The Internet and other information systems have had a significant impact on Michael Porter's five forces of competition, and this has helped Save Mart Cash & Carry gain an edge in the marketplace.

Why is inventory management a critical operation in business? Can you name at least one major retailer that shot to the forefront of the industry simply because of its innovative inventory management mechanism?

How might the growth in online marketing affect the structure of retail supply chains? Provide and discuss one example of companies who have succeeded and one example of those who have faltered by this growth.

Discuss the future growth and nature of wholesaling if chains, scrambled merchandising, and the Internet continue to become more important. How will wholesalers have to adjust their mixes? Will wholesalers be eliminated? If not, what wholesaling functions will be most important? Are there any particular lines of trade where wholesalers may have increasing difficulty?  

Discuss three key challenges for a retail store warehouse manager and provide an explanation of how you will overcome each of these challenges.

What are two advantages of mobile-based and voice-based e-commerce?

What is inventory management and why are they important for society? How can inventory management be applied to the real world?

In mid February, a massive snow storm hit Texas, causing massive power shortages because the windmills Texas counts on to provide a portion of its electricity froze in the snow. People all over Texas were without power and heat for days in below freezing weather. Given the need for power, the demand for small, household sized, gas-powered generators went up enormously. The immediate supply of generators ran out quickly. Suppliers from outside Texas began to ship in generators charging double the price for them, way more than the usual price. Suppliers charged this high price because they could. But it also meant that many people could not afford the higher price and simply had to suffer, risking serious frostbite injuries. Here is the question for you to discuss. Does the business that sells gas-powered generators have a social obligation to help out in crises like this, or should the business pursue profitability ? Make sure you explain why you think as you do using one or more…