Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems are designed to manage and coordinate the flow of goods, materials, and information from suppliers through production and distribution to customers. Within an Information Technology Management and MIS context, SCM systems typically support:
Procurement and supplier coordination
Inbound logistics and materials planning
Coordination with production schedules to ensure necessary materials arrive on time
Warehousing, inventory in transit, and distribution logistics
Delivery tracking and meeting customer delivery dates
The key phrase in the question is: “manages the flow of goods and materials to ensure production schedules and deliveries are met.” This describes the end-to-end responsibility of supply chain management, which links suppliers, manufacturing, and distribution in a coordinated system.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Inventory management – This focuses on stock levels and item counts in warehouses or storage locations. It is an important component, but it does not, by itself, manage the entire flow of goods from suppliers through to deliveries.
B. Production management – This is centered on planning and controlling manufacturing activities on the shop floor, but it does not fully handle external suppliers, transportation, and distribution to customers.
D. Product design management – This relates to designing and engineering products, often involving CAD tools and design workflows, not the operational flow of goods and materials.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. Supply chain management, as SCM systems are specifically responsible for coordinating the movement of goods and materials so that production schedules and deliveries are fulfilled efficiently.
[Reference:Information Technology Management Study Guide – Management Information Systems: Supply Chain Management Systems (WGU ITM Curriculum)., , ]
