After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the key issues of supply chain management.
2. Name the recent trends in supply chain management.
3. Summarize the motivations and risks of outsourcing as a strategy.
4. State some of the complexities that are involved with global supply chains.
5. List some of the strategic, tactical, and operational responsibilities of supply chain management.
6. Give examples of some advantages of e-business.
7. Explain the importance of supplier partnerships.
8. Discuss the issues involved in managing returns.
9. List the requirements of an effective supply chain.
10. Name some of the challenges in creating an effective supply chain.