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Re-shoring involves bringing some sourcing back to the United States, while near-shoring involves
evaluating suppliers located closer to United States. Such suppliers may be located in Mexico and Central
and South America.
The supply base consists of all the suppliers that provide and organization with its materials and services. In
some organization’s this supply base extends to the network of downstream firms responsible for delivery
and aftermarket service of the product to the end customer. The realization that competitive advantage
could be achieved by managing both upstream (suppliers) and downstream (customers) flows led to a focus
on supply chains and supply chain management.
1. First, the low cost and increased availability of information resources among entities in the supply
chain allow easy linkages that eliminate time delays in the network.
2. Second, the level of competition in both domestic and international markets requires organizations
to be fast, agile, and flexible.
3. Third, customer expectations and requirements are becoming much more demanding.
4. Fourth, the ability of an organization’s supply chain to identify and mitigate risk minimizes
disruptions in both supply and downstream product or services to mitigate the impact on lost sales.
The supply base is an important part of the supply chain. Supplier capabilities can help differentiate a
producer’s final good or service, increasing their value to the final customer.
Savings come in different forms; the traditional approach is to bargain hard for price reductions. A newer
approach is to build relations with suppliers to jointly pull costs out of the product or service and expect
suppliers to contribute innovative ideas that continually add value to a firm’s products and services.
Poor quality is only one supply threat; others include natural disasters, financial instability, operational
problems, transportation delays, and so on. These risks are magnified by sourcing strategies that
emphasized global sourcing, single sourcing, and JIT inventory. Certainly there were benefits realized from
these strategies, however, often the increased vigilance necessary to mitigate and manage these additional
risks was not established.
Managing talent requires a constant focus on finding, developing, and promoting individuals who will
contribute to making the supply management department recognized as a strategic contributor to the
organization.
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PURCHASING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT
Purchasing is a functional group (i.e., a formal entity on the organizational chart) as well as a functional
activity (i.e., buying goods and services). The purchasing group performs many activities to ensure it
delivers maximum value to the organization. Examples include supplier identification and selection; buying,
negotiation, and contracting; supply market research; supplier measurement and improvement; and
purchasing systems development. Purchasing has been referred to as doing “the five rights”: getting the
right quality, in the right quantity, at the right time, for the right price, from the right source. In this text
we will interchange the terms “purchasing” and “procurement.”
Supply management is a strategic approach to planning for and acquiring the organization’s current and
future needs through effectively managing the supply base, utilizing a process orientation in conjunction
with cross-functional teams (CFTs) to achieve the organizational mission. Similar to our definition, the
Institute for Supply Management defines supply management as the identification, acquisition, access,
positioning, and management of resources and related capabilities an organization needs or potentially
needs in the attainment of its strategic objectives.
Supply management requires pursuing strategic responsibilities, which are those activities that have a
major impact on the long-term performance of the organization. These long-term responsibilities are not
pursued in isolation, but should be aligned with the overall mission and strategies of the organization.
These strategies exclude routine, simple, or day-to-day decisions that may be part of traditional purchasing
responsibilities. The routine ordering and follow-up of basic operational supplies is not a strategic
responsibility. The development of the systems that enable internal users to order routine supplies,
however, is considerably more important.
Supply management is a broader concept than purchasing. Supply management is a progressive approach
to managing the supply base that differs from a traditional arm’s-length or adversarial approach with
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sellers. It requires purchasing professionals to work directly with those suppliers that are capable of
providing world-class performance and advantages to the buyer.
Think of supply management as a strategic and supercharged version of basic purchasing. Supply
management often takes a process approach to obtaining required goods and services. We can describe
supply management as the process of identifying, evaluating, selecting, managing, and developing suppliers
to realize supply chain performance that is better than that of competitors. We will interchange the terms
“purchasing,” “supply management,” and “strategic sourcing” throughout this book.
Organizationally, leading and coordinating strategic supply management activities have largely become the
responsibility of the functional group called purchasing. Practicing professionals often use the terms
“supply management” and “purchasing” interchangeably. Through the above discussion we have sought to
clarify some of the differences while recognizing that good purchasing and supply management practices
can have significant impact on the organization’s overall performance.
These researchers break down the concept into three areas and separate supply chains from supply chain
orientation and from supply chain management
A supply chain is a set of three or more organizations linked directly by one or more of the upstream or
downstream flows of products, services, finances, and information from a source to a customer. It is
important to acknowledge that anytime business is conducted a supply chain will exist.
A supply chain orientation is a higher-level recognition of the strategic value of managing operational
activities and flows within and across a supply chain.
Supply chain management then, endorses a supply chain orientation and involves proactively managing the
two-way movement and coordination of goods, services, information, and funds (i.e., the various flows)
from raw material through end user. According to this definition, supply chain management requires the
coordination of activities and flows that extend across boundaries. Organizations that endorse a supply
chain orientation are likely to emphasize supply chain management.
Regardless of the definition or supply chain perspective used, we should recognize that supply chains are
composed of interrelated activities that are internal and external to a firm. These activities are diverse in
their scope; the participants who support them are often located across geographic boundaries and often
come from diverse cultures.
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Although many activities are part of supply chain management (which a later section discusses), an
improved perspective visualizes supply chains as composed of processes rather than discrete, often poorly
aligned activities and tasks. A process consists of a set of interrelated tasks or activities designed to achieve
a specific objective or outcome. New product development (NPD), customer-order fulfilment, supplier
evaluation and selection, and demand and supply planning are examples of critical organizational processes
that are part of supply chain management. Recent product recalls of consumer products such as
automobiles, toys, peanut butter, and dog food have placed increasing emphasis on a new supply chain
concept: the reverse supply chain; its goal is to rapidly identify and return these tainted products back
through the supply chain. Toyota’s much publicized quality breakdowns that created acceleration and
braking problems led to massive recalls and forced Toyota to temporarily suspend the sales of certain
models.
In this case the creation of a reverse supply chain was necessary to fix defective brakes and gas pedals was
necessary to fix these problems and restore confidence in the Toyota brand value chain is composed of
primary and support activities that can lead to competitive advantage when configured properly. The
accumulation of these activities results in the total value added by the firm.
One way to think about the difference between a value chain and a supply chain is to conceptualize the
supply chain as a subset of the value chain. All personnel within an organization are part of a value chain.
The same is not true about supply chains. The primary activities, or the horizontal flow across Exhibit 1.2,
represent the operational part of the value chain, or what some refer to as the supply chain. At an
organizational level, the value chain is broader than the supply chain, because it includes all activities in the
form of primary and support activities. Furthermore, the original value chain concept focused primarily on
internal participants, whereas a supply chain, by definition, is both internally and externally focused.
A good example of a simple supply chain involves cereal producers (see Exhibit 1.3). A cereal company
purchases the grain from a farmer and processes it into cereal.
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Within the downstream portion of the supply chain, logistics managers are responsible for the actual
movement of materials between locations. One major part of logistics is transportation management,
involving the selection and management of external carriers (trucking companies, airlines, railroads,
shipping companies) or the management of internal private fleets of carriers.
Distribution management involves the management of packaging, storing, and handling of materials at
receiving docks, warehouses, and retail outlets.
A large set of activities besides purchasing are part of supply chains. As previously discussed,
management’s ability to align, coordinate, integrate, and synchronize these activities and the physical,
information, and monetary flows is supply chain management.
What are the activities that are part of this concept called supply chain management? The management
activities that are covered by the supply chain umbrellas are illustrated in Exhibit 1.5 and briefly described
in the following paragraphs.
5
Purchasing
Most organizations include purchasing as a major supply chain activity. Because purchasing is the central
focus of this book, there is no need to provide more detail here.
Inbound Transportation
Larger organizations usually have a specialized traffic and transportation function to manage the physical
and informational links between the supplier and the buyer. Transportation is a major cost for many
organizations; as a result there are usually opportunities to coordinate the purchase of transportation
services.
Quality Control
As previous examples have shown, quality control is vital to all organizations. Today’s focus on supplier
quality has shifted from detecting defects at the time of receipt or use to prevention early in the materials-
sourcing process. Progressive organizations work directly with suppliers to develop proper quality control
procedures and processes.
Demand planning schedules the firm’s output. This includes forecasts of anticipated demand, inventory
adjustments, orders taken but not filled, and spare-part and aftermarket requirements. Supply planning is
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the process of taking demand data and developing a supply, production, and logistics network capable of
satisfying demand requirements.
All inbound material must be physically received as it moves from a supplier to a purchaser. In a non-just-
in-time environment, material must also be stored or staged. Receiving, materials handling, and storage are
responsible for the physical control over inventory. Receipts from users indicating that services have been
performed are also run through receiving to trigger invoice payment.
The terms “materials control” and “inventory control” are sometimes used interchangeably. Within some
organizations, however, these terms have different meanings. The materials control group is often
responsible for determining the appropriate quantity to order based on projected demand and then
managing materials releases to suppliers. This includes generating the materials release, contacting a
supplier directly concerning changes, and monitoring the status of inbound shipments. The inventory
control group is often responsible for determining the inventory level of finished goods required to support
customer requirements, which emphasizes the physical distribution (i.e., outbound or downstream) side of
the supply chain.
Order Processing
Order processing helps ensure that customers receive material when and where they require it and
represents the key link between the producer and the external customer.
Problems with order processing have involved accepting orders before determining if adequate production
capacity is available, not coordinating order processing with order scheduling, and using internal
production dates rather than the customer’s preferred date to schedule the order.
Shipping/Warehousing/Distribution
The shipping activity involves physically getting a product ready for transportation to the customer.
Shipping activities include: (1) proper packaging to prevent damage, (2) attaching any special labeling
requirements, (3) completing all required shipping documents, and (4) arranging transportation with an
approved carrier. For obvious reasons, shipping and outbound transportation must work together closely.
Before a product is shipped to the customer, it may be stored for a period in a warehouse or distribution
center. This is particularly true for companies that produce according to a forecast in anticipation of future
sales. Increasingly, as companies attempt to make a product only after receiving a customer order and
information systems become more sophisticated, this part of the supply chain may become less important.
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Outbound Transportation
Many organizations have outsourced the transportation link to their customers. Fullservice transportation
providers called third party logistics providers (3PLs) are designing and managing entire distribution
networks for their clients. Firms operating in this space include familiar names such as UPS, DHL, CH
Robinson, and Ryder.
Customer Service
Customer service includes a wide set of activities that attempt to keep a customer satisfied with a product
or service. The three primary elements of customer service are pretransaction, transaction, and post-
transaction activities.
The key to the success of any company is the quality of its employees. This is certainly true for purchasing.
Exhibit 1.6 identifies, from previous research, the various kinds of knowledge and skills demanded of
today’s supply chain professional. Previous research indicated that the top five knowledge areas for
purchasers should include:
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Proper Organizational Design
Organizational design refers to the process of assessing and selecting the structure and formal system of
communication, division of labor, coordination, control, authority, and responsibility required to achieve
organizational goals and objectives, including supply chain objectives.
The development of information technology (IT) software and platforms that support an end-to-end supply
chain have grown rapidly in the twenty-first century. There are cloud-based storage systems, a new wave of
mobile devices that permit skyping for visual meetings, and shared software platforms that permit visibility
between all size supply chain partners. Further identification technologies such as radio frequency
identification (RFID) and voice recognition systems are getting better and better.
The adoption rates are highest in the areas of collaborative (1) sourcing and procurement, (2)demand
planning, (3) global trade management (GTM), and (4) transportation management systems (TMS) These
categories follow the two general software categories of planning and execution. Planning software seeks
to improve forecast accuracy, optimize production scheduling, reduce working capital costs, shorten cycle
times, cut transportation costs, and improve customer service. Execution software helps obtain materials
and manage physical flows from suppliers through downstream distribution to ensure that customers
receive the right products at the right location, time, and cost. It can be summed up as “lean logistics,”
“lean operations,” and “lean supply.”
The right measures and measurement systems represent the fourth pillar supporting purchasing and supply
chain excellence. Unfortunately, there are many roadblocks between measurement and improved
performance. Some of these include (1) too many metrics, (2) debate over the correct metrics, (3)
constantly changing metrics, and (4) old data. Overcoming these roadblocks requires that the organization
know what it wants to measure, has a process in place to measure it, and has accessibility to the right data.
The next step involves taking action on the measurement data.18 Finally, as with any planning system, the
targets are revised to reflect the realities of the marketplace, competition, and changing goals of the
organization.
Chapter 2
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The Purchasing Process
identify user requirements, evaluate the user needs effectively and efficiently, identify
suppliers
who can meet that need, develop agreements with those suppliers, develop
the ordering
mechanism, ensure payment occurs promptly, ascertain that the need was effectively met,
are challenged to
ensure that internal users are satisfied with both the process and the outcome.
Purchasing Objectives
Objective 1: Supply Assurance - Purchasing must perform a number of activities to satisfy the operational
requirements
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of internal customers, which is the traditional role of the purchasing function.
managing
key business processes shifts to suppliers, purchasing must support this strategy
by providing an uninterrupted flow of high-quality goods and services that internal customers
5. Arrange for delivery/service performance at the right time to the right internal customer.
Supply managers must be responsive to the materials and support needs of their internal
users (sometimes also called internal customers). Failing to respond to the needs of internal
customers will diminish the confidence these users have in purchasing, and they may
Purchasing must manage its internal operations efficiently and effectively, by performing
the following:
• Introducing improved buying channels within the procure-to-pay systems that lead
to improved spending visibility, efficient invoicing and payment, and user satisfaction
One of the most important objectives of the purchasing function is the selection,
development,
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and maintenance of suppliers, a process that is sometimes described as
supplier
in supply markets to ensure that purchasing (1) selects suppliers that are competitive,
(2) identifies new suppliers that have the potential for excellent performance and develops
closer relationships with these suppliers, (3) improves existing suppliers, and (4) develops
new suppliers that are not competitive with current suppliers. In so doing, purchasing can
select and manage a supply base capable of providing performance advantages in product
QUIZLET.COM
Purchasing Management:
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The systematic process used to obtain goods and services in order to satisfy the needs of an enterprise.
