Learner Resource 9 – Supply chain case studyIntroductionRead the case study and answer the questions that follow

When firms like Argos order toys from China they will often have to wait weeks for them to be delivered via one of the deep sea container ports in London, Felixstowe and Southampton. These ports unpack the containers and send the toys on their way to Argos distribution centres. All of this lengthens the supply chain for the toys.

1. Explain the term ‘supply chain’ (2 marks)

2. Explain 2 factors that are important when choosing a supplier for a large store like Argos (4

marks)

3. Evaluate the impact of the length of the supply chain and the reliability of suppliers on firms

and the decisions they make about their supplies (9 marks).

Version 1 1 © OCR 2017Business Operations – 4.6 Working with suppliers

Version 1 2 © OCR 2017Business Operations

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