(9).

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the active management of supply chain activities to maximize customer value and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. It represents a conscious effort by the supply chain firms to develop and run supply chains in the most effective & (1)______ ways possible. Supply chain activities cover everything from product development, sourcing, production, and logistics, as well as the information systems needed to (2)______ these activities.

Essentially, SCM is about getting the right product to the right place at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right cost. This (3)______ a complex web of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources. The goal is to (4)______ the flow of goods and information from the initial sourcing of materials all the way to the final (5)______ by the end-user.

Effective SCM can lead to lower costs, faster delivery, and improved customer satisfaction. One key (6)______ is inventory management. Holding too much inventory ties up capital and increases storage costs, while holding too little can lead to stockouts and lost sales. SCM aims to (7)______ this balance perfectly.

In recent years, SCM has become even more critical due to globalization and increased customer expectations. Companies are also increasingly focusing on making their supply chains more resilient and sustainable. This involves managing risks, reducing the environmental (8)______, and ensuring ethical sourcing practices. A well-managed supply chain is no longer just a cost-saving mechanism but a strategic (9)______ that can significantly impact a company's performance and brand (10)______.