Modern supply chain algorithms analyze consumer demand patterns and automatically adjust production schedules to maintain optimal inventory levels acr...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Modern supply chain algorithms analyze consumer demand patterns and automatically adjust production schedules to maintain optimal inventory levels across multiple distribution centers. _____ if these systems experience technical failures, manufacturers often face either critical shortages or excessive overstock situations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
Therefore,
Similarly,
Next,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Modern supply chain algorithms analyze consumer demand patterns and automatically adjust production schedules to maintain optimal inventory levels across multiple distribution centers." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "if these systems experience technical failures, manufacturers often face either critical shortages or excessive overstock situations." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Supply chain algorithms work effectively to maintain optimal inventory, but when they fail, they create significant problems.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the positive function of supply chain algorithms, then presents what happens when these same systems experience problems, creating a contrast between normal operation and failure scenarios.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The blank connects a positive description (systems working well) with a negative scenario (system failures causing problems)
- We need a transition that shows contrast between these two situations
- The right answer should signal a contrasting relationship
However,
✓ Correct
- Creates the perfect contrast between systems working well and what happens when they fail
- This matches our need for a contrast transition
Therefore,
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests the system failures are a logical result of the effective algorithms
- Doesn't make sense logically
Similarly,
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests that system failures are similar to effective functioning
- Creates the opposite relationship from what's needed
Next,
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests a time sequence rather than the contrasting scenarios the passage actually presents