Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a step in operations planning?

1. Supply and demand review

2. Material planning

3. Sales forecasting

4. Assembly scheduling

The correct answer is: Sales forecasting

Sales forecasting is not considered a direct step in operations planning. Instead, it is often viewed as a preliminary activity that informs the planning process. In operations planning, the primary focus is on the execution of production and distribution activities based on the forecasts and other inputs. On the other hand, the supply and demand review involves assessing current supplies against projected demands, which is crucial for effective operational decision-making. Material planning is integral to ensuring that the necessary materials are available when needed, aligning resources with production schedules. Assembly scheduling organizes the production process, detailing when specific products will be assembled to meet demand efficiently. In summary, while sales forecasting provides valuable insights that inform operations planning, it is not a step within the operations planning framework itself. Instead, it serves to guide the subsequent planning actions, making it distinct from the core steps of operations planning.