Questions: Which of the following lists is in correct supply chain order? customer - retailer - distributor first-tier supplier - second-tier supplier - third-tier supplier distributor - manufacturer - retailer first-tier supplier - manufacturer - distributor

The answer is D: first-tier supplier - manufacturer - distributor.

Explanation for each option:

A. Customer - retailer - distributor: This order is incorrect because it reverses the typical flow of goods in a supply chain. Generally, goods move from the distributor to the retailer and then to the customer.

B. First-tier supplier - second-tier supplier - third-tier supplier: This order is incorrect because it lists suppliers in reverse order. Typically, a third-tier supplier provides raw materials to a second-tier supplier, which then supplies components to a first-tier supplier.

C. Distributor - manufacturer - retailer: This order is incorrect because it suggests that goods move from the distributor to the manufacturer, which is not typical. Usually, the manufacturer produces goods, which are then sent to the distributor, and finally to the retailer.

D. First-tier supplier - manufacturer - distributor: This order is correct. In a typical supply chain, a first-tier supplier provides materials or components to the manufacturer, who then produces the final product. The product is then sent to the distributor, who distributes it to retailers or directly to customers.