Final answer:
Increased pressure on the supply chain due to increased demands at the retail level is caused by the impact of the empowered consumer on Supply Chain Management (SCM).
Step-by-step explanation:
The increased pressure on the supply chain due to increased demands at the retail level is caused by the impact of the empowered consumer on Supply Chain Management (SCM). The empowered consumer refers to customers who have access to more information and options and therefore have higher expectations for competitive prices and high product quality.
With the advancement of technology, consumers can easily compare prices and read reviews online, leading to increased competition among retailers to meet their demands. In order to stay competitive, retail businesses need to ensure efficient supply chain management to meet customer expectations.
An example of this impact on SCM is the rise of e-commerce. Online retailers have to efficiently manage their supply chain to deliver products quickly and maintain product quality in order to meet customer demands and remain competitive in the market.