NOVACK, TRANSPORTATION: A GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN PERSPECTIVE, 10E, 2024, 9780357908549; CHAPTER 1: GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS: THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPORTATION TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Type ...............................................................................................................................................1 [Study Questions]......................................................................................................................................1 END OF SECTION EXERCISE SOLUTIONS....................................................................................................4 [CASE QUESTIONS]....................................................................................................................................4 CONTENT TYPE [STUDY QUESTIONS] 1. Transportation has sometimes been described as the glue that holds global supply chains together. What is the meaning of this statement and do you agree? Why or why not? Solution: Most students will probably agree that transportation is the ―glue‖ of the supply chain since it connects the individual parts of the chain. Still, they should point out that information is also important to hold the supply chain together. The essence of the statement is that supply chains are extended enterprises with many parts, and the final outcome is a product delivered on time to a particular location without damage or delay. Transportation and information flows are key to this outcome. They should also point out that transportation and information can provide a strategic advantage, so they should be an important part of the planning process. Overall, supply chains play an important role in helping organizations gain a strategic advantage in the global economy of the 21st century. 2. During the last 20 to 30 years, there have been a number of countries whose economies have experienced important economic expansion and development. One group of countries has been labeled the BRIC countries and the other the VISTA countries. Identify each of the nine countries and provide some insights about their economies and economic importance. Solution: BRIC countries are Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The VISTA countries are Viet Nam, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, and Argentina. The BRIC group is generally considered to be the most advanced economy. China is clearly the most important, as indicated by the grade flow data in the chapter. They are important for manufactured production well as resources. India has advanced rapidly through their