Strategic Purchasing:
The process of planning, implementing, evaluating and controlling strategic and operating decisions.
Supply Management:
The identification, acquisition, access, positioning and management of resources needed to obtain strategic
objectives.
Supply-Chain Management:
Integrates supply and demand management within a company in procuring, producing and delivering a
final product to customers. (SMC) - Focused on Customer needs.
Logistics Management:
The planning, implementing and controlling the storage of goods. Raw materials, in-process inventory,
finished goods moving from the point of origin to the point of consumption. (part of SMC) -Includes
transportation.
The basic objective is therefore to operate efficiently and effectively in order to obtain the highest possible
output with the lowest possible input, leading to maximum profitability.
1. Globalization.
2. Internationally oriented Business Strategies
3. Increasingly stringent quality specifications and control.
4. Products are environmentally friendly and often recycled.
5. Constant and continuous rise in inventory costs.
6. Shortened Product Lifespan.
7. Increased Supply Risks.
1. Profit-Leverage Effect - The small percentage saved in the purchase price may develop into a larger
percentage increase in the organisation's profit.
2. Total Cost Balance - The balancing of the income from turnovers (sales) with the cost of inputs that
are required to generate turnover.
3. Return On Investment. - 1. More efficient purchasing lowers overall purchasing costs thus
increasing the gross income the total income of the enterprise.
4. 2. More efficient purchasing decreases the amount of employed assets.
5. (ROI)
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1. Operations Function - Efficient supply results in a quick and efficient production process. Any delays
are detrimental.
2. Marketing Function - Efficient purchasing and identification allows for exploiting marketing
opportunities.
3. Human Resource Function - Efficient purchasing results in the optimization in expenditure on
personnel not part of the permanent staff.
4. Financial Function - The purchasing function contributes to the decision making process and affects
financial planning.
5. Public Relations - How purchases are conducted could project either a specific favourable or
disadvantageous image.
Purchasing Cycle:
Purchasing Portfolio:
All products, materials and services can be classified and by using the variances, the supply department can
develop different strategies to best manage all purchasing transactions.
1. Supply Risk - The risk that may be encountered in the availability of products and services.
(Influencing factors)
- Limited Supply
- Natural Disaster
- Scarcity
2. Profit Impact - The contribution to the profit of the firm that can be attributed to a specific
product.
(What affects the costs)
- Product Quality
- Possibly a Substantial Component needed
- Part could be essential to production.
3. Product Classification Matrix.
1. Strategic Items - These types of products are purchased from one supplier.
↑ High Profit Impact. ↑ High Supply Risk.
2. Leverage Items - These types of products can easily be purchased from different.
↑ High Profit Impact. ↓ Low Supply Risk.
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3. Bottleneck Items - Over-ordering when an item is available due to unreliable supply.
↓ Low Profit Impact. ↑ High Supply Risk.
4. Non-Critical Items. - Standardized products, monitoring and optimizing inventory levels.
↓ Low Profit Impact ↓ Low Supply Risk
Purchasing Planning:
Determining what the supply objectives are and then deciding on how to achieve them.
Levels-of-Planning:
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1. Putting together a competent project team.
2. Contract reliable suppliers.
3. Alternative inventory control systems.
All the departments of a company make purchases through a common purchasing department.
Centralized Advantages:
Centralized Disadvantages:
Purchasing materials by all departments and branches independently to fulfill their needs.
Decentralized Advantages:
Decentralized Disadvantages:
1. Possible Duplication.
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2. Less control over function.
3. Possible supplier confusion.
4. Less focus on the big picture.
Internal Organisation:
Cross-Functional Teams:
A group of people with different functional expertise working toward a common goal
An attempt to harmonize the tasks and activities of this function to ensure full cooperation.
Control:
A systematic attempt to ensure that objectives of the enterprise are achieved by measuring actual
performance and comparing it with set standards.
Performance Evaluation:
Purchasing Process:
Strategic Sourcing:
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Strategic management process where commodities and suppliers are analysed and managed with
appropriate strategies to support the organisation's long term goals.
1. Bottleneck
2. Critical
3. Routine
4. Leverage
Outsourcing:
The process of purchasing goods, previously produced in-house, from an external supplier.
Outsourcing Advantages:
1. Cost Saving.
2. Better Competitive Position.
3. Increased Responsiveness.
Outsourcing Disadvantages
Co-Sourcing:
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Partial outsourcing of activities or functions.
Subcontracting:
Rationalism:
Supply base optimization is the process of identifying how many and which suppliers will be maintained.
Reciprocity:
A practice where suppliers are also customers of the enterprise enjoy preferential treatment.
Captive Suppliers:
Suppliers who are too dependent upon one client for their continued survival.
1. Competitors.
2. Suppliers.
3. Customers.
4. Intermediaries.
1. Cost.
2. Quality.
3. Delivery.
4. Environmental Issues.
5. Time.
6. Flexibility.
7. Geographical Location.
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1. Exploratory Stage.
1. Identification of Potential Suppliers.
2. Prescreening to reject unsuitable suppliers.
2. Selection Stage.
3. Conduct Research on Potentially Suitable Suppliers.
4. Choose the evaluation method and analyse the suppliers.
5. Select the supplier(s)
3. Supplier Management Stage.
6. Ongoing Measuring of Supplier Performance.
7. Supplier Accreditation.
1. Transactional.
2. Collaborative.
3. Alliance.
Strategically managing, all interactions with third party organizations that supply goods and services to an
organization in order to maximize the value of those interactions.
A corporation's initiatives to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on environmental and
social well being.
1. Community Support.
2. Diversity of Products and Services.
3. Environmental Awareness.
4. Ethics.
5. Financial Responsibility.
6. Human Rights.
7. Safety.
Business Ethics:
Fraud:
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Integration of environmental policies into that of purchasing policies.
Quality Planning:
Management planning setting quality objectives and specifying necessary operational processes.
Quality Assurance:
Quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements 'WILL' be met.
Quality Control:
Quality Improvement:
Cost of Quality:
1. Prevention Costs.
2. Appraisal Costs.
3. Failure Costs. (internal and external)
A system of management based on the principle that every member of staff must be committed to
maintaining high standards of work in every aspect of a company's operations.
1. Commitment.
2. Coordination.
3. Personnel Management.
4. Supplier Management.
5. Quality Information.
6. Performance Evaluation.
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4. Improve
5. Control, introduce standardized procedures.
Standardization:
Standardization Advantages:
Value
The difference between the benefits the customer perceives minus the total cost to acquire those benefits.
(purchase price)
Cost Elements:
1. Direct Costs of Materials - Materials that are converted or consumed during the production
process.
2. Direct Labour Costs - All labour traceable to the final product determined by: 1. Labour Hours. 2.
Wage Rate.
3. Indirect Costs - All other costs of the product or service not directly linked to materials or labour.
4. Profit Mark Up - Profit Mark Up added to manufacturing costs to determine selling price.
Price Analysis:
1. Collecting Information.
2. Understand supplier price models.
3. Set objectives for price determination.
4. formulate price policy and strategy.
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The Learning Curve:
The number of units produced related to the number of labour hours required to produce.
Production Inventories:
Raw materials and components which the enterprise recquires for reprocessing.
Maintenance Inventories:
Materials that support the production process but are not necessarily incorporated into the final product.
Processing Inventories:
A system the controls the scheduling and ordering of materials in order to replenish inventories.
MRP II - Try to minimize inventory investment through careful planning of the demand product.
Pull System dependent upon consumers. Determines customer demand at retail level.
Just-In-Time System
An inventory strategy companies employ to increase efficiency and decrease waste by receiving goods only
as they are needed in the production process, thereby reducing inventory cost.
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Charles Dominik 2008: purchasing management has been elevated to a more significant
consideration of top level business executives. The top 10 include:
Purchasing for business enterprises is inherent to practically all forms of business and has been a
feature of all businesses for centuries.
Butter & Linse: over the past 25 years the vaule of industrial and commercial purchasing changed
from one of simply buying goods and services to overseeing seeing an integrated set of
management functions.
Gundlach 2006: the emphasizing coordination, the focus in purchasing moved away from
transaction management to relationship management – relationships internal and the enterprise as
well as externally with the many stakeholders that are involved in the narrow goods.
The purchasing function is managed with an integrated management approach known as supply
chain management. All supply and buying organizations involved in the process of putting a
product on the market, for raw materials to final product are perceived as a unified entity.
In this journey of recognition there are myriad of purchasing and supply terms, and different
concepts that have been used incorrectly or interchangeably.
The traditional purchasing function developed into a broader concept known as supply
management. Supply management in turn was absorbed into a management philosophy known
as supply chain management.
Above definition clearly emphasizes the classical approach to the purchasing function.
Purchasing function: the objective is ensuring the continuous flow products and services at the most
advantageous conditions for the firm, including the lowest total cost of ownership.
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Strategic purchasing: the process of planning, implementing, evaluating and controlling strategic
and operating decisions for directing or activities of the purchasing function toward opportunities
consistent with the firm’s capabilities to achieve its long-term goals
Strategic purchasing changes the focus of purchasing from a purely functional perspective to one
that takes the long-term goals of the firm as a whole into consideration in decisions thereby, in a
very real sense, contributing to the future direction that the firm will take.
Supply management
The identification, acquisition, access, positioning and management of resources and related
capabilities an organization needs or potentially needs in the attainment of its strategic objectives.
Purchasing is the foundation of supply management. Supply management is still a function of the
enterprise since it includes the typical activities of purchasing, but at the same time it has an
broader more long-term focus.
That also includes coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers,
intermediaries, third party service providers and customers. Supply chain management integrates
supply and demand management within and across companies.
SCM is not a particular function of an enterprise such a supply management and marketing. It is
cross function because it involves many functions.
Logistics management
The part of SCM that plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse
flow in storage of goods services and related information between the point of origin and point of
consumption in order to meet customers’ requirements.
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Logistics is therefore strongly focused on the physical flow material goods and services, with a
strong emphasis integrating all these activities so that the total cost in the logistics system is
minimized.
If the purchasing and supply function is performed efficiently and effectively, it Serves the
fundamental objective of the firm – To ensure the highest possible return on the capital invested by
the firm.
The objectives of purchasing and supply management also evolved as the global business
environment changed and firms had to adjust to more competitive circumstances.
The following objectives are the core of most purchasing and supply functions:
Supply the organization with the flow of materials and services that meet its current and
Future needs
Manage the supply base so that adequate suppliers are available for the current and future
requirements
Foster inter functional relationships by contributing to multi functional teams and providing
outstanding customer service
Maintain an optimum balance of inventory to ensure the desired level of customer service
while minimizing costs associated with service levels
Maintain and develop the quality of purchased products and services.
Contributing to the development of overall business strategies by providing strategic supply
inputs
Ensuring that a timely, cost effective and comprehensive information system is in place that
will form the basis of all internal decisions
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The importance of the purchasing function was successful business operations
The importance of the purchasing function and effective purchasing and supply management of
successful business operations must necessarily be related to profits in return on investment (ROI).
It is necessary to focus on important influence that more efficient purchasing can have on the
following three key the business areas:
o Improved customer lead time – reduce lead time to the customer by improving
supplier relations. Maintain high inventory levels or reduce cycle times from design
stage to finished product.
o Flexibility – increase sales if the firm can adapt quickly to changes in customer
demand.
o Innovation
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Lower inventory may lengthen the lead time to customers thereby exerting a
negative influence on improved sales
o Entering into long term contracts or even partnerships with suppliers can substantially
reduce the price of products and services. May make the firm less flexible.
o Quality costs can be substantially reduced by working with suppliers on joint total
quality management programmes and zero defect programmes.
o Supply management is a major source of innovations for the firm – requires the best
IT available.
Profit margin
Asset turnover – how efficiently the assets have been employed.
Return on investment = profit margin x turnover of assets = total income of the enterprise x turnover
Turnover of total assets employed
More efficient purchases can lower purchasing cost as part of the cost of sales – gives a
higher profit margin
Asset turnover - more efficient purchases can decrease the extent of the assets employed.
The smaller the inventory, the fewer the total assets employed and the higher the turnover.
Too few firms regard the purchasing function as an opportunity to increase profits.
The operations/production function depends heavily on the timeous and correct supply of
materials to avoid production stoppages and products of poor quality.
The operations function also need to production means such as machinery and equipment and
the supporting spares and maintenance. Efficient and effective supply management will ensure a
more efficient production process, maximum utilization of production capacity and lower
manufacturing costs.
The human resource function also depends on the efficient purchases ie Equipment or other
tangible fringe benefits .
The administrative and finance functions require items such as office furniture, computers and
stationary
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The activities of the purchasing department affect financial planning to large extent.
Changes in the operating environment all contribute to the fact that the impact of supply
managements on the internal operations of the firm is in increasing. These include:
E commerce
Changes in the market – globalization of markets and changing customer preferences
The shortened life cycle of products.
Changes in management philosophy.
These include:
It is important the user functions identify the need in good time to avoid urgent orders.
The description of the requirements of user functions for materials, components and services is
communicated to the purchasing function by one of the following documents:
Purchasing requisitions
Materials lists – related to a particular production run or product group
Kanbans – information cards forming part of the JIT system
For non standard items or large quantities and high expenditure orderss, supply management and
should take the responsibility because of its experience and knowledge of the market and trends.
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Step 3: bidding and negotiation
The process of asking for formal tenders is often not fully described in the purchasing policy and
procedures Manual.
Senior management is frequently involved in the final approval of the tender procedure.
The bidding process does not necessarily identify the actual supplier to whom the contract will be
awarded – sometimes frowned upon.
It should provide comprehensive information on quantities, prices, delivery dates, point of delivery,
quality and discounts.
