APICS Updated CPIM-Part-2 Exam Questions and Answers by jamal

Hedge is a risk management strategy that assumes that losses in one part of the supply chain will be offset by gains in another. Hedge is a method of reducing the exposure to price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, or other uncertainties by taking a position in a related market or asset that moves in the opposite direction. Hedge helps to protect the profitability and cash flow of the supply chain by locking in the prices or rates at a certain level. For example, a company that imports raw materials from another country may hedge against the exchange rate risk by buying a forward contract or an option that guarantees a fixed rate for the currency conversion.

The other options are not risk management strategies that assume that losses in one part of the supply chain will be offset by gains in another. Flexible is a risk management strategy that allows the supply chain to adapt to changing conditions and customer preferences by using multiple sources, modes, or routes. Fluctuation is not a risk management strategy, but a term that describes the variation or volatility of a market or asset over time. Speculative is not a risk management strategy, but a term that describes an activity or investment that involves a high degree of uncertainty or risk, with the expectation of earning a high return. References: CPIM Exam Content Manual Version 7.0, Domain 7: Plan and Manage Distribution, Section 7.1: Distribution Planning Concepts, p. 40; Hedging; Hedging Definition.

Difficult to copy is a defensive operational strategy used to sustain the company’s business over time by creating a unique product or service that is hard for competitors to imitate. The proprietary software for web hosting and order management represents this strategy, as it has been recognized as best-in-class and may have some features or functions that are not easily replicated by others. Difficult to substitute is a defensive operational strategy that creates a product or service that has no close substitutes in the market, making it more valuable and desirable for customers. Difficult to relocate is a defensive operational strategy that locates the production or service facilities in a place that has some advantages or benefits that are not available elsewhere, such as low labor costs, favorable tax policies, or access to natural resources. Scarcity is a defensive operational strategy that creates a product or service that has limited supply or availability, making it more exclusive and attractive for customers. References: CPIM Exam Content Manual Version 7.0, Domain 8: Manage Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Technology, Section 8.1: Quality Concepts, p. 44; Defensive Strategy; Competitive Advantage.

The percentage of defective parts is the proportion of units that do not meet the specification limits. The process capability index (Cpk) is a measure of how well the process can produce within the specification limits. Both the percentage of defective parts and the Cpk depend on the specification range and the process variation1.

If the supplier changes the tolerance range from + 0.3 mm to + 0.5 mm, the specification range becomes wider, which means that more units will fall within the specification limits and fewer units will be defective. Therefore, the percentage of defective parts decreases.

However, if the process variation remains unchanged, the Cpk will decrease, because Cpk is inversely proportional to the specification range2. A wider specification range means a lower Cpk, which indicates a lower process capability. A lower Cpk also implies a higher percentage of defective parts in relation to the process variation3.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. The percentage of defective parts decreases, and the process capability index decreases.

References:

• Understanding Process Capability Index (Cpk) [With Calculator]
• [Process Capability Index - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics]
• Converting A Capability Index to PPM Defective - Accendo Reliability

Third-party logistics (3PL) services are services that involve outsourcing some or all of the logistics functions of a firm, such as transportation, warehousing, distribution, or order fulfillment, to an external provider1. By using 3PL services, a firm can reduce its need to own and operate its own logistics assets, such as trucks, trailers, warehouses, or inventory management systems. These assets are classified as fixed assets on the balance sheet, because they are long-term and tangible assets that are used in the normal course of business2. Therefore, increased use of 3PL services is likely to have the effect of decreasing the fixed assets on a firm’s balance sheet.

The other options are not likely effects of increased use of 3PL services on a firm’s balance sheet. Retained earnings are the accumulated net income of a firm that is not distributed to shareholders as dividends3. Retained earnings are not directly affected by the use of 3PL services, unless the firm’s net income changes as a result of cost savings or revenue growth from outsourcing logistics functions. Accounts receivable are the amounts owed to a firm by its customers for goods or services delivered on credit4. Accounts receivable are not directly affected by the use of 3PL services, unless the firm’s sales volume or credit terms change as a result of improved customer service or delivery performance from outsourcing logistics functions. Intangible assets are non-physical assets that have value based on their intellectual or legal rights, such as patents, trademarks, goodwill, or brand names5. Intangible assets are not directly affected by the use of 3PL services, unless the firm’s reputation or market position changes as a result of enhanced quality or innovation from outsourcing logistics functions. References:

• What Is Third Party Logistics (3PL) ? | Definition, Types, Benefits
• Fixed Asset - Definition & Examples (Assets = Liabilities + Equity)
• Retained Earnings - Definition & Formula
• Accounts Receivable - Overview, Examples & Importance
• Intangible Asset - Definition & Examples