MAPE).

Describe the components of demand (trend, seasonality, cycle, random) and choose an appropriate forecasting technique for each pattern.

Explain the structure of an MRP record: gross requirements, scheduled receipts, projected on-hand, net requirements, planned order releases.

Distinguish level, chase, and mixed production planning strategies and their workforce and inventory implications.

Calculate safety stock from a given service level, demand variability, and lead time, and explain the trade-off between service level and inventory cost.

Apply ABC classification to an inventory list and state differentiated control policies for A, B, and C items.

Define the seven wastes (muda) and identify at least two examples of each in a distribution or office process.

Explain the five Lean principles and how value stream mapping exposes non-value-added time.

Describe the DMAIC phases and the type of tool commonly used in each (e.g., SIPOC, Pareto, control chart).

Distinguish common-cause from special-cause variation and select the correct control chart type for variable versus attribute data.

Interpret a control chart for out-of-control signals using the standard rules (points beyond limits, runs, trends).

Calculate process capability (Cp and Cpk) from given specification limits and process standard deviation, and interpret the result.

Explain the Define and Measure phases of DMAIC, including how to write a problem statement and select CTQs.

Describe how 5S, kanban, and poka-yoke support standardized work and error prevention.

Synthesize the four domains by explaining how demand plans feed procurement, logistics, and Lean improvement priorities.

Complete a timed 60-question mixed practice set and score at least 75% overall.

Review every missed practice question, write a corrected explanation for each, and tag it to the relevant domain.

Recite from memory the key formulas for inventory turnover, cash-to-cash cycle, exponential smoothing, safety stock, and Cp/Cpk.

Build a personal one-page formula and concept sheet to use during final review.