The order should also indicate whether any specification list or other appropriate documents are
attached, forming part of the agreement between buyer and seller.
Once the contract is concluded, it is a crucial task to administer it efficiently to ensure the supplier
performs according to the contract.
Purchasing, technical, financial and legal experts can be part of the contract administration team.
Information technology has in many cases done away with the tedious method of committing
orders to paper and sending hard copy documents to suppliers.
With EDI buyers can immediately determine the progress of the order so that expediting in the
traditional sense is no longer required.
Follow up comes into operation when orders are not received on the delivery date.
The purpose is to ascertain the cause of the delay and to inform suppliers they have failed to
deliver. A second and third follow up is often necessary.
Expediting consists of the constant monitoring of the suppliers progress with the order – ensures the
supplier does not fall behind schedule
A receiving note, detailing order number, quantities and physical appearance of goods should be
completed.
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Are faulty consignment may be the result of poor or incorrect communication.
When paying for the order all relevant documents are submitted to the financial function under
cover of a request for payment.
The classification of processing transactions into three main categories shows the advent of
eprocurement changes the cyclical nature of the steps.
New task situation – new product or service is purchased for the first time from unknown
suppliers
Straight rebuy – first four states of the cycle are bypassed
Modified rebuy – purchasing a new product from a known supplier or a known product
from a new supplier.
Kraljic: 1983 – portfolio of possible purchasing transactions. Based on two main characteristics of
supply situations:
Supply risk – the risk that the firm encounter in the availability of products and services
(scarcity)
Profit impact – contribution to profit of the firm that can be attributed to specific product.
Strategic items have a high impact on profits and the higher supply risk. There are few suppliers for
this kind of product or service and the expenditure of the firm on these items is high.
Leverage items also have a higher profit impact but the risk of availability is low. The firm may have
high expenditure on these items and there are a large number of suppliers in the market – supply
function is in a strong position to use its purchasing power to obtain the best deal.
Not uncritical items are characterized by low supply risk and low profit impact – standard items and
firms expenditure is low.
Bottle neck items – hi supply risk and low profit impact. Only few suppliers and supply function has
very little leverage due to low expenditure.
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Supply management and related developments - SCM
The term supply chain management is not yet universally accepted as descriptive of the exciting
new approach aimed at enhancing Customer service and providing a firm with the competitive
advantage Through the efficient management of the flow of materials and services.
The above depicts the integration of all activities involved in the flow of materials and services, and
shows that the supply chain as a whole is focused on creating value for the customer.
It should be noted that the figure emphasizes process management as opposed to functional
management. The fully integrated supply chain, processes are managed across the functional and
organizational boundaries.
Important to understand that the supply chain philosophy focuses on the processes that are
required to create value in the supply chain and not on the typical business functions.
Customer driven supply chain – customer defined product or service and this information is
fed through the information system back to the supply chain. Focus of the supply chain
processes is the end of the supply chain
Efficient logistics – ensure the least cost in the supply chain welcome performing to or
exceeding customer requirements.
Demand driven sales planning – linked to the customer driven demand, the volume and
mix of demand are the trigger mechanisms for all other processes. The sales planning of
the ultimate supplier to the end customer would before by demand driven.
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Information processing
Sourcing – a key process. Represents the upstream extension of the supply chain and may
include second and third tier suppliers of the primary firm.
Integration of processes
The endeavor to optimize value, delivery processes are managed as processes across functional
boundaries.
SCM is a management philosophy – sharing risks, benefits and rewards for long term
cooperation
Supply chains consist of multiple layers of companies striving to optimize the supply chain
process
Organisations may be involved in multiple supply chains of many other organisations
All links and interfaces in the supply chain are not of equal importance
Information sharing in SCM occurs across the breadth of the supply chain.
Comparable corporate philosophies are essential in achieving the necessary levels of
planning and coordination
SCM is based on a shared vision of what customer value is
Logistics management
Part and parcel of SCM. Refers to the inbound and outbound flow in storage of goods , services
and information within and between organisations.
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That in order for quench it
Purchasing and supply planning his style of offence general planning, mainly because the
continuous flow of raw materials, materials, components and services is of strategic importance to
the enterprise.
The organizational structure of the purchasing and supply function should be aimed mainly at
linking into the firm’s overall structure in the most effective way.
The firms P&S function should be compatible with the firm’s organizational structure.
P&S coordination should be ended harmonizing and the lining the activities of the P & S function
with those of other business functions.
Control is that in element of management which ensures the activities are executed according to
plan.
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Planning for purchasing and supply management
The following general factors headed to what is called the ‘resource crisis’ which has made P & S
planning increasingly more crucial over the past two decades:
Energy crisis
Scramble for commodities
Shortages or semi finished products
Inflation
Fluctuating exchange rates
Government control in producer countries
Overall objectives are part of a strategic or long-term objectives. Tactical and operational
objectives and should support strategic objectives.
Lower levels of objectives will transform the strategic or long term objectives into more specific
feasible ones.
One of the aims of strategic purchasing and supply planning is to plan purchasing and supply pro-
actively and move away from reactive purchasing.
The following factors will determine whether the purchasing and supply function can play a
proactive or reactive role in the strategic planning process:
Extent to which the enterprise depends on purchased products, raw materials and services
Importance that top management attaches to the P & S function.
Extent of the evolutionary development of the purchasing and supply function within the
enterprise
Ability of the P & S manager to fit a shift in emphasis from tactical to strategic purchasing
Importance of supplier relations and long term contracts
Willingness of top management to invest in integrated systems.
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Cost reduction strategies
Supply chain support strategies
Environmental change Strategies
Competitive edge strategies
Risk management strategies
P & S management has a dual role to develop existing and supply strategies as part of the broad
strategy of the enterprise at top management level and to implement in the middle management
level.
Entails planning the resources required for achieving the objectives and planning the effective
application of resources.
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Needs
Purchasing and supply of programme planning – include planning of the Supply System, a
time schedule of deliveries, planning of transport, preparing materials budget for the
quantities required, and negotiating contracts with suppliers
Planning the purchasing and Supply System – determining procedures for purchasing
activities, planning inventory investment the inventory control system. Important dates
include EDI and MRP II
These objectives represent the implementation of P & S policy and strategy by planning for specific
purchasing and supply activities over the short term.
Objectives and operational level was used for each of the above mentioned categories at middle
management level.
Materials requirement planning - Entails planning marketing investigation and analyzing and
interpreting master production schedules
Supply planning - entails planning negotiation, calculating the most economical order
quantities and using supplier sources.
Planning of purchasing and Supply System – means that specific supply activities are
allocated to subgroups in the purchasing and supply function. A purchasing and supply
menu is compiled, setting out the procedures for P & S activities.
The creation of an effective organizational structure of the P & S function is in threefold process:
The decision is made about the position of the P & S function in the org structure of the
enterprise.
The internal organizational structure of the P & S function is formulated.
Management decides on the extent to which all activities relating to the supply of
materials should be integrated with other functions in the organization.
Position of the purchasing and supply function in the enterprises organizational structure
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The position or level of the purchasing and supply function has significant implications for the
execution of the P & S function.
It has an influence on the extent to which the P & S function contributes to the overall
management of the enterprise.
See table 2.2 in the textbook – advantages and disadvantages of centralized and decentralized P
&S
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Combined purchasing and supply organisational structure.
The combined or hybrid approach represents a combination of the centralize and decentralized
structure.
In this approach common requirement of different plants, ie equipment and categories of raw
materials, are purchased centrally by the head office.
Important purchasing decisions are also made BAB areas teams consisting of representatives from
the purchasing function, quality control, engineering, new product development, marketing, and
sometimes even suppliers.
The P & S functions direct contact with the external environment also contributes to the
complexities of the P & S coordination.
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Lateral purchasing and supply coordination has mutual advantages for both the purchasing
function and other functions in the organization.
Lateral coordination is important because the purchasing and supply function acts in an advisory
capacity on aspects relating to the supplier market and in a verifying capacity with quality control
The nature of the relationship between purchasing and supply function and functions of the
enterprise contains the potential for conflict.
Open communication
Strategic alliances
Integrated systems
Conscious motivation of suppliers
Standardisation of specifications
Purchasing documents and purchasing procedures
An assessments should be made of the degree of success which supply activities are carried out,
after which manage uses this information to improve performance.
Within the context of the set objectives, the underlying principles of P & S performance help to
paint a clearer picture of the essence of the performance evaluation of the purchasing and supply
function. Principles comprise the following:
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Performance evaluation of the purchasing and supply function entails costs –and benefits
derived must be weighed up against these costs
Performance evaluation must make provision for both quantitative and qualitative
measures
Evaluating the performance of the P & S function requires a sound database containing
information that covers a wide spectrum of purchasing and supply activities.
P & S evaluation must be updated continually.
Performance in the P & S function must be evaluated using several measures.
Difficulties relating to the performance evaluation of the purchasing and supply function
Some of the more obvious difficulties of purchasing performance evaluation of the following:
Measuring against objectives or standards is the essence of the any control procedure.
Top management’s view of the objectives and scope of the P & S function must be obtained.
Establishing performance measures and the contaminant metrics involves the designing of
yardstick of practical evaluation of purchasing and supply performance.
By performance measure represents a group of related purchasing activities that jointly provide a
picture of a specific aspect of purchasing and supply performance.
Human relations
Professionalism
Negotiating ability
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Commodity knowledge
Ability to cultivate qualified suppliers
Team-building
Level two: Supply proficiency – relates to performance levels of the function and also to the
achievement of P & S objectives. Means that performance evaluation of the supply
proficiency level determining the extent to which the purchasing and supply function has
achieved the overall objectives.
The most important measures that can be used for performance evaluation at this level are:
o Pricing proficiency – extent to which the P & S function has allowed purchasing to
take place at competitive prices. Matrix there can be vague and put this measure
on the following:
o Supplier performance – the selection and development of the Supply System are
taken to be the primary tasks of the purchasing and supply function. Examples of
performance indicators that could give an indication of supplier performance
include:
Rejection ratio
Supplier turnover
Promptness factor
Outstanding orders
inventory holding
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material handling
Quality certification
Quality delivered
o Cost savings – Attempts to depict how efficiently the P & S function utilizes Financial
Resources.
Examples include:
Inflation index
Input ratio
Expenditure ratio
Permitted lay down for administrative performance also chiefly reflects the
relationship between the cost and some or other element of purchasing function
outputs:
All three performance measures at this level are particularly sensitive to these influences and can
give rise to a distorted image of actual purchasing performance if both images and the
performance indicators are not carefully selected.
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For those aspects of purchasing performance for which quantitative objectives can be readily set
the MS them into the actual performance consists of comparing actual performance with the set
quantitative objectives.
There is a difference in the measurements are the actual performance at three levels
Of the levels of P & S proficiency and P & S efficiency more objectives and quantitative methods
are used
Attention must be given to those measures and metrics for which actual performance does not
measure up to the planned or expected performance.
One can adopt four main approaches when evaluating the actual performance of the P & S
function:
Step 5: reporting
The final step in the evaluation process of the P & S function. Report aims are providing
information about those aspects of the P & S function which is unsatisfactory.
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Chapter 3: Purchasing processes and procedures
Procedures in the purchasing process
Need may arise for production, maintenance and cleaning materials, stationery, office or plant
equipment etc
It is important the user functions identify the need in good time to avoid urgent orders. It is essential
to create specific purchasing procedures.
Mr. Control system of the inventory function should be designed to anticipate the production
functions need for production materials and to maintain adequate levels of supplies.
Where a materials requirement planning (MRP) system is used, the system not only provides
information on the size and the specific description of the need, but also schedules the purchasing
in terms of the master production schedule (MPS).
Description or specifications
The materials, components and services needed by the user function is communicated to the
purchasing function by means of one of the following documents.
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Travelling requisitions - repeated purchasing of standard inventory requirements
Materials list – material requirements related to a particular production run or product group
Kanbans – information cards forming part of the JIT system. Provide a clear description and
specification of the firms specific needs.
It is the responsibility of both the buyer and the user to ensure that the description meet the
standards.
IT innovation e.g. eprocurement, electronic data interchange, electronic catalogues are of great
value in identifying potential suppliers.
Selection of suppliers
When standard products are to be purchased in relatively small quantities the usual procedure is to
use the supplier recommended on the requisition.
In the case of travelling requisitions, the names of three or four suppliers are usually required. An
open order contract will have often been negotiated with the suppliers. Depending on the terms of
the contract the buyer will likely select the supplier with the shortest lead time as prices will have
been fixed by the open order agreement.
Purchasing highly specialized equipment – written quotations must be submitted with requisitions
The bidding process does not necessarily identify the actual supplier to whom the contract will be
awarded – a frowned upon activity.
Essential that the authority and responsibility for placing orders are vested in only the purchasing
function.
All orders are subject to the terms and conditions printed on the reverse side of an official order,
except in exceptional circumstances.
The order form is the source document for a whole series of activities to been performed after the
order has been placed. Several copies of the order are made and distributed to the following
actions or groups:
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Receiving function receives a copy notifying it to expect a delivery.
The inspection function receives a copy with detailed information on the specifications,
enabling it to plan the inspection task
Purchasing function keeps a copy for follow up and expediting as a control measure
The last copy stays in the order book as a permanent record of the transaction.
Order form issued to confirm a telephone order should clearly state that it is a confirmation.
As purchasing and supply does not have technical knowledge to perform all tasks of contract
administration, purchasing, technical, financial and legal experts will be part of the administration
team.
IT has largely done away with the tedious method of committing orders to paper.
Expediting consists of the constant monitoring of the suppliers progress with the order.
Follow up comes into operation when orders are not received on the delivery date
Only in exceptional cases should a supplier be allowed to deliver directly to the user function.
A receiving note with full details should be completed promptly. Any shortages or deficiencies
should be recorded clearly.
Copies of the receiving note should be forwarded to the requisitioner, the purchasing department
and the supplier.
