APICS New 2024 CPIM-8.0 Test Tutorial (Updated 152 Questions) [Q80-Q95]

Level production planning is a strategy that maintains a constant output rate, production rate, or workforce level over the planning horizon. It is suitable for products with stable demand or seasonal demand that can be smoothed by using inventory or backorders. Level production planning can help reduce labor costs, hiring and firing costs, and overtime costs. However, it may also result in high inventory costs or customer dissatisfaction due to long lead times or stockouts. To overcome these drawbacks, the company can investigate subcontracting to meet the extra demand during the peak season. Subcontracting is the process of outsourcing some or all of the production to another firm. It can help the company increase its capacity, flexibility, and responsiveness without investing in additional facilities or equipment. Subcontracting can also reduce the risk of obsolescence or spoilage of seasonal products.
Option B is not appropriate, because chase production planning is a strategy that adjusts the production rate to match the demand rate over the planning horizon. It is suitable for products with highly variable or uncertain demand that cannot be smoothed by using inventory or backorders. Chase production planning can help minimize inventory costs and avoid overproduction or underproduction. However, it may also result in high labor costs, hiring and firing costs, and overtime costs. Moreover, it may limit the company’s ability to capture the market share and satisfy the customer demand during the high demand season.
Option C is not appropriate, because hybrid production planning is a strategy that combines the features of level production planning and chase production planning. It is suitable for products with moderate variability or uncertainty in demand that can be partially smoothed by using inventory or backorders. Hybrid production planning can help balance the trade-offs between inventory costs and labor costs. However, it may also increase the complexity and difficulty of coordinating the production and demand plans. Moreover, it may not address the company’s financial constraints or capacity limitations.
Option D is not appropriate, because reducing the size of the customer base during the high demand season is a risky and counterproductive move. It may result in losing loyal customers, damaging the company’s reputation, and forfeiting potential profits. It may also create an opportunity for competitors to gain market share and customer loyalty.
References:
*Sales and Operations Planning: An Overview
*Sales and Operations Planning: Strategies and Techniques
*Sales and Operations Planning: Best Practices

Changing the due dates of open orders is a common practice to cope with demand fluctuations, capacity constraints, or material shortages. However, it can have a negative effect on the stability and reliability of the schedule, causing “nervousness”. Nervousness is the tendency of the schedule to change frequently and significantly due to minor changes in inputs or parameters. Nervousness can result in increased costs, reduced efficiency, lower quality, and lower customer satisfaction. To avoid or reduce nervousness, some strategies are: using time fences, freezing the schedule, aggregating the demand, and using safety stock or safety time.
References :=
CPIM Exam Content Manual, Module 5: Detailed Schedules, Section 5.1: Capacity Management, p. 18 Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management, Chapter 9: Capacity Planning and Management, Section 9.3: Capacity Planning and Scheduling, pp. 222-223

A statistical safety stock calculation is based on the assumption that demand and lead time are normally distributed and independent. This method is suitable for end items with stable demand, as it can provide a reasonable estimate of the required safety stock to achieve a desired service level. Therefore, option C is correct. Option A is incorrect because components used in multiple end items may have dependent demand, which means that their demand is derived from the demand of the end items. Dependent demand may not follow a normal distribution and may require a different method of safety stock calculation. Option B is incorrect because new products at time of introduction may have uncertain or variable demand, which makes it difficult to apply a statistical safety stock calculation. Option D is incorrect because supply-constrained raw materials may have long and variable lead times, which also complicates the use of a statistical safety stock calculation. References: CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, Section E: Plan and Manage Inventory, Subsection E.2: Inventory Management Methods, p. 54.

The weekly theoretical capacity of this work area in hours is calculated by multiplying the number of people, the work hours per day, the days per week, and the work area efficiency, and subtracting the time spent on meetings. The formula is:
Capacity=(3×10×4×0.85)(3×0.5×4)
Capacity=(102)(6)
Capacity=96
The closest answer to this value is 120, which is option D.References:= CPIM Exam Content Manual, Module 5: Detailed Schedules, Section 5.1: Capacity Management, p. 18 Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management, Chapter 9: Capacity Planning and Management, Section 9.2: Capacity Planning Concepts, pp. 217-218

The discrete available-to-promise (ATP) method is a calculation based on the available-to-promise figure in the master schedule. For the first period, the ATP is the sum of the beginning inventory plus the MPS quantity minus backlog for all periods until the item is master scheduled again. For other periods, the quantity that is available for an item is based on the quantity available within an individual purchase. Therefore, the master production receipt quantity is committed to requests only for shipment before the next MPS receipt12.
References:
*1: APICS CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, p. 29
*2: NetSuite Applications Suite – Available to Promise Methods3

