Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for staging growth in capacity?

1. One-step lead

2. Stepwise lead

3. Quick lead

4. Stepwise lag

The correct answer is: Quick lead

The concept of staging growth in capacity refers to how organizations can manage their resource capabilities to align with demand over time. This involves decisions about how quickly to expand capacity and by how much, based on anticipated market conditions. The option that is identified as "quick lead" does not represent a strategy for staging growth in capacity. In capacity planning, a "quick lead" approach would imply expanding capacity rapidly and potentially outpacing demand, which could lead to excess capacity and wasted resources. On the other hand, engaging in strategies like "stepwise lead" or "one-step lead" emphasizes controlled and deliberate capacity expansion over time, allowing organizations to gradually match the demand curve without risking surplus capacity. This measured approach ensures resources are allocated efficiently and can often be more sustainable in a fluctuating market. The "stepwise lag" strategy also focuses on cautious growth by delaying capacity expansion until after demand has been confirmed. This helps organizations avoid the risks associated with overexpansion, ensuring they only invest in capacity when there's demonstrated need. In summary, the strategy labeled as "quick lead" does not fit within the framework of effective capacity staging strategies, which typically favor cautious, incremental increase or delayed response to demand changes.