What is the primary focus of supply chain management?

The primary focus of supply chain management is on the network of businesses that work together to provide products to consumers. This includes the entire process of sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, and distributing goods to ensure that they reach the end customer in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Supply chain management integrates various components such as raw material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and logistics providers, creating a cohesive system aimed at maximizing value and minimizing costs.

In this context, the other options address different functions within a business. Product design and development relate to the creation and improvement of products but do not encompass the broader distribution and logistics aspects managed in supply chains. Managing employee performance focuses on human resource practices, which are essential for organizational effectiveness but not the core of supply chain management. Marketing strategies and advertising pertain to how products are promoted and sold, playing a role in demand generation rather than the operational flow of products from suppliers to customers. Thus, the focus of supply chain management distinctly aligns with the coordination and collaboration among various businesses that are integral to delivering products to consumers effectively.