Developing flexible operations best supports a company’s strategic focus on delivery speed to improve competitive advantage. Delivery speed is the time it takes for a company to deliver its products or services to the customers after receiving an order. Delivery speed is a key factor in customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, as well as a source of differentiation and value creation in the market1. Developing flexible operations means having the ability to adapt to changes in demand, supply, technology, and environment, and to respond quickly and efficiently to customer needs and expectations. Flexible operations can improve delivery speed by reducing lead times, increasing responsiveness, enhancing quality, and minimizing costs23. References: 1 The Shipper’s Competitive Advantage of Delivery Speed to Market 4 2 Operations Strategy, 4th ed., 2015, Slack,
N., Lewis, M., ISBN: 978-0273776208 3 CPIM Exam References – Association for Supply Chain Management 1

Periodic review is a system that determines the order quantity and reorder point for an item based on the inventory position at fixed intervals. This system is suitable for inventory management of low value items, as it reduces the ordering and holding costs, simplifies the ordering process, and allows for grouping orders.
Therefore, option C is correct. Option A is incorrect because order point is a system that triggers an order when the inventory level falls below a predetermined level. This system requires continuous monitoring of inventory levels, which may not be cost-efficient for low value items. Option B is incorrect because material requirements planning (MRP) is a system that calculates the requirements for components and materials based on the demand for end items. This system is more appropriate for items with dependent demand, rather than independent demand. Option D is incorrect because economic order quantity (EOQ) is a system that determines the optimal order quantity that minimizes the total ordering and holding costs. This system assumes constant and known demand and lead time, which may not be realistic for some items. References:
CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, Section E: Plan and Manage Inventory, Subsection E.2:
Inventory Management Methods, p. 53.

Rough-cut capacity planning (RCCP) is a technique that evaluates the feasibility of a master production schedule (MPS) by comparing the available capacity of key resources with the required capacity of the MPS.
In a job shop environment, where products are made to order and have high variety and low volume, RCCP would typically review only the critical work centers to determine the ability to execute the plan. Critical work centers are those that have the greatest impact on the throughput, lead time, or cost of the products. They are usually the work centers that have the highest utilization, longest setup times, or most frequent bottlenecks. By focusing on the critical work centers, RCCP can simplify the capacity planning process and identify the potential problems or constraints that may affect the MPS. The other options, gateway work centers, final assembly work centers, and all work centers, are not as effective as critical work centers for RCCP in a job shop environment, as they may not reflect the true capacity requirements or constraints of the products. References:
Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) – Definition, Example, and Benefits
Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) – Meaning, Objectives, and Advantages Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) – Overview, Steps, and Example

Fishbone diagrams would help a service organization determine the source of a quality-of-service issue. A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram or an Ishikawa diagram, is a tool for identifying and analyzing the root causes of a problem or an effect. It uses a fish-shaped diagram to display the potential causes of a problem in different categories, such as people, processes, equipment, environment, etc. A fishbone diagram can help a service organization to determine the source of a quality-of-service issue by allowing the organization to brainstorm and organize the possible factors that may affect the quality of the service delivered to the customers, such as staff training, customer feedback, service standards, equipment maintenance, etc. A fishbone diagram can also help the organization to prioritize and test the most likely causes, and to develop and implement solutions to improve the quality of service12. References: 1 What is a Fishbone Diagram? Ishikawa Cause & Effect Diagram | ASQ 3 2 CPIM Exam References – Association for Supply Chain Management 1

An X-bar chart is a type of control chart that is used to determine the average value of a group of units. It is also known as a mean chart. It plots the sample means of subgroups of units over time and compares them with the center line and the control limits. An X-bar chart is useful for monitoring the central tendency of a process and detecting any shifts or trends in the process mean. It is often used in conjunction with an R-chart, which measures the subgroup variation. References:
Managing Supply Chain Operations, Chapter 9: Quality Management, Section 9.2: Statistical Process Control, Subsection 9.2.1: Control Charts CPIM Exam Content Manual, Module 8: Quality, Technology and Continuous Improvement, Section
8.1: Quality Management, Subsection 8.1.2: Statistical Process Control, Subsubsection 8.1.2.1: Control Charts

The total landed cost is the sum of all the costs associated with buying a quantity larger than immediately needed, including the cost of the product, the custom fees, the freight, and the warehouse rent. Based on the table, the total landed cost can be calculated as follows:
Landed cost = material cost + custom fees + freight + warehouse rent Landed cost = $500 + $125 + $700 +
$200 Landed cost = $1,525
Therefore, the correct answer is D. $1,525. The other options are not correct, as they either omit some of the costs or use incorrect values. The total landed cost reflects the direct costs only to move the product from the factory floor to the customer. It is an important supply chain KPI in inventory management, as it helps to determine the optimal order quantity, pricing, and profitability of the products12. References:
What is Landed Cost? | Calculation and Tips to Improve – ORBA Cloud CFO What is Landed Cost & Why is it Important | Finale Inventory

