Modern supply chain management relies on sophisticated networks to move products from manufacturers to consumers efficiently. Distribution centers hav...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Modern supply chain management relies on sophisticated networks to move products from manufacturers to consumers efficiently. Distribution centers have become critical nodes in these networks, serving multiple functions that economists are still analyzing. These facilities not only store inventory but also perform value-adding services: they customize products for specific regional markets, repackage bulk shipments into consumer-ready units, and coordinate delivery schedules to optimize transportation costs across multiple delivery zones.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
It contrasts how distribution centers operate compared to traditional warehouses.
It clarifies what specific value-adding services distribution centers provide.
It explains why distribution centers are more efficient than direct manufacturer shipping.
It describes the primary challenge facing modern supply chain networks.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Modern supply chain management relies on sophisticated networks to move products from manufacturers to consumers efficiently." |
|
| "Distribution centers have become critical nodes in these networks, serving multiple functions that economists are still analyzing." |
|
| "These facilities not only store inventory but also perform value-adding services:" |
|
| "they customize products for specific regional markets, repackage bulk shipments into consumer-ready units, and coordinate delivery schedules to optimize transportation costs across multiple delivery zones." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Distribution centers have evolved beyond simple storage to become complex facilities that provide multiple value-adding services in modern supply chains.
Argument Flow: The passage starts by establishing the context of modern supply chains, then focuses on distribution centers as key components. It transitions from their general importance to their specific functions, concluding with concrete examples of how they add value beyond basic storage.
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 underlined portion comes after the passage has introduced distribution centers and mentioned they perform "value-adding services"
- The underlined part then gives us three concrete examples of exactly what these value-adding services are
- The right answer should recognize that this portion provides specific details about something mentioned more generally earlier and gives concrete examples of the "value-adding services" concept
It contrasts how distribution centers operate compared to traditional warehouses.
✗ Incorrect
- This choice suggests the underlined portion compares distribution centers to traditional warehouses
- However, our passage analysis shows no mention of traditional warehouses at all
- The underlined portion doesn't make any comparisons - it simply lists specific services
It clarifies what specific value-adding services distribution centers provide.
✓ Correct
- This perfectly matches our prethinking
- The passage mentions "value-adding services" in general terms, then the underlined portion gives three specific examples of exactly what these services are
- The underlined portion clarifies the abstract concept by providing concrete details
It explains why distribution centers are more efficient than direct manufacturer shipping.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests the underlined portion explains why distribution centers are more efficient than direct shipping
- But the underlined portion doesn't discuss direct manufacturer shipping at all
- It simply lists what distribution centers do, without making efficiency comparisons
It describes the primary challenge facing modern supply chain networks.
✗ Incorrect
- This claims the underlined portion describes challenges facing supply chains
- However, the three services listed are presented as capabilities, not challenges
- The tone is about what distribution centers accomplish, not what problems they face