Final answer:
For any supply chain, successful management requires collaboration among manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, not solely resting in one party's hands. While individual partners may focus on profitability, optimal supply chain profit is achieved through strategic coordination. The customer is indeed the single source of supply chain revenue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you're asking pertains to the management of supply chains and the dynamics between different entities such as manufacturers, distributors, and customers. For any supply chain, it is not true that management rests solely in the hands of one party, whether it's the manufacturer (A) or the distributor (B). Instead, successful supply chain management requires collaboration among manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to meet customer demands efficiently. Regarding option C, while individual entities within a supply chain might focus on their own profitability, this does not necessarily lead to the maximization of overall supply chain profit, as it can create inefficiencies and drive up costs if not properly coordinated. Lastly, option D is accurate as there is ultimately one source of revenue, the customer, who drives the demand that the entire supply chain responds to.
The ideal scenario is where all parties involved in the supply chain work cohesively towards common goals rather than solely focusing on individual profitability. This is where the concept of shared value and integrated supply chain strategies come into play. They all must consider market position, cost of production, and revenue outcomes when making operational decisions.