The receiving function is responsible for the orderly internal distribution of deliveries to the user
functions.
Communication with the supply base is the primary responsibility of the purchasing function.
The purchasing function is responsible for long term supplier relations
It is the purchasing functions responsibility to foster and maintain a TQM approach with
suppliers
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Analyzing the invoice
The suppliers invoices analysed by either the purchasing or financial function.
Invoices are analysed and compared with the official order and delivery note. The most important
aspect of this task include:
An important task in analyzing the invoice is to identify cash discounts i.e. 2.5% within 30 days
Electronic records eliminate the need for vast paper files of transactions and increased accessibility
to information for purchasing personnel
Can also be regarded as a strategic management process whereby commodities and suppliers
are analysed and relationships are formed and managed according to best practice and
appropriate strategies.
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Building the team
Conducting market research
Developing a strategy
Negotiating a contract
Managing supplier relationships
A team may consist of a purchasing manager, an operations manager and information systems
manager etc
Make a spend analysis of the total expenditure for each commodity and supplier and the spending
on the commodity as a percentage of total spending.
Data should be connected and transformed into a comprehensible format to use strategy
development and decisions.
Develop a strategy
The information gathered must be structured into a format which makes it possible for the team to
develop a strategy for Similar commodities.
The portfolio analysis matrix or strategic sourcing matrix can be applied to bring structure. With this
matrix the total spending is divided into different categories according to the risks involved in the
supply of the commodity, The number of suppliers in the market and the amount spent on a
commodity.
Routine
Leverage
Bottle neck
Critical
Routine items - in arms length relationship is applicable. Decisions are made on lower levels and
without much effort to search for suppliers.
Leverage items – or large amount is spent the supply risk is low.i.e. computer hardware
Bottle neck items – amount spent is no better risks are high because:
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substitution of products is difficult
specific missions and manufacturing are complex
The commodity has a big impact on the operations
The market is monopolistic with high barriers for competition
The situation is geographically and politically complex
Critical items – large amounts are spent and the risks of availability are high due to difficulty in
substitution.
Negotiate a contract
The contract is negotiated with the identified suppliers and the strategy is implemented in terms of
time lines, resources and accountability.
Outsourcing is described as the process of purchasing goods and services on specification from an
external supplier.
It can involve the transfer of an entire business function to supplier or may lead to the transfer of
some activities associated with the function.
Outsourcing can involve the transfer of both people and physical assets to the supplier. A term
often used in the context of outsourcing and insourcing is vertical integration or Vertical
disintegration (Concerned with the decision on whether to perform an activity internally or source it
from outside)
Backward Disintegration refers to activities on the supply side and forward disintegration to the
distribution side of an organizations supply chain.
Activities that were initially performed in house being transferred to an external party
Assets going over to that external party
Existence of an extended relationship between the parties over a longer period
Exposure of the buyer to both cost and risk profile transfer
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Pressure on organisations to deliver excellent customer service
Outsourcing may have considerable economic and strategic advantages for the enterprise.
It can bring about cost savings if the service provider can offer the product or service at a lower
cost of ownership.
Outsourcing contractors as can enlarge the production operating capacity of the enterprise,
helping to save large amounts of capital for additional production or operation facilities.
Outsourcing may also assist the organization to respond to changes in market demand quickly.
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Analyzing the strategic position
Considering non-cost factors and making a decision
Conducting a total cost analysis of core activities
Analyzing the relationship
New product development – be sure to consider the stability of the technology and its
lifecycle
Strategy development – driven by the business strategy development process
Poor internal or external performance and competencies – unsatisfactory performance or
incompetence
Changing demand patterns – market changes may need a shift in production or service
provision
Shifting technology life cycle – outsourcing effectively shifts the risk to competent, flexible
external sources that specialize in technology.
The process of identifying core competencies and activities should be carried out by top
management with inputs from consultants and teams representing all functions.
Organisations prefer to keep core activities inside the organization and outsource all non-core
activities.
The competitive advantage maybe the way the organization leverages its costs or differentiates its
product.
Strategic analysis may be executed through a swot analysis, value chain analysis and capability
analysis
the organization can focus resources on the activities where it can achieve preeminence
Activities for which the company has no critical strategic need should be outsourced
Phase four: consider the non cost factors and make a decision
That outsourcing team may decide to perform an activity inside or may go with outsourcing.
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Control of production/service and quality – organization must ensure that the critical
product or service is available
Design secrecy
Unreliable suppliers
Supplier specialized knowledge and research
Volume of requirements
Availability of facilities
Workforce stability
Tenders can be requested from the top suppliers of the product or service. The second stage
concerns determining the cost of carrying out the activity internally. The availability of an activity
based costing (ABC) management system will use the formidable task of identifying cost in the
organization.
If the organization is more competent in performing an activity than any other external source
management might decide to:
If external sources are more competent at performing the activity than internal sources top
management may decide to:
Invest in resources to enable the organization to improve the performance of the activity
internally
Outsource core activity that does not give any competitive advantage
The support which the organization gives the service provider may vary from:
No support
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Assistance with the establishment of a service provider
Financial assistance
Provision of skilled labour
Technological assistance
Training and management of workers
Assistance with quality control
Purchase of raw materials
Larger enterprises that outsource simple production or service tasks to unsophisticated businesses
will often have to offer greater support to the service provider in the form of training of workers,
creation of the infrastructure and management.
The more critical the product or service in terms of risks in the supplier market and technological
advancement, the longer term of the contract will be.
An SLA will usually form part of the contract with the supplier of the outsource product or service .
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Continuity of supply as big national suppliers are in a strong financial position and hold more
stock
Improved service from local branches and depots.
Effective supplier management and development begins with determining the right number of
suppliers an organization should maintain.
The concentration of purchasers from one or limited number of suppliers may be beneficial to the
enterprise under certain circumstances:
Using more than one supplier for the same item or service may be to the enterprises advantages
when:
Size of suppliers
Smaller businesses often supplier to the local market only. They are characterized by flexibility,
speed and availability but usually at a higher price.
Larger enterprises are suitable for large volumes but usually of lower quality.
Supplier development
There are three main ways in which an enterprise may become involved in the development of
suppliers:
Reciprocity
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Meaning: buy from you because you buy from me
The following circumstances are more favourable for making the product or insourcing the service:
Captive suppliers
The supplier becomes dependent on the enterprise
Environmental protection
Purchasing should be made according to the following three main aspects concerning the
environment:
Does the suppliers mission support policies and measures to protect the environment during
manufacturing of products
Are the products environmentally friendly themselves
Are the right products and quantities produced to prevent obsolescence and waste?
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Chapter 5: Evaluation and selection of suppliers
Purchasing and supply is the fundamental link between an organization and its suppliers – The
purchasing and supply professional is responsible for the inputs into an organization.
But it is fairly managing suppliers, the P & S manager effectively protect the cost structure of the
organization.
The business environment must also being considered. Factors include makro, market and micro
factors.
Environmental forces influencing decisions. See table 5.1 on page 77 in the textbook
Many successful organizations based the operational expertise and the key performance
objectives of quality, cost, speed, dependability, flexibility and service which form the basis for the
criteria for selection and evaluation of suppliers.
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Flexibility
Service
Financial status
(OPC) – Operations planning and control
The technology and process capability
Supply chain management
Environmental issues, and social responsibility
BBB EE
the productivity of the organization due to fewer operational interruptions and better
working conditions,
quality of the final output
better customer service
Delivery
Importance of on time delivery cannot be overstressed. There is always pressure to reduce
inventories, and make smaller and more frequent deliveries.
Time
Time based competition is one of the current management buzz words which includes reducing
time in order to gain an advantage.
Reducing time means improvement in productivity. Individual organisations and supply chains are
looking for improvements in all aspects of time reduction.
Suppliers should be actively involved in analyzing and reducing cycle times using cross functional
teams and techniques such as process/time mapping.
Flexibility
The supplier can be flexible with regard to:
Service
Essentially a fusion of the above key criteria.
Suppliers should not just want to qualify to be considered a supplier, they need to win orders and
win them consistently.
Service would also include the supplier’s attitude to managing the customer’s inventory to
providing in consignment stock facilities.
Financial status
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Is imperative to determine the Financial Health or condition of the supplier. It’s an wise to select a
supplier who is in difficult financial straits.
Trend nowadays is away from traditional forecasting and information systems towards real time
demand planning systems based on current happenings.
The ability to communicate electronically between customer and supplier is rapidly becoming a
mandatory prerequisite for suppliers.
If the suppliers equipment and processes will meet the requirements of more demanding
specifications
If the supplier has the technological ability to meet future requirements
The design capability of a supplier
The ability to develop new products and services
If the supplier has the available capacity to meet future demands
Also consider whether a supplier has a code of ethics, social awareness and social responsibility.
BBBEE
A core requirements of the SA business environment.
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These criteria consider several desirable supply traits:
Geographic location
Suppliers should be located near the purchasing organization.
The more geographically dispersed the supply base, the more complex the supply chain.
See figure 5.2 on page 83 of the textbook the 7 steps involved in the supplier selection process.
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The supplier selection process
Entails the surgeon added occasion of possible suppliers, elimination of unsuitable ones and the
indepth study and ensuing evaluation of shortlisted suppliers against the key criteria.
Also to ascertain whether the supplier warrants preferred supplier or certified supplier status.
The supplier selection process has three stages. The first are carried out consecutively while the third
is performed after a suitable period of time.
Step one: identification of potential suppliers: sources of information for initial selection and
assessment
There are many sources available to identify suppliers:
Step four: choose the assessment method and analyse the suppliers
Ranges from informal to formal
Weighted point supplier performance rating – goods and criteria are weighted according
to the importance.
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Step five: select the supplier or suppliers
Relationships can be low value , transaction based or high value strategic ones.
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The King report boats on the principle of King II by emphasizing sustainability, and providing a list of
best practice principles.
King III provides guidance to all corporate entities on serious governance related aspects including:
This involves:
environmental sustainability,
social responsibility,
respect for human rights
Effective management of stakeholder relationships
King three – economic value of the company is not based on the balance sheet alone
For corporate governance and financial reporting, specific attention must be given to possible
problem areas such as long-term purchasing agreements, electronic communication with suppliers,
supply management, inventory control, write-offs and risk management.
P & S is expected to comply with legal obligations and must also observe ethical responsibilities.
P & S responsibilities can be defined as meeting the discretion responsibilities expected by society.
These encompass activities relating to:
Community – buying from local suppliers, donate into local development campaigns.
Diversity – search for and purchase from previously disadvantaged groups
Environment – using life cycle analysis to evaluate the environmental impact of its products
and packaging. Encouraging other suppliers to commit to waste reduction goals &
environmentally friendly practices
Ethics – abiding by the organisations code of conduct
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Financial responsibility – following applicable financial standards and requirements and
applying sound financial practices
Human rights – respecting the constitution of South Africa and ensuring the fair treatment of
workers and workers conditions
Safety – promoting a safe environment for each employee in the supply chain
Business ethics
The set of moral principles or rules of conduct that guide our behavior in business.
The key requirements stipulated by the King III report are regarded as follows:
The board should ensure that the company is a responsible corporate citizen
Leadership should be effective and based on an ethical foundation
The board should ensure that management cultivates ethical conduct and the creation of
an ethical risk profile and the establishment of a code of conduct.
The assurance of the companies ethics performance supported by an assurance statement
Business people, managers and individuals are not as concerned about ethical conduct in any
other area or function of the enterprise as much as in purchasing and supply for the following
reasons:
A purchaser may have interests in supplier, and may put their own interests before those of
an employer.
Loyalty of purchasers or fear of retaliation from superiors may give rise to unethical
behavior.
An enterprises purchasing power can also be misused if purchasers placed orders for
themselves and their friends
Withholding important information from a supplier may be unethical if the suppliers position
is harmed in a competing transaction.
Information on suppliers obtained from written quotations, tenders or sales representatives
should be treated confidentially.
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The setting of specifications by the users or purchasers to suit one specific supplier to cut out
competition is unethical.
Disclosure of confidential information on the purchasers own organization is unethical.
The ethical code of conduct should be made known to every purchaser, manager and member of
staff.
Training and education on ethical conduct should be given to management and personnel.
They provide a basis for working together, which requires that people treat each other with
respect
Set boundaries for what constitutes ethical behavior
They provide a safe environment because everybody knows what is expected of them.
They provide a commonly held seat of guidelines which binds people together.
Fraud is intentional.
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Objectives of green purchasing is to facilitate recycling, reuse and resource reduction.
Purchasing plays an important role in communicating green concept and efforts to other
organisations in the supply chain
Table 6.1 on page 96 of the textbook - greening opportunities throughout the supply chain.
Uncertainty about the future manifests itself as the risk that the realized financial results would
deviate from that which was anticipated.
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The perceived level of uncertainty depends on information that an individual can use to evaluate
the likelihood of the outcomes and the individual’s ability to evaluate this information.
The degree of uncertainty surrounding the event determines the level of risk.
The cause fluctuations in the operating profit of the company and eventually also in the earnings of
the ordinary shareholder.
These risks are many financial and can generally be subdivided into the following categories:
Interest rate risk – risk of having to pay more for debt due to changes in market interest rates
Liquidity risk – risk of being unable to pay suppliers when required
Currency risk – the possible impact which fluctuations in exchange rates may have.
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These risks are usually referred to as insurable losses as the financial consequences of these losses
may be transferred to an insurance company.
People
People risks continue to be the major contributing factor in many dramatic failures. Some of these
risks include:
Processes
The risk of the P & S processes being insufficient and causing inefficiency and an unexpected losses
Systems
Risks resulting from system failures based upon the dependency of P & S on technology
New technologies often have implications of complexity and uncertainty. The newer the
technology, the greater the risk that it may not perform as expected.
Systems failures
Security breaches
Implementation failure
Insufficient systems capacity
Poor data integrity
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Any unplanned events that may occur during the acquisition, delivery or use of the goods and
services which can negatively affect the organizations ability to serve its own customers can be
regarded as risks.
