CPIM-8.0 Exam Dumps - Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM 8.0)

Independent demand for components and subassemblies is not tied to the demand of a higher-level item. These typically come from repair, maintenance, and service activities, where components are needed on their own rather than as part of a finished product.

“Independent demand... includes service/replacement parts and maintenance repair operating supplies.”

— CPIM MRP Module C1-5

A low-cost provider strategy is a business strategy where a company aims to become the most cost-efficient player in its industry, often by producing goods or providing services at a lower cost than its competitors. The overall goal is to increase market share or achieve higher profitability. The low-cost leader in an industry often sets the price that other companies have to match or beat to stay competitive12.

A low-cost provider strategy works best when buyers are more price sensitive, meaning they are more likely to switch to cheaper alternatives if the price of a product or service increases. This condition creates a strong demand for low-priced products or services, and gives the low-cost leader a competitive advantage over rivals who have higher costs and prices. Buyers are more price sensitive when34:

•The product or service is standardized or undifferentiated, and there are few switching costs.

•The product or service represents a significant portion of the buyer’s budget or income.

•The product or service has low quality, performance, or image attributes that limit the buyer’s satisfaction or loyalty.

•The product or service is not crucial to the buyer’s well-being or enjoyment.

The other options are not correct because:

•A. Price competition among rivals is similar. This condition does not favor a low-cost provider strategy, because it implies that the industry is already highly competitive and there is little room for differentiation. A low-cost leader would have to lower its prices even further to gain an edge over rivals, which could erode its profitability and sustainability.

•C. There are many ways to achieve product differentiation. This condition does not favor a low-cost provider strategy, because it implies that the industry is diverse and dynamic, and there are many opportunities for innovation and value creation. A low-cost leader would have to invest more in research and development, marketing, and customer service to keep up with the changing customer preferences and expectations, which could increase its costs and reduce its efficiency.

•D. There are few industry newcomers. This condition does not favor a low-cost provider strategy, because it implies that the industry is mature and stable, and there are few threats from new entrants. A low-cost leader would have to rely on its existing customer base and market share, which could limit its growth potential and expose it to the risk of obsolescence.

References := 1 Low-cost leadership strategy: Explained with examples2 2 Low-Cost Producer: Definition, Strategies, Examples - Investopedia4 3 Low Cost Strategy - Definition, Factors & Example - MBA Skool5 4 Generating Advantage – Strategic Management - Open Educational Resources1

A house of quality (HOQ) chart is a product planning matrix that is used to show how customer requirements relate directly to the ways and methods companies can use to achieve those requirements. HOQ charts are part of the quality function deployment (QFD) method, which helps to ensure quality in product development and service delivery. HOQ charts use a design that resembles the outline of a house, with different sections representing different aspects of the product or service1. One of the functions that a HOQ chart aligns is competitive analysis with product design. Competitive analysis is the process of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the competitors in the market, and identifying the opportunities and threats they pose to the company. Product design is the process of creating the features, functions, and specifications of the product or service that meet the customer needs and expectations. A HOQ chart aligns these two functions by comparing the company’s product design with the competitors’ product design, and showing how well the company’s product design satisfies the customer requirements. This helps the company to identify the areas of improvement, differentiation, and innovation in the product design, and to create a competitive advantage in the market23. References: 1 House of Quality Tutorial - How to Fill Out a House of Quality | ASQ 4 2 House of quality | Explanation with example - IONOS 5 3 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 1

A level production strategy is a manufacturing strategy where a company produces a fixed number of products at a fixed rate1. This strategy helps to avoid the high costs of hiring and firing skilled employees, and to maintain a stable workforce and inventory level. However, a level production strategy may face challenges when there is a capacity constraint due to an upgrade or maintenance of a resource. In this situation, the company may need to adjust its production plan to ensure that it can meet the customer demand and maintain the gross margin. One possible action is to increase the planned production for the next three periods before the upgrade, which will result in a higher inventory level. This inventory buffer can be used to compensate for the reduced production capacity during the upgrade period, and to avoid stockouts or backorders. This action will help to maintain the current levels of customer service and gross margin, as the company can still fulfill the customer orders on time and in full, and avoid the costs of lost sales or expedited deliveries. Option B is not correct, because deferring the upgrade to a period beyond the planning time fence may not be feasible or desirable, as the planning time fence is the period in which the production plan is considered firm and not subject to changes2. The upgrade may be necessary or urgent, and postponing it may cause more problems or risks in the future. Option C is not correct, because increasing the planned production from the fifth period on may not help to maintain the current levels of customer service and gross margin, as the company may still face a shortage of inventory during the upgrade period. Increasing the production after the upgrade may also result in excess inventory or overproduction, which may increase the inventory carrying costs or waste. Option D is not correct, because deferring the upgrade to the period in which the highest stock level is planned may not be optimal, as the highest stock level may not be sufficient to cover the demand during the upgrade period. Moreover, deferring the upgrade may also have the same drawbacks as option B. References: 1 Guide to Level Production Strategy - Welp Magazine 3 2 Planning Time Fence | SAP Help Portal 4