Which of the following is NOT one of the five steps of a supply chain?

The correct answer identifies "logistics" as not being one of the five steps of a supply chain. Understanding the supply chain typically involves several key components: planning, sourcing, manufacturing, delivery, and return. Each of these steps plays a crucial role in managing and optimizing supply chain operations.

While logistics is indeed a critical element of supply chain management, it is primarily considered a function rather than a standalone step in the supply chain process. Logistics involves the detailed planning and execution of the movement of goods, which is an integral part of the delivery phase. Thus, it's more related to how products are moved and stored rather than being one of the fundamental steps that define the overall supply chain.

On the other hand, the other components listed, including people, technology, and resources, all play significant roles across different steps of a supply chain. People are essential for managing relationships and operations, technology enhances efficiency and communication, and resources encompass the materials needed throughout the supply chain. Understanding this distinction clarifies why logistics, while important, does not count as one of the main steps in a traditional supply chain framework.