Detailed Answer
(a) The requirement is to identify the defining characteristic
of supply chain management. The correct answer is (a)
because a key aspect of supply chain management is the sharing
of key information from the point of sale to the consumer back to
the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s suppliers, and the supplier’s
suppliers. Answer (b) is incorrect because it is the focus of process
reengineering. Answer (c) is incorrect because it is the focus
of total quality management. Answer (d) is incorrect because
strategic alliances involve joint ventures and partnerships.