A radical example of the results of supply failure would be shutdown of production lines due to the
lack of incoming materials.
The purchasing and supply process also includes inventory management and the internal
distribution of goods and services to operational sections.
The loss the purchasing organization suffers as a direct result from procuring unusable goods or
services is directly proportional to the monetary value of such goods or service.
Lack of suppliers
Refers to situations where monopolies or oligopolys exist.
Dealing with monopolistic suppliers carries the risk that the suppliers may integrate forward
and start competing directly
Any Financial instability in the monopolistic supplier may be a risk to the purchasing
organization
Oligopoly situations normally hold the risk that no better quality or price can be negotiated by the
purchasing organization.
Pricing
Increase in pricing could render the product or service of the purchasing organization too high to
sell competitively.
Increases in input costs also have a negative effect on the cash flow positions of purchasing
organisations
Quality
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Quality failures can system from
Continued availability
Supply risk becomes prevalent whe a buyer – supplier relationship is formed and the purchasing
organization has some form of reliance on the supplier.
Technological changes
Suppliers may not keep up with technological advances in the manufacturing processes.
If the inputs used by other suppliers in the manufacturing process are less sophisticated than those
of competitive suppliers it may impair the comparative functioning of the products.
It’s important that procedures for the inspection of products received from suppliers be established
when the agreement is intended to. Also applies for return criteria.
Internally errors
The most common risks are:
Malfunctioning information systems can lead to inventory shortages and internal distribution
problems.
Disasters
Floods, fires etc can damage or even destroy the inventory of the purchasing organization.
risk avoidance – the best method of handling a risk is trying to avoid it entirely
Risk assumption – the consequences of the loss will be borne by the party exposed to the
chance of loss. Typically applies to minor infrequent losses.
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Risk elimination – introduces standards, procedures and actions necessary to eliminate risk
Risk reduction – reducing the likelihood of occurrence of loss and its severity
Risk transfer – risks are transferred to another party but not insurance. The risk itself is
transferred to a third party ie a lease agreement.
The following management techniques serve to align goals of suppliers with those of the
purchasing organization:
supplier certification – suppliers who consistently meets predetermined quality, cost, delivery
, financial and volume objectives can be certified.
Target costing –requires discussions and negotiations between suppliers and purchasing
organization
Supplier development – purchasing organization must actively improve the capabilities and
performance of suppliers to ensure they meet the short and long term supplier needs.
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Buffer oriented techniques
Buffers are outcomes based ways of dealing with risk. Purchasing organizations use buffers to
reduce the detrimental effects of supply risk events rather than reducing the likelihood of a
detrimental event . Inventory serves as a buffer for product and availability.
Internal buffer inventory – supply risk can be reduced by holding additional inventory for
contingencies
Supply inventory – uncertainty regarding delivery of materials from suppliers can be
eliminated by requiring suppliers to always hold sufficient safety inventory
Multiple sourcing – using multiple sources of supply a reduces the risk of supply disruptions. It
also competitive
Contingency plans
Its important for purchasing organisations to establish contingency plans which could be activated
should an expected supplier and inventory risks occur.
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Chapter 7: The management of quality in
purchasing and supply
The application of QMS in the purchasing and supply context is increasingly being considered a
prerequisite for Comprehensiveness in the private sector any guarantee of good governance in
public sector institutions. A QMS is a comprehensive set of procedures and working methods of an
organization which ensure that its outputs satisfy the customer’s needs and which safeguard the
overall interests of the organization in line with its mandate, vision and mission
Quality planning – part of quality management focused on setting quality objectives and
specifying necessary operational processes.
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Quality is the total combination of features and characteristics through which a product or service
when used will meet or exceed expectations of the customer by being able to satisfy the specific
need.
The task can be subdivided into management task which is clearly related to managing the supply
base and the technical side which has to do with standardization specifications and quality control
procedures.
Design quality – specific characteristics of the products that determine its value in the
marketplace
Conformance quality – how well the product is made with respect to its design
specifications
The quality level delivered to final customers is the result of the each link in the supply chain –
internal customers of supply management are equally important in the total drive for quality.
To improve the quality of internal service delivery, much more emphasis on internal customer
relations and an improved understanding of the needs of internal customers is required.
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Cost of quality
Table 7.1 - Most of the tasks and activities aimed at preventing poor quality from reaching the firm
and its customers
Prevention costs
Costs related to actions aimed at preventing quality errors and the cost they will cause i.e.
Equipment adjustment and calibration, Process redesign and control
Appraisal costs
Costs incurred when products and services are inspected or evaluated in order to ensure that
inadequate quality products, Materials and services do not into the internal operational processes
of the firm
Failure cost
Incurred when products and services that do not comply with the quality expectations of the
customer actually reach the customer. The two types of failure include:
Internal failure costs – Incurred after production and before delivery ie. Cost of scrap,
disposal, rework
External Failure costs – Customer returns and the replacement of faulty products, warranty
claims, legal etc
Firms are convinced that the cost of prevention is lower than the cost of appraisal and failure.
The cost of attracting new customers in a competitive environment is high compared to the
relatively low cost of retaining an existing customer.
TQM
More than a system it’s a management philosophy. Stretches over the entire supply chain,
influencing all participants and also the ultimate customer.
One of the main elements of the philosophy of TQM is the attitude of the firm and that every
employee must be directed towards a continuous driving for improvement across all activities of
the company and the supply chain.
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All individuals and teams working towards Internal and external customer satisfaction should
endeavor to provide fault free products and services.
Commitment
Coordination
Personnel management – empowerment, training, teamwork, performance evaluation etc
Supply management
Quality information – reliable information on customer satisfaction, supply and purchasing
performance
Performance evaluation
TQM in supply management originates with the customer and is part of the internal departmental
philosophy and which is carried over to the supplier to the suppliers supplier.
The impact of TQM on purchasing and supply can be summarized in the following points:
Customer focus
Structured relationships – internal and external customers and suppliers
Performance measurements – TQM demands continuous improvement & performance
measurement
Employee involvement
Involvement in teamwork
Six Sigma
Focuses on processes, and insists on a level of quality consistent with six standard deviations from
the mean.
A fully documented QMS will ensure that two important requirements are met:
The ISO developed a set of eight principles the enterprises may use as a guide to the
implementation of quality programmes:
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The principles of the QMS are:
Standardization
Value analysis
Quality assurance
International standards
National or industrial standards
Business standards
The SABS mark serves as a guarantee that the product satisfies a certain standard specification.
Standardization implies that the characteristics of items have to comply with a specific minimum
acceptable standard.
Advantages of standardization
Less stock needs to be kept to be kept when a standard item is suited to many
applications.
Larger quantities may be ordered at a time, creating the opportunity for negotiating larger
discounts
Inspection and quality control of the incoming goods of the celebrated what you mean
eliminated when standard as products are part of the supply base
The possibility of mistakes and doubts when orders are placed or eliminated
The usually cheaper standard items may reduce the cost of final products which makes the
firms competitive position improve.
Standard items are more readily available
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When a firm is experiencing severe price competition or inflation and it becomes
necessary to reduce costs to stay competitive
When the demand for a product Is uncertain and the firm does not wish to invest
substantially in the manufacture and purchase of non-standard items
When there is doubt about the suppliers ability to maintain constant quality
Standardized items require less technical skill.
Standardisation can also be used when a firm is experiencing a shortage of funds
Many South African organizations now demand ISO 9001 certification from a supplier
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Unit 1 – Purchasing Function in perspective
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Integrate supply objectives with corporate objectives
Manage supply base
Ensure timely, cost effective information system in place
Contribute to multi functional teams and provide outstanding customer service
Globalisation
International orientation
Information technology development
Short product life span
Increased supply risks
Focus on quality and environment
Increased costs
Profit leverage
Effect of saving on bottom line – small % of saving in purchase price contributes to large increase in profit
Return on investment
Profit margin – more efficient purchases lower purchasing cost – gross income and total income increase –
higher profit margin
Asset turnover – more efficient purchases decrease extent of assets employed (like inventory) – increase
turnover
Specification
Source identification
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Selecting suppliers
Analyzing invoice
Closing order
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Unit 2 – Task of P&S Management
Planning
Strategic -Organisational planning at highest level – Top Management mission and long term objectives
Operational – Material requirements planning, P&S system planning – done at lowest level
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Atmosphere of department
VI – Evaluation
Organisation
Advantages
Standardisation
Increased buying power – bulk purchases
Branches work together
Staff expertise
Control
Reduced admin costs
Central team
Integration
Decentralised- different branches, departments, plants have autonomy over decision making
Advantages
Related to activities
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Specialist groups within function formed with regard to skills, supply system, methods, inter relationships
and integration
Cross-functional teams
Advantages
Coordinating
Supply system
Coordinate objectives, abilities and activities of each component of overall supplier system
Control
Systematic attempt to reach objectives – observe actual and compare with standard
Diverse activities
Difficult to express in quantitative terms
Difficult to set quantitative measures
Measurement narrowly focused – supplier base reduction not always included
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Function influenced by internal and external factors (policy and supplier market)
Determine objectives
Establish performance measures and norms – Management measures, Proficiency measures, Efficiency
Measures
Measure actual performance
Evaluate actual performance
Feedback (report)
Customer driven
Efficient logistics
Demand driven by sales planning
Lean manufacturing – eliminate waste
Information flow up and downstream
Sourcing
Value and creation of customer value – lowest cost while satisfying need
Total cost ownership – understand true cost
Integration of processes – Delivery process managed across boundaries
Reduction of cycle time – reduce lead times, design time, faster introduction of new products
Strategic partnerships – Merge cross functional teams of various organisations
Total quality management (TQM) – applied to whole organisation, ISO9000, benchmarking, JIT
System integration – EDI or ERP
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Human resource development – training, team development, cross functional, inter-organisational
Logistics Management
Benchmarking
Process allows a company to evaluate its work methods, processes, service levels and products against
meaningful standards
Basic objective is to improve current performance in activities in benchmarking study
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Internal benchmarking
Measures performance of processes, divisions, business units or manufacturing units in the same firm
against each other
External benchmarking
Comparison of performance in activities between firm and competitors in the same industry
Best-practice benchmarking
Seeks world class practices and excellence irrespective of industry, business or type of product
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Unit 4 – Strategic Sourcing
Process whereby commodities and suppliers are analyzed and relationships formed according to best
practices in support of long term organisational goals
Analyse total spending by dividing into categories according to risk and amount to be spent
Bottleneck Routine
Critical Leverage
Tie in with make or buy decision – firms concentrate on core activities and externalise specialist jobs by
subcontracting or outsourcing
Outsourcing
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Does not form part of production process, involves provision of services (non-core activities) e.g. HR, credit
management, cleaning, transport, cafeteria
Subcontracting
Producer hires another firm to perform part of manufacturing process or furnish sub assemblies for end
products
Advantages Disadvantages
Cost savings Dependency on enterprises – captive supplier
Specialisation Unsuccessful development of supplier
Better competitive position Over involvement in development of contractors
Enlarged production capacity
Limit inventory
Increase response to market
Outsourcing decision process
Control of production
Design secrecy
Unreliable suppliers
Suppliers specialised knowledge
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Volume of requirement
Availability
Workforce stability
Increasing costs
Growing competitiveness
Increased outsourcing
Adopting JIT, TQM and SCM
Growth of e-commerce
Integrating organisations
Cost Technology
Delivery Systems
Time SCM
Flexibility Environment/Ethics
Services Capabilities/motivation
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PHASE 1 – EXPLORATORY PRE-EVALUATION STAGE
International Suppliers
Local suppliers
National suppliers
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Dispersed locations – shorter lead times
Can have blanket or open contracts
Supplier development
Suppliers who are also customers of purchasing organisation enjoy preferential treatment
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Decision to make of buy
Suppliers who are too dependent on one client for their survival
Policy should be made to limit buying from one supplier and buy from others
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Explain three main aspects concerning environmental consciousness purchasers to take into account
Supplier mission, policy, measures to protect the environment during manufacturing – check process
on waste, air and safety
Environmentally friendly product produced
Correct quantities & product used to prevent obsolescence and waste
Buying auctions
o English – start highest selling price, reduced during bidding, lowest bidder wins
o Dutch – Low price set, increases until supplier bids, first supplier to bid wins
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Unit 7 – Ethical aspects, Corporate governance, Social Responsibility
Corporate Governance
Ensure most beneficial value package obtained with every purchasing transaction
Intimate knowledge of product/service they purchase, supply market and market conditions
Social Responsibility
Diversity
Environment
Use life-cycle analysis to evaluate environment friendly products, waste reduction and recycling
Human Rights
Visit suppliers to ensure no slave or child labour is used and workers treated fairly
Buy from local suppliers, donate to non-profit organisations, and alleviate poverty
Safety
Ethical aspects
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Set of moral principles or rules of conduct that guide behaviour – follow a code
List the reasons for increased concern about ethical conduct in purchasing and supply
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Unit 8 – Management of quality
Quality concept
5 principles
Reflect the objectives of efficiency and effectiveness, optimising value and costs
Identify why internal service quality is so crucial from a purchasing point of view
Impacts organisation ability to meet external demands
Pivotal role in delivering quality – internal and external
Internal customers determines quality delivered to external customers
Internal quality of workplace contributes to employee satisfaction
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Flexibility in meeting customer changing needs
Delivering information on time
Delivering products on time
Delivering reliable information
Explaining delivery problems
Communication level
Quality environment
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Existence of substitutes
New suppliers
Technology innovations
Using standardised items
Making own items
Quality specifications of competitors
Global changes
Changing management philosophies
Quality objectives
Improve customer satisfaction
Use recyclable packaging
Implement TQM
Quality decisions
Identify the aids for decision making on quality and give a short description of each
Standardisation
Formally accepted, uniform, inherent characteristics of items in terms of specific measurements,
design, composition, performance, quality and use
Derived from 3 sources: International (ISO9000, Inco terms), Industrial (ISO14000, SABS), Business
standards (Emerged within plants)
Advantages:
o Less stock kept
o Larger quantities ordered
o TCO reduced
o Inspection & quality control easier
o Mistakes on orders reduced
o Improved competitive position
o Availability of product
o Better labour relations
o Global logistics costs reduced
Value analysis
Eliminate unnecessary cost of product that constitutes an input to the supply chain
Compare function with cost – lowest cost to produce with lowest cost of attribute
Procedure of analysis
o Select product for examination
o Execute value analysis programme in 6 phases:
Information phase – gathering
Inquiry phase – investigation on product
Speculation phase – speculate improvements
Evaluation phase – test improvements
Recommendation phase – best alternative
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Implementation and follow up phase – implement and monitor
Quality assurance
Purchaser places responsibility with the supplier to provide quality on a constant level per requirement
Defects/problems continuously identified – cradle to grave
Right quality built into product, not inspected into it
Agree quality levels before the time
Manufacturing facilities should be thoroughly examined
Description of quality
What are the different quality methods of description used and give explanation of each?
