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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GWD32-Q13-Q14
Manufacturing site location is an important consideration in determining the optimal deployment of a firm’s Line production resources, but one that is (5) usually given only limited attention. Decisions about location are often based purely on quantitative analyses that trade off transportation costs, economies of scale, and other cost- (10) based variables. This practice, however, can lead to suboptimal results, as decision-makers tend to focus only on easily quantifiable fac- tors. A further disadvantage of strictly (15) cost-based methods is that they tend to focus on cost advantage factors, which are often transitory. Government reg- ulations, tax systems, and exchange rates can quickly change. Strategies 20) based on such parameters may eventually be rendered obsolete by the very factors that first created an advantage. In contrast, qualitative issues, which 25) are frequently neglected in choosing manufacturing site locations, are often central to creating and supporting a competitive advantage. For example, the level of skill possessed by the 30) local workforce varies with location; consequently, location can affect the ability of firms to implement skill-based process technologies. When formulat- ing a site location strategy, companies 35) should therefore emphasize qualitative factors to ensure that the chosen strategy supports the company’s overall business strategy. Only after establishing a set of desirable location 40) options should companies refine choices using cost-based factors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q13
The passage suggests which of the following concerning qualitative methods used in choosing manufacturing sites? A. They are more likely then are quantitative methods to identify issues crucial to maintaining a competitive advantage B. They are least useful to companies with relatively low levels of manufacturing technology C. They have little value when applied to decisions other than choice of site D. They are more risky for decision makers than are quantitative methods E. They are used more frequently by multi- national corporations than by companies with strictly domestic operations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q14
According to the passage, analysis of quan- titative factors is best used for which of the following?
A. Determining strategies for offsetting qual- itative disadvantages in manufacturing site locations B. Evaluating manufacturing site-location parameters affecting long-term competitive advantage C. Choosing manufacturing site locations that have access to optimal workforce populations D. Narrowing manufacturing site-location options arrived it through qualitative analysis E. Making decisions about business considerations other than location of manufacturing sites 14. The key is C but I think it is D. Anyone can confirm? Thx | 
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发表于 2007-6-23 16:19:00
