A return material authorization (RMA) policy is used in reverse logistics to:

Context: Return material authorization (RMA) policies are used in reverse logistics to manage returns efficiently.

Options Breakdown:

A. Physically transport returned items by using an efficient transportation mode: While efficient transportation is important, it is not the primary focus of RMA policies.

B. Minimize the number of returned items by involving product design and demand forecasting: This goes beyond the scope of RMA policies, focusing more on product lifecycle management.

C. Reduce the cost of returned items by refusing to accept items that should not be returned: RMA policies help in screening returns, ensuring that only valid returns are accepted, thereby reducing costs associated with handling and processing unnecessary returns.

D. Reclaim substantial value from returned items by recycling: This is a part of the reverse logistics process but not the primary focus of RMA policies.

Correct Answer Justification: RMA policies are designed to authorize returns before they are shipped back, ensuring that only items meeting return criteria are processed, thus reducing unnecessary return costs.

References:

Reverse logistics and return management literature

Case studies on the implementation of RMA policies