Metrics must focus upon customer needs and expectations." Explain the meaning of this statement. Why have customers become more important for performance measurement? What role, if any, should customers play in developing supply chain metrics?

Many organizations have differentiated themselves in the marketplace by their "low cost" value proposition to customers (i.e. Spirit Airlines, Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Aldi). To achieve this, the organization fine-tunes their business model to remove as many overhead costs and unnecessary costs so it may pass those savings on to its customers.  Select a domestic or international business that has a "low cost" value proposition to its customers and consider the following questions: How does it market itself? How does a low-cost operating structure make them stand out and succeed in the market? Is "low cost" a sustainable model for this company? Evaluate this strategy from an ethical perspective.

Discuss the role of strategic planning in adding value to an organizations products/ services.

Develop a balanced scorecard for purchasing and supply at an agicultural equipment manufacturer. Explain how a balanced scorecard will be necessary for the successful implementation of the Smart Logistics Initiative.