Market grades Deduced from size, shape, colour, moisture
Apply to agricultural products like wood, tobacco
Engineering drawings (blueprints) Used when purchasing spare parts for machines,
casting and construction
Control of quality
Purchasing firm inspects deliveries on arrival to ascertain that stated quality requirements have been met
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Unit 9 – Price Determination and Cost Analysis
Profit mark-up
Element of ultimate price the purchaser must understand – profit earned by the supplier
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Behaviour of cost under volume changes
Three cost categories
TOTAL FIXED COST Remain the same as a total over shorter term no
matter how many products produced
As cost per unit produced – decrease as output
grows
E.g. Rent, Salaries
Market structure determined by number of purchasers and sellers – buyers market and sellers market
Type of market is linked to nature of competition
Identify and describe the characteristics of the three market forms in which most purchases are being
done
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Type of product and price determination
Identify six types of product categories and method of price determination for each
Product Category Method of price determination
Process of comparing supplier prices against external benchmarks without knowing supplier cost
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1. Collect information for determining purchase price – use price lists, catalogues, quotations, internet
2. Understand the pricing models (6)
Price volume model Supplier analyses market to find volume of sales
combined with specific price per unit
Process of analysing each individual cost element that together adds up to the final price
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Margin Based on history or feel of market – decide on profit %
Rate of return Bases profit on objective of specific desired rate of return on financial investment
rather than cost
Main approaches:
Target pricing Organisation develops specific goals for its cost to produce a product
Based upon desired profit margin & projected selling price
Difference between supplier price and target cost is where buyer and
seller collaborate
Cost saving sharing pricing Encourages suppliers to continuously endeavour to reduce cost and
improve performance to create basis for sharing savings
Breakeven analysis
Presented graphically as a series of ratios between manufacturing cost and related quantities of a
product manufactured and sold by a supplier
Consists of total cost curve and revenue cost curve – breakeven is where total costs intersects revenue
curve
Revenue above total cost = profit ; Revenue below total cost = loss
Hedging prices
Reducing risk of fluctuations in the prices of raw materials
Simultaneous purchase and sale in two different markets (cash and futures) assumed to operate so that
a loss in the one will be offset by an equal gain in the other
Unit 10 – Inventory Management
Impact of features
Relationship as a quasi firm
o Firm and external firms work together to eliminate unnecessary cost
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o JIT approach moves inventory burden to suppliers
Cost transparency
o Customer willing to share data on internal processes with supplier
o Supplier shares cost structures with customers
Research and Technology
o Exploitation of new technologies and collaborative roles
Relationship assessment
o Jointly managed – eliminating supplier evaluation as a non value adding activity
Inventory concepts
Categories of inventory
Production inventory Raw materials, materials & components required in production
process
E.g. Timber. Textiles, ball bearings
Maintenance inventory Materials that support the manufacturing process but not
necessarily included in final product
E.g. Light bulbs, lubricants, cleaning materials
Term Contracts Decentralised companies prefer centralised contracts – fewer suppliers for long
term agreement
Low value orders Cost of order between R300 – R400 – increase admin costs
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Rather use petty cash or COD
Inventory costs
Inventory carrying costs (ICC) Financing – Interest paid or lost
Interest Storage – Maintenance, property tax
Space Handling – Equipment, remuneration
Risk Insurance
(ISR) Technical – depreciation, obsolescence
ICC = Inventory carrying cost per unit X qty
ABC Classification
Inventory in the 4 categories must be classified
Achieved by doing the following:
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C 50% of total items
10% of rand demand
Inventory timing
o Use periodic reorder system
o Inventory levels checked at fixed intervals
o Maximum inventory level calculated based on consumption over 2 to 3 months
o Inventory is issued and demand is depleted
o At a fixed time an order is placed – difference between existing qty and max level
o Ordering qty and review date will vary – depends on issue rate
o Inventory replenished to max stock
Inventory qty
o Two aspects considered: ROP and EOQ
o Order a fixed qty (EOQ) when stocks need to be replenished
o Replenishment takes place when reorder point reached
o Reorder point calculation: ROP = D (LT) + SS
o Reorder point reached order is placed for EOQ
o EOQ calculated √2CoR/Cc
o Order replenished according to batch size – max stock level will vary
o Need to know inventory costs
o Total inventory cost = Inventory carrying cost + Inventory ordering cost
o EOQ is where total inventory carrying cost = inventory ordering cost
o Optimal number of orders to place is N = R/Q (R is annual consumption) and (Q is quantity)
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orders generated by buyer
MRP
Uses planned production to determine what and how much should be ordered, when and what date
delivery should take place
Scheduled to coincide with time of need
Demand depends on forecast demand for finished product
Characteristics
Uses electronic data
Inventory reduced to bare minimum by synchronising material flow and production scheduling
Demand for materials calculated in MRP – more reliable than forecasting techniques
Main components
Forecasts Actual
demand
MPS
O/S
Actual
Levels
Planned Management
schedules
Lead times
Production
Control
Purchasing
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Influences on P&S Management
Positive Negative
MRP II
Next development to include financial terms – basis of Material Resource Planning
JIT (Just-in-time)
Product-orientated management system
Eliminates all forms of waste
Achieved through the use of Kanban
Ensures product of correct specifications are available in correct quantities at the right time
Eliminate inventory
Advantages
Lower inventory levels
Smaller buffer stocks
Short lead times
Quality improvement
Cost savings
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Kanban – JIT information system
All materials/products move through plant in containers to which Kanbans are attached
Every container has 1 m-Kanban and 1 p-Kanban (movement and production)
Every production station has storage area where full and empty containers are stored
No activity takes place without authorisation of relevant Kanban
Nature or Acquisition
Affects competitive advantage over long term
Aspects overlooked:
o Intellectual property rights
o Speed of acquisition
o Installation
o Continuing supplier support
o Upgrades
Classification
Capital equipment used to produce goods e.g. Buildings, Plants, Machinery, Computers
Multipurpose Single purpose
Characteristics
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Large expenditure – large capital outlays, investment long term, consider price and TOC
Non-recurring expenditure – irregular purchases, used gradually
Specialised and technical nature – various departments involved in purchasing process, longer lead
time
Explain the role of the P&S function in the purchasing of capital equipment
Flexibility of equipment – single or multi Net present value method (NPV) – future cash
flow discounted to present value and
compared to initial investment – if present
value of future cash flow > initial investment
then acceptable
Space requirements – adding equipment Internal rate of return method (IRR) – rate of
return that equates the future cash flow with
initial capital outlay – one that givers highest
rate of return is the choice
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Used capital equipment
Reasons for used purchases
o Cost of new equipment higher than used – better ROI
o Readily available
o More adequate – financial sense to spend less
o Rebuilt and have longer lifespan
o Can be inspected while in use
Types of leasing
Financial Leases
o Used to obtain financial leverage
o Lease over long term – just shorter than equipment life span
o Lessor purchases (owner) and Lessee pays rent to lessor, which covers capital cost with service
charge to cover interest
o Lessee responsible for insurance, servicing and maintenance
Operating leases
o Facilitate business operation
o Undertaken as means of marketing products
o Lessor responsible for service and maintenance
o Lease mostly short term – organisation not interested in owning equipment
Benefits of leasing
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Provides certainty
Convenient
Flexible – no long term capital investment
Financial leverage – liquidity increases
Investment responsibility lies with lessor
Tax deductable
Expert service, advice, maintenance available
Disadvantages
May be more expensive than loans
Lessor may insist on supervising
Less freedom of use and action
No residual value for lessee
Difficult to make changes to equipment
Equipment obsolete – contract ends
Distinct business entity including co-operative enterprises and non-government organisations managed
by one owner or more which includes branches & subsidiaries
Classified into: Medium, small, very small and micro
Owner managed – 5 to 50 employees with turnover between 150000 to 40 million
Management concepts
Outsourcing and subcontracting activities
Competitive advantage of SME’s
Advances in technology
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Conflicting policies influencing purchaser
Objections and attitudes of purchasers with regard to:
o Lack of expertise
o Cost
o Location
o Welfare perception
o Risk
o Dependency
o Reverse discrimination
o Tracing and development
o Poor performance
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Unit 13 – Purchasing of Services
Process consisting of a series of more or less intangible activities that normally take place in interaction
between customer and employees
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Characteristics of services
Services are intangible – experienced, not delivered, perception is reality
Services are heterogenous – quality varies, difficult to compare
Service production – production and consumption simultaneous
Perishability – cannot be stored for later
Entry to the market – easy, large capital seldom required
Categorisation of services
Traditional services – Temps, travel, food, transportation
Hybrid – consultant and legal services
Non-traditional – advertising and outsourcing
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CHAPTER 1 – THE PURCHASING FUNCTION IN PERSPECTIVE
The part of SCM that plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow in
storage of goods services and related information between the point of origin and point of consumption in
order to meet customers’ requirements.
Logistics is therefore strongly focused on the physical flow of material goods and services, with a strong
emphasis integrating all these activities so that the total cost in the logistics system is minimized.
SCM is a management philosophy aimed at integrating a network of upstream linkages, internal linkages
inside the organization and downstream linkages in performing specific processes and activities.These will
ultimately create value for the customer in the form of products and services.
MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (10) P20
119
entities
It manages business processes across the functional and
It manages business activiteis in order to organisational boundaries of a network of organisations,
optimise customer service and to minimise and aims at optimising customer satisfaction and
cost for a particular organisation eliminating activities and processes that add cost and not
value over the entire supply chain
The focus is on the management of the The focus is on the management of relationships across
flow of products, services and information the entire supply chain
Logistic management focusses on SCM is aimed at optimising benefits for all participants in
optimising wealth for a single firm the entire supply chain
1. Materials and products are standardised 1. There is a slow response time to regional
2. Negotiating power is increased and plants
volume discounts are made possible 2. There is resentment from geographically
3. Staff are afforded the opportunity of dispersed business unit management
becoming experts 3. There is a tendency to bypass the central
Centralised 4. Control is improved buying office
5. Administrative costs are reduced 4. There is less integration with user
6. Supplier relations are enhanced departments
7. Information systems integration is 5. Staff structure is top heavy
facilitated 6. There is lack of insight into the
8. Duplication of effort is eliminated requirements of dispersed plant units
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purchasing performance
High
Bottleneck Critical
Substitution difficult Substitution difficult
Risk and Monopolistic markets Strategic importance
complexity High barriers to entry High value in total purchasing spend
Geographical/political complexity
Routine Leverage
Substitution possible Substitution possible
Alternative suppliers and products Alternative suppliers and products
Low
available available
Standard product specifications Standard product specifications
MAKE OR BUY:
The following circumstances are more favorable for making the product or insourcing the service:
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Tactical reasons are to: Strategic reasons include:
DISADVANTAGES OF OUTSOURCING
Outsourcing contractors or service providers become dependent on the enterprise – captive supplier
An enterprise can become over involved in the development of contractors or service providers.
Loss of control and skills – result of dependence on outside parties
Loss of service provider focus – service provide may conclude contracts with other companies and
become less focused and interested in a particular client
Lack of clarity – If the particulars of the responsibilities are not clearly prescribed. (SLA)
Lack of cost control – costs of SP become a problem if not properly managed. SP my lose interest if
the agreement does not make provision for a fair cost increase
Ineffective management – outsource service provider may not be efficient, effective or capable of
performing well
Loss of confidentiality – service provider becomes an extension of the organization and has access to
sensitive information.
Double outsourcing – where an outsourcing contractor outsources the service to another provider
Cost, quality, delivery and environmental issues are regarded as the main key performance indicators of
supplier Assessment.
Many successful organizations based the operational expertise and the key performance objectives of
quality, cost, speed, dependability, flexibility and service which form the basis for the criteria for selection
and evaluation of suppliers.
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Delivery The technology and process capability
Time Supply chain management
One of the primary roles of a purchasing professional is to defend the cost structure without compromising
quality. The determination of the cost structure of a supplier can lengthy process.
Delivery
Importance of on time delivery cannot be overstressed. There is always pressure to reduce inventories, and
make smaller and more frequent deliveries.
Time
Time based competition is one of the current management buzz words which includes reducing time in order
to gain an advantage.
Reducing time means improvement in productivity. Individual organisations and supply chains are looking for
improvements in all aspects of time reduction.
Suppliers should be actively involved in analyzing and reducing cycle times using cross functional teams and
techniques such as process/time mapping.
Flexibility
Service
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Suppliers should not just want to qualify to be considered a supplier, they need to win orders and win them
consistently.
Service would also include the supplier’s attitude to managing the customer’s inventory to providing in
consignment stock facilities.
Financial status
Is imperative to determine the Financial Health or condition of the supplier. It’s an wise to select a supplier
who is in difficult financial straits.
And assessment of the operations planning and control (OPC) systems used by a supplier is important.