An assignable cause of variation is a source of variation that is intermittent, not predictable, and identifiable. It is also called a special cause of variation. An assignable cause of variation affects the process performance in an unexpected and non-random way, and it can be eliminated or controlled by finding and correcting the specific cause1. An example of an assignable cause of variation in process performance is incorrect setup of a machine by the operator. This means that the operator did not follow the standard procedure or specification for setting up the machine, which may result in defective or nonconforming products or materials. This cause of variation can be identified and corrected by checking the setup instructions, training the operator, or implementing a setup verification system23. References: 1 Assignable Cause – isixsigma.com 4 2 Process Capability Analysis – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 5 3 CPIM Exam References – Association for Supply Chain Management 1

Sharing of demand data with a supplier is an example of collaboration between suppliers and operations which would give more lead time visibility. This is because it allows the supplier to plan and adjust their production and delivery schedules according to the customer’s needs, reducing the risk of stockouts or excess inventory. It also enables the supplier to provide feedback and suggestions to improve the demand planning process and the accuracy of the forecasts. Sharing of demand data is a key component of supplier relationship management (SRM) and collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR). References := CPIM Exam Content Manual, Module 4: Supply, Section 4.2: Supplier Relationship Management, p. 15 Essentials of Supply Chain Management, Chapter 6: Demand Planning and Forecasting, Section 6.4:
Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment, pp. 101-103

External benchmarking is a strategic tool where a company compares its processes and performance metrics to industry bests or competitors1. Before starting an external benchmarking study, a firmmust first understand its own processes and document performance, so that it can identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement.
This is also a requirement for regulatory compliance2. Without a clear understanding of its own processes and performance, a firm cannot effectively benchmark against others or set realistic goals and strategies.
References:
*What Is External Benchmarking? (with picture) – Smart Capital Mind
*5 Strategies for Effective ASC External Benchmarking – Becker’s ASC

The order point is the level of inventory that triggers a replenishment order. By increasing the order point, the planner is increasing the average inventory level, which in turn increases the carrying cost. Carrying cost is the cost of holding inventory, such as storage, insurance, obsolescence, and opportunity cost. Ordering cost, landed cost, and product cost are not directly affected by the order point12. References: What is Inventory Reorder Point in Inventory Management? – Deskera, Reorder Point Defined: Formula & How to Use | NetSuite

The economic order quantity (EOQ) model is a formula that calculates the optimal order quantity that minimizes the total inventory costs, such as ordering costs and holding costs. The EOQ model is based on several assumptions, one of which is that the order preparation costs and inventory-carrying costs are constant and known. This means that the costs of placing and receiving an order, and the costs of storing and maintaining the inventory, do not change with the order quantity or the inventory level, and that they can be estimated accurately12.
The other options are not correct because:
*A. Customer demand is known but seasonal. This is not an assumption of the EOQ model, but rather a violation of it. The EOQ model assumes that the customer demand is constant and known, and that the orders are placed at regular intervals. However, if the customer demand is seasonal, it means that it varies over time and may not be predictable. This can affect the accuracy and applicability of the EOQ model, as the optimal order quantity may change with the demand pattern12.
*B. Items are purchased and/or produced continuously and not in batches. This is not an assumption of the EOQ model, but rather a contradiction of it. The EOQ model assumes that the items are purchased and/or produced in batches, and that the inventory level decreases gradually until it reaches zero, at which point a new order is placed and received. However, if the items are purchased and/or produced continuously, it means that there is no need to place orders or maintain inventory, and the EOQ model becomes irrelevant12.
*D. Holding costs, as a percentage of the unit cost, are variable. This is not an assumption of the EOQ model, but rather a complication of it. The EOQ model assumes that the holding costs, as a percentage of the unit cost, are constant and known. This means that the cost of storing and maintaining one unit of inventory does not depend on the unit cost of the item, and that it can be estimated accurately. However, if the holding costs, as a percentage of the unit cost, are variable, it means that the cost of storing and maintaining one unit of inventory changes with the unit cost of the item, and that it may not be easy to estimate. This can affect the accuracy and applicability of the EOQ model, as the optimal order quantity may depend on the unit cost of the item12.
References := 1 Economic Order Quantity Model in Inventory Management – Investopedia1 2 Economic Order Quantity: What Does It Mean and Who Is It Important For? – Investopedia2