Uncertainties in the supply chain can lead to: a. strategic changes in production plans
b. increases in inventory across all tiers
c. declines in production
d. a reduction in safety stocks
e. the bullwhip effect

e. the bullwhip effect

Explanation:

Supply chain management can be defined as the effective and efficient management of the flow of goods and services as well as all of the production processes involved in the transformation of raw materials into finished products that meet the insatiable want and need of the consumers.

Generally, the supply chain management involves all the activities associated with planning, execution and supply of finished goods and services to the consumers.

Therefore, the fundamental principle on which supply chain management is reliant on, is the complete collaboration between multiple firms. These multiple firms include a company that is saddled with the responsibility of manufacturing producer), a wholesaler, and a retailer who typically sells the products to the customers or consumers.

Basically, these three (3) firms or individuals are required to collaborate with each other so as to meet the needs of the customers in a timely manner or fashion and at a fair price too.

However, uncertainties or fluctuations in the supply chain can lead to the bullwhip effect.

The bullwhip effect is also referred to as the Forrester effect and it can be defined as the increasing inefficient allocation of resources or inventory fluctuations (distortions) due to changes in demand with respect to the upward movement in supply chain i.e from the retailer to wholesaler and to the manufacturer. Thus, this inaccurate assessment of the demands of consumers leads to uncertainties or fluctuations in the supply chain, especially a decrease in the accuracy of the forecast made by a manufacturer (supplier).

answer; ///global;