Book excerpt: Preface. CHAPTER 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT. The Evolution of the Supply Chain. How the Supply Chain Works. The Evolving Structure of Supply Chains. Participants in the Supply Chain. Aligning the Supply Chain with Business Strategy. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 2: THE RETAIL DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL. Participants in the Distribution Channel. Types of Channels. Channel Relationships. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 3: SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS: PLANNING. Five Links in the Chain. Demand Forecasting. Product Pricing. Inventory Management. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 4: SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS: SOURCING MATERIALS AND MAKING PRODUCTS. Procurement. Credit and Collections. Product Design. Production Scheduling. Facility Management. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 5: SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS: DELIVERIES AND RETURNS. Order Management. Delivery Scheduling. The Reality of Returns. Outsourcing Supply Chain Operations.