Trend nowadays is away from traditional forecasting and information systems towards real time demand
planning systems based on current happenings.
The ability to communicate electronically between customer and supplier is rapidly becoming a mandatory
prerequisite for suppliers.
In considering a potential suppliers technology and process capability, the purchasing manager needs to look
at:
If the suppliers equipment and processes will meet the requirements of more demanding
specifications
If the supplier has the technological ability to meet future requirements
The design capability of a supplier
Considered as a separate criterion for supplier selection due to importance due to the following reasons:
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The suppliers long-term relationship potential – Partnerships
Important that suppliers become increasingly sensitive to the environment and environmental issues. Include
the following:
BBBEE
Geographic location
Suppliers should be located near the purchasing organization. The more geographically dispersed the supply
base, the more complex the supply chain. Different combinations of selection criteria will be required for
different situations.
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7 STEPS IN THE SUPPLIER SELECTION
5. Select supplier
7. Supplier accreditation
PROCESS
Exploratory Pre-assessment
phase
Stage
CHAPTER 6 – SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING AND SUPPLY
MANAGEMENT
Selection Assessment
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PURCHASING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT phase
Stage
a) Community
b) Diversity
Purchasing and supply has an obligation to do everything in its power to search for and purchase
requirements from previously disadvantaged groups.
126
c) Environment
use a life-cycle analysis to evaluate the environmental friendliness of products and packaging,
participate in the design of products for disassembly,
encourage suppliers to commit to waste-reduction goals and environmentally practices,
participate in the design of products for recycling or re-use.
d) Ethics
Ethics form an important part of the King III report. According to this report senior managers should
take responsibility for the ethical (or unethical) conduct in their organisations. The key requirements
stipulated by the King III report:
The company board should ensure that the company is and is seen to be a responsible
corporate citizen through the development and implementation of strategies and policies in
relation to economic, social and environmental impacts
Leadership should be effective and based on an ethical foundation
The board should ensure that management cultivates a culture of ethical conduct through the
creation of an ethical risk profile; and the establishment of a code of conduct through the
integration of ethics into all company practices, procedures, policies and conduct and through
the assessment, monitoring, reporting and disclosure of the company’s ethics performance.
The assurance of the company’s ethics performance supported by and assurance statement in
the integrated report is recommended
e) Financial responsibility
Purchase and supply should become knowledgeable of and follow applicable financial
standards and requirements.
Apply sound financial practices and ensure transparency in financial dealings.
It should actively promote and practise responsible financial behaviour throughout the supply
chain.
f) Human rights
The Constitution of South Africa guarantees human rights in the country. In terms of human rights,
people in purchasing and supply should treat people, including colleagues in the organisation,
superiors, subordinates suppliers or potential suppliers, with dignity and respect.
Purchasing and supply management must visit suppliers’ plants to make sure that they do not use
child or slave labour, that workers are treated fairly and that the working conditions are humane.
g) Safety
127
Purchasing and supply must promote a safe environment for each employee in the organisation and
the supply chain, and should also support the continuous development and diffusion of safety
practices throughout the organisation and supply chain.
Purchasing and supply must ensure that suppliers’ operations are conducted in a safe manner, and
that materials are packed, transported and moved in the safest possible manner to and in the
organisation.
1. Prevention costs
Costs related to actions aimed at preventing quality errors
Eg:
Equipment adjustments and calibration
Process redesign and control
Quality planning
Supplier capacity surveys
Quality training
2. Appraisal costs
Costs incurred when products and services are inspected or evaluated in order to ensure that inadequate
quality products, materials and services do not enter the internal operational processes of the firm.
Eg:
Cost of incoming inspections as well as at the supplier
Testing of purchased materials
In-process, semi-finished and final product inspection
Supplier audits
Recording and processing of data related to quality
3. Failure costs
Costs incurred when products or services that do not comply with the quality expectations of the customer
actually reach the customer.
Eg Internal:
Cost of scrap
Disposal, rework and redoing inspections
Production downtime
Processing waste
Eg External:
128
Costs associated with product recalls
Costs that are incurred after production and before delivery to the internal or external customer.
Ex: Cost of scrap, disposal, rework and redoing inspections, production down time and processing
waste
Ex: Customer returns and the replacement of faulty products, warranty claims, cost of legal action and
the costs associated with product recalls.
Often included in this category is the cost of lost customers, which is very difficult to determine
accurately
REASON FOR SHIFTING FROM “CORRECTING INADEQUATE QUALITY” TO “PREVENTING DEVIATONS FROM
QUALITY REQUIREMENTS”
The idea is that the cost of prevention is lower than the cost of correction.
DEFINE STANDARDISATION
Standardisation is the process of developing and agreeing on uniform, technical product and service
specifications related to appearance, performance, measurement criteria, methods, processes and practices.
3. Supplier Quality
When there is doubt about the supplier’s ability to maintain constant quality
129
5. Shortage of funds
Standardization can also be used when a firm is experiencing a shortage of funds
VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH COST SAVINGS IN PUCHASING THROUGH STANDARDISATION MAY BE EFFECTED
(ADVANTAGES)
Less stock needs to be kept to when a standard item is suited to many applications.
Larger quantities may be ordered at a time, creating the opportunity for negotiating larger discounts.
Inspection and quality control of the incoming goods are facilitated or even eliminated when
standardized products and standardized quality assurance procedures are part of the supplier base
management philosophy of the purchasing organization.
The possibility of mistakes and doubts when orders are placed or eliminated
The usually cheaper standard items may reduce the cost of final products which makes the firms
competitive position to improve.
The type of purchase or the type of product being purchased determine the price. Pricing method should
therefore be adopted to the following product categories
1. RAW MATERIALS - such copper, wheat and crude oil which are bought on world commodity markets and
require special skills of commodity purchasers or commodity brokers. Usually prices are fixed in these markets
2. SPECIAL ITEMS - these items are specific to an organisation’s activities and are of non-repetitive nature. Eg.
Equipment
3. STANDARD PRODUCTION ITEMS – they constitute majority of items purchased by most purchasing divisions
and there is use of catalogues and published prices.
4. ITEMS OF SMALL VALUE – Items in this category have such small comparative value that the expenditure of
any particular effort to check the price prior to purchase is not justified.
5. CAPITAL GOODS – price determination for capital goods is a complicated process and is usually performed
by management team since it has major financial implications for the firm. Eg. Buildings, plant and machinery.
6. SERVICES if it is a general type of service such as catering or cleaning, quotations must be submitted and
tenders too.
130
7. ITEMS FOR RESALE – Prices are largely influenced by what prices the market will be willing to buy. Unique
purchasing and pricing methods are used by shops like pick and pay. Eg. Groceries
PRICE VOLUME MODEL- The volume is as important a variable as the price because an increased volume may
imply that the direct costs is spread over more units so that the costs per unit maybe reduced. The pricing
model is therefore the basis for quantity discounts offered to the purchaser.
MARKET PENETRATION MODEL – The aim behind this is to maximise profits by capturing a large share of the
market as soon as possible.
Reason:
To maximise long-term profits by capturing a large share of the market as early as possible
MARKET SKIMMING MODEL – The supplier is intent on “creaming off” the profits as early as possible. Earn as
much as possible as quickly as possible. Here prices are set to achieve a high profit on each unit.
Reason:
Used for innovative products aimed at recovering development costs before competition steps in.
REVENUE PRICING MODEL – This model is to obtain sufficient revenue through sales to cover costs rather than
to make profit.
Reasons:
PROMOTIONAL PRICING MODEL – This model attracts sales even if it means selling at below costs incurred. An
example is selling cell phones below cost price to ensure an increase in sales of user contracts.
MARKET PRICE LEVEL – The suppliers use this strategy if there is keen competition and numerous similar
products that compete on the market therefore use of product differentiation is important to maintain a
competitive advantage.
Eg: Suppliers will differentiate their product by selling additional services such as free delivery or extend
payment terms.
131
CHAPTER 9 – QUANTITY AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
1. Continuity in production and marketing – sufficient inventory ensures that production is continuous.
Low unit costs and constant availability of final products provide marketing opportunities such as
timeous availability and better service to customers which could result in a better competitive
position.
2. Cost savings and hedging against price uncertainties – The enterprise may make use of quantity
discounts and transport in bulk, which means cost savings. Hedging against price in important to
enterprise prone to currency volatility.
3. Protection against supply uncertainties – It serves as protection against breaks in supply caused by
unexpected events, such as strikes and natural disasters.
4. Purchasing costs – Larger less-frequent deliveries must be traded off against the increased cost of
inventory holding and decreased costs of transportation.
Assets that are held for longer than a year acquired for long-term requirements and used in the production of
goods and services and/or the overall running of the enterprise.
132
Examples:
Even administrative auxiliary equipment such as office furniture, computers and fax machines.
Space requirements
The greater the floor space required for the equipment, the more capital is required for the
equipment, the more capital is required fin the form of buildings, factories and warehouses.
The role of purchasing and supply management in the procurement of capital equipment:
Purchasing and supply function does not necessarily play a dominant role in the purchasing of capital
equipment – mainly provide support – give advice and promote supplier relations
Can provide input in the following areas:
(1) provision of information; provide info on availability of suppliers, new equipment, price of capital
equipment etc.
(2) evaluation and selection of suppliers; contribute by investigating potential suppliers including financial
position, management abilities, technical abilities, reputation, after-sales services etc. AND make
recommendations on local, national, international suppliers/ reciprocity AND help compile supplier
assessment
(3) negotiations with suppliers and contractual conditions: help prepare negotiating strategy and define
the contractual conditions of the purchase
133
(4) coordination and administration of the purchase: act as central point where specific purchases are
analysed and considered, assume admin of the purchase and execute the purchasing transaction
(5) specific purchases: purchasing can assume control of standard equipment with relatively low unit
value
TYPES OF LEASES
Advantages:
- provides certainty
- convenient from operating and managerial point of view
- flexible (org not locked into long-term commitments due to capital investments)
- provides org with financial leverage and may increase liquidity
- investment responsibility lies with lessor
- small initial capital outlay required
- expert service, advice, maintenance available
- risk of obsolescence is reduced
- lessor may carry out prior testing before agreement
- lease payments are tax deductible
- allow org to assess equipment over predetermined amount of time
- can serve as buffer against price increases
- can enhance financial position of the org because it doesn’t appear as debt on balance sheet
Disadvantages:
134
CHAPTER 16 – PURCHASING SERVICES
Total Cost – All cost that can be associated with a particular transportation contract.
Speed – Refers to the time required by the contractor to perform a specific task as describe in the
SOW
Reliability – Ability to meet customers’ expectations continuously
Capability - Ability in terms of capacity, staff, equipment and management to perform the services
contract in time
Accessibility – The ease with which a service supplier can be accessible to the various user division or
plants which may be spread geographically
1. THE INTANGIBILITY OF SERVICES – services are experienced by the customer and not delivered in the
sense that a tangible item is.
2. THE HETEROGENEITY OF SERVICES – The implication for purchasing is that services are unlikely to be
interchangeable.
3. SIMULTANEITY IN SERVICE PRODUCTION – there is no lead time in services delivery since service
production and services consumption are simultaneous.
4. THE PERISHABILITY OF SERVICES – Since the production and consumption of services are simultaneous,
services cannot be stored for later use.
5. ENTRY INTO THE MARKET - For most services entry into the market is relatively easy in the sense that
large amounts of capital are seldom requires to become a service provider.
Purchasing function keeps a copy for follow up and expediting as a control measure
The last copy stays in the order book as a permanent record of the transaction.
Reason for order form to be distributed to the functions above:
135
The order form is the source document for a whole series of activities to be performed after the order has
been placed.
1. Communication
If SME is owned by a previously disadvantaged individual there could be cultural and language divides.
Coupled with communication are the issues of prejudice and mistrust and expectations that can’t be
met.
Inaccessible location
No landline
Cell phone switched off
There is an abundance of small suppliers in certain sectors (cleaning, catering, garden maintenance,
clothing and transport industries) but few in areas such as supply of manufactured goods and
technology.
3. Transaction costs
Organisation:
Tracing, evaluating and developing small suppliers, are high in terms of time spent visiting and
making telephonic contact and handling complaints from originators in terms of poor quality
and on-time deliveries.
SME:
Owner is in all likelihood the manager and need to spend time on completing complicated
tenders.
Organisations charge collection fees on tenders
Once a contract has been awarded the SME must familiarise itself with the client’s policies and
procedure and to develop the technical ability to meet the required quality standard.
136
Best practices suggest to organisations that supplier database should be decreased. In reality, when
buying from SME’s, one’s supplier database tends to increase.
SME’s have a lack of resources , poor pricing methods, lack of training, lack of market information and
most importantly quality problems.
137
Possible questions
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
1. Discuss the levels of purchasing and supply planning and objectives –p27 -29
138
Purchasing and supply staff are afforded the opportunity to become experts.
Control over all the aspects of the purchasing and supply function is improved.
Admin costs are reduced
3. What is the advantages of a decentralized structure –p 33 -34
The needs of users can be better satisfied.
Make more efficient use of local suppliers
Different plants maintain there autonomy plant managers are often fully responsible for
the profitability of individual plants.
4. Discuss the advantages of cross-functional purchasing teams- p37
Different perspectives and expertise of team members.
Increased innovation because of informal organizational structures.
Teams accepting responsibility for problem correction
Enhanced communication between functions.
5. Name the steps that you will following the process of evaluating the purchasing and supply
function –p41 – 49
Chapter 3
Supply chain strategy is a sub strategy of overall business strategy, it should therefore be
developed to support overall corporate strategies.
Identify supply chain goals and develop plans to ensure that every process is individually
capable of meeting them.
Develop a system for gathering market intelligence.
Integrate and manage the supplier base by creating long term contracts.
139
Develop a performance measurement system.
4. What is benchmarking? –p63
Benchmarking is a process that allows a company to evaluate its work methods, processes,
service levels or products against meaningful standards.
6. What is the difference between internal and external benchmarking
Internal benchmarking measures the performance of different processes, divisions, business
units or manufacturing units on the same firm against each other.
External benchmarking is a comparison of performance in any number of business activities
between a firm and its competitors within the same industry.
Chapter 4
140
Chapter 5
Formal method is the weighted point supplier performance rating system. Where all
pertinent criteria are weighted according to there importance and each potential
supplier is scored against them.
141
STEP 6: Ongoing measure of supplier performance
Supplier performance measurement can be done using the weighted point evaluation
method
Many organizations base their ongoing measurements on quality, cost reduction, on
time technology and service.
Approved suppliers
Preferred suppliers
Certified suppliers
Chapter 6
2. Discuss the three main ways in which an enterprise may become involved in the
development of suppliers –p97
Purchase of disadvantaged suppliers
Taking action when a product or service is not available.
Performance appraisal of suppliers
142
Chapter 8
Purchasing and supply managers have power over large sums of money; the largest
outflow of funds from an enterprise is from the purchasing department.
Purchasers have the greatest say in which supplier will receive an order.
Due to the above the temptation to act unethically are greater.
Chapter 9
Design quality, specific characteristics of the product that determines its value in the
market place.
Conformance quality, defines how well the product is made with respect to its
design specification.
2. Explain quality from a business perspective – p126
A business management explanation of quality should reflect:
143
Internal customers to a large degree determine the quality of products and services
delivered to the external customer.
The internal quality of the work place is the biggest contributor to employee
satisfaction.
4. Name the elements of internal service quality – p130
Responsiveness needs
Quality of delivered products or services.
Meeting customers expectations
Flexibility in meeting customers changing needs.
Delivering information on time(internal/external)
Explaining service delivery products
Communication level.
5. Name the main characteristics of TQM. – p131
Its is a management philosophy that flows through the whole organization including the
supply chain.
Philosophy of continuous improvement.
All employees of firm and partners in the supply chain have some quality project
responsibilities.
Team problem solving insures that goals are shared and relationships are stabilized.
Feedback of customer satisfaction with regards to quality value of products and services
6. Name the steps that you will use for quality planning. –p132
Analyze the environment from suitable quality may be obtained
Setting quality objectives
Making decisions on quality.
Direct material costs, all materials that can be directly identified in the final product, do
not include small items eg welding rods , cleaning materials.
144
Direct labour costs- all labour that is physically traceable to the final product
or services.
to componets are important labour hours and wage rate.
Purchases own production function may assist in estimating number of labour hours
needed
Topic 4
Capital equipment includes all equipment that is used directly in the manufacturing process
and or the overall running of the enterprise. I.e. drilling machines lathes, fax machines.
Multi purpose equipment- variety of uses various industries longer technological life and
may have considerable salvage values. Forklift.
Single purpose equipment- design to do one or several similar operations, quality of work is
much better. Limited to a single industry unlike multi purpose equipment.
2 Explain the role of purchasing and supply management in the procurement of capital
equipment?
Purchasing and supply management does not play a dominant role in the purchasing of capital
goods, but can give important input in some areas.
In the case of supporting capital goods, the role of the p+s department is mostly supportive and
gives advice and managers supplier relations.
145
The department concentrates on cost savings(to reduce investments) which because of the
nature and magnitude of capital goods purchases are of vital importance.
2 evaluation and selection of suppliers- subordinate role, p+s management should investigate
the financial positioning of its suppliers
Asset involves the propert of the lessor, the lessee pays a fixed regular installment on it normally
in advance for a fixed term
Advantages of leasing:
Disadvantages
146
May be more expensive than other purchasing methods such as loans
The lessor may insist on supervising
There is less freedom of use in action
No residual value for the lesee
Sometimes more difficult to make changes or improvement to the equipment under the
contract.
The service sector is by far the fastest growing one in world trade
Large portion of revenue spent on purchasing services.
Deregulation of previously government controlled service industries.
Reduced costs due to the fact it has received little attention in the past.
Outsourcing of non core activities.
147
MNP2601 May/ June 2013 – Purchasing and supply management
Question 1
1.1 Give three advantages and three disadvantages of a centralised organisational structure for purchasing
and supply management. (6) [TB PG 31]
Advantages Disadvantages
Materials and products are standardised. Staff structure is top heavy
Control is improved There is slow response times to regional plants
Supplier relations are enhanced There is a tendency to bypass the central buying
Duplication of effort is eliminated office
There is less integration with user departments
1.2 Briefly explain the seven steps of the supplier selection process. (7) [TB PG 82 – 84]
Step 1: Identification of potential suppliers: sources of information for initial selection and assessment
Step 2: Pre-screening to reject unsuitable suppliers
Step 3: Conduct Research on potentially suitable suppliers
Step 4: Choose the assessment method and analyse the suppliers
Step 5: Select the supplier or suppliers
Step 6: On-going measurement of supplier performance
Step 7: Supplier accreditation
148
o The depth of the investigation and the criteria used can vary widely depending on
the product or service being purchased.
o Information sources for supplier research includes:
Supplier visits – time consuming and very costly
Supplier surveys or questionnaires
STEP 4: CHOOSE THE ASSESSMENT METHOD AND ANALYSE THE SUPPLIERS
o Assessment methods range from the informal to the formal
o Informal techniques would include the purchasing manager’s judgement for low-
value, non-critical purchases to panel consensus where a group would discuss the
relative merits of each supplier
o Formal method is the weighted –point supplier performance rating where all
pertinent criteria are weighted according to their importance and each potential
supplier is then scored against them
STEP 5: SELECT THE SUPPLIER OR SUPPLIERS
o After studying the assessment in relation to the criteria, the purchasing manager or
the cross-functional team will be in a position to approve the supplier(s).
STEP 6: ONGOING MEASUREMENT OF SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE
o Supplier performance measurement ca be done by using the weighted-point
evaluation method with a rating sheet
STEP 7: SUPPLIER ACCREDITATION
o Suppliers which have gone through the assessment selection and evaluation process
successfully can be classified in three groups:
Approved suppliers – they have met the requirements of the supplier
selection process
Preferred suppliers – they have shown that their past performance
consistently meets and exceeds the organisation’s required levels for criteria
such as quality, cost reduction, delivery & service
Certified suppliers – certification of suppliers is the ultimate supplier
accolade and many organisations hold functions to make such awards.
1.3 Define a “revenue pricing model” in your own words and identify two reasons for suppliers to make use of
this strategy (4). [TB PG 140]
The emphasis in this model is on obtaining sufficient client revenue to pay for operating costs rather than
on profit. The idea is to generate sufficient revenue through sales to keep the firm going. Suppliers use
this strategy to retain skilled labour and improve capacity utilisation in times when there is a downturn in
markets due to a decline in the economic cycle.
1.4 Discuss three characteristics of services which distinguish services from buying goods (3) [TB PG 272]
Services are intangible – experienced, not delivered, perception is reality
Services are heterogeneous – quality varies, difficult to compare
Service production – production and consumption simultaneous
Perishability – cannot be stored for later
Entry to the market – easy, large capital seldom required
INTANGIBILITY OF SERVICES
o Services are experienced by the customer, not delivered to the customer in the sense
that a tangible item is
HETEROGENEITY OF SERVICES
149
oThe variety of services available makes it difficult for the purchasing function to compare
the different services to identify the most suitable supplier.
PERISHIBAILITY OF SERVICES
o Since the production and consumption of services are simultaneous, services cannot be
stored for later consumption
Question 2
2.1 When an order has been placed in the purchasing process, the order from serves as a source document for
all activities to be performed. To which functions or groups should the order form, or copies thereof, be
distributed and for what reasons? (10)
PG52
THE SUPPLIER
o Receives the original order, this is a legal binding step that product/services are to be
rendered
THE FINANCIAL FUNCTION
o Receives a copy for verifying the invoice and for payment
THE RECEIVING FUNCTION
o Receives a copy notifying it to expect a delivery. It is also used for the receiving and
inspection of the goods
THE INSPECTION FUNCTION
o Receives a copy with detailed information on the specifications, enabling it to plan the
inspection task efficiently
THE PURCHASING FUNCTION
o Keeps a copy for follow-up and expediting
2.2 Identify six disadvantages that the decision to outsource may hold for an organisation (6) [TB PG 63-64]
Bring about cost savings if a service provider can offer the product at a lower cost
Specialization by smaller, more streamlined enterprises
Outsourcing contractors can enlarge production capacity, thereby saving large
amounts of capital for additional production facilities
Limit or completely eliminate the inventory (stockpiling) of raw materials
The organisation may benefit by reacting quickly to changes in market demand
150
Service providers specialise in manufacturing products or services
2.3 List four symptoms of poor inventory management (4) [TB PG 173]
An increase in the number of outstanding orders, which may be an indication that timing for
inventory replenishment is poor
An increase in the rand investment in inventory without a definite reason
No storage space from time to time, indicating too much inventory
Increases in obsolete inventory
Question 3
3.1 What is the common role of the purchasing and supply management department in the purchasing of
capital goods? (5) [TB PG 256-258]
3.2 List and explain the problems that organisations face with small disadvantaged business purchasing
programmes. (10) [TB PG 290 – 293]
Communication
Availability of information & suppliers
Transaction costs
Conflicting policies influencing purchaser
Objections and attitudes of purchasers with regard to:
o Financial instability
o Lack of expertise
o Cost
o Location
o Welfare perception
o Risk
o Dependency
o Reverse discrimination
o Tracing and development
o Poor performance
Question 1
In some literature, supply chain management and logistics are sometimes wrongly referred to as being the
same concepts.
151
1.1 Define the concept logistics. Underline the main elements/ phrases of the definition when providing the
definition (Your definition should include at least 4 underlined main elements/ phrases to receive 2 marks)
(2)
Logistics is therefore strongly focused on the physical flow of material goods and services, with a strong
emphasis integrating all these activities so that the total cost in the logistics system is minimized.
Logistics is the part of supply chain management that plans, implements and controls the efficient,
effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between
the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customer’s requirements
1.2 Define the concept supply chain management. Underline the main elements/ phrases of the definition
when providing the definition (Your definition should include at least 6 underlined man elements/ phrases
to receive 3 marks) (3) [TUT101/2016 PG46]
SCM is a management philosophy aimed at integrating a network of upstream linkages, internal linkages
inside the organization and downstream linkages in performing specific processes and activities.These will
ultimately create value for the customer in the form of products and services.
Supply chain management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in
sourcing and procurement, conversion, and all logistics management activities. Importantly it also
includes coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers,
intermediaries, third-party service providers and customers
1.3 In a Table provide the main differences between logistics and supply chain management by comparing
these concepts on certain aspects. (Note use descriptive phrases or short sentences in the table that the
difference becomes clear. Using only cryptic words will be penalised Only answers provided in a table will
be marked) (10)
152
organisation as well as other organisation
organisations
Question 2
A management decision to centralise a purchasing and supply management function could have both
advantages and disadvantages. Describe ANY 5 advantages for centralising the purchasing and supply
function. Your discussion should include headings AND next to every heading a short explanation (or example)
of why/how this is an advantage for the business. (10)
9. Materials and products are standardised 7. There is a slow response time to regional
10. Negotiating power is increased and plants
volume discounts are made possible 8. There is resentment from geographically
11. Staff are afforded the opportunity of dispersed business unit management
becoming experts 9. There is a tendency to bypass the central
Centralised 12. Control is improved buying office
13. Administrative costs are reduced 10. There is less integration with user
14. Supplier relations are enhanced departments
15. Information systems integration is 11. Staff structure is top heavy
facilitated 12. There is lack of insight into the
16. Duplication of effort is eliminated requirements of dispersed plant units
153
o
When the purchasing function is decentralised duplication of activities are done
and more staff are employed to do similar tasks thus it when centralised
duplication of this activities is eliminated
CONTROL IS IMPROVED
o Control is improved as all tasks are performed centrally and when errors are
made it is easy to intervene immediately
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ARE REDUCED
o Less staff is employed to do similar tasks.
Question 3
Toyota SA car manufacturer needs to carefully select the suppliers of different components and parts used in
their vehicles. According to the textbook the main key performance indicators of supplier assessment are (a)
cost, (b) quality, (c) delivery and (d) environmental issues. Discuss how a purchaser at Toyota would assess
potential suppliers on the criteria (a) – (d)
(In your answer, you have to use the headings (a) – (d), give a short theoretical discussion and then APPLY to
Toyota) (10) [TB PG 78-81 & TUT101/2016 PG39]
Cost
o If the supplier is productive, cost savings can lead to better prices for the purchaser. (1)
o Understanding suppliers’ cost structure – lengthy process – sometimes even just estimates. Need
to understand materials costs, direct and indirect labour costs, manufacturing costs and
overheads.(1)
o Toyota: Assessing suppliers’ cost structure would help the Toyota purchaser to determine if a fair
price is paid. If any defects are detected, the Toyota purchaser should realise that the price might
be higher than necessary – thus increasing the cost of the final vehicle. Toyota wants to minimise
input costs and should find the best price on parts without compromising quality. (1)
Quality
o Quality products influence the productivity of the organisation due to fewer operational
interruptions and better working conditions. (1)
o This will increase the quality of the final product, leading to better customer service and
satisfaction and enhanced competitive advantage. (1)
o Toyota: Spare parts of poor quality can lead to poor performance of vehicles and fatalities (for
example the previous disaster with petrol cables). Poor quality can also result in a poor image
and decreased loyalty for Toyota (people will buy from competitors such as Nissan and Ford). (1)
Delivery
o To reduce costs, lower inventories are needed. This might lead to suppliers making smaller, but
more frequent, deliveries. Late deliveries can result in production delays. The risk of being out of
stock should be managed. (1)
o Toyota: If parts are late, the whole production line could be stopped – resulting in increased
costs. Being late to deliver could lead to lost sales of