Inventory, demand & supply planning · Core
Bullwhip effect
Also called: demand amplification
ELI5
Amplification of demand variability as signals move upstream through a supply chain.
Used in conversation
“Compare bullwhip effect with the same cohort and period before drawing a conclusion.”
Pitch context
You will see “Bullwhip effect” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches inventory, demand & supply planning.
Why it matters: In inventory, demand & supply planning, different calculation boundaries, periods or accounting treatments can change the number and the decision.
Caution
Calculation, recognition and disclosure can vary by accounting framework, company policy and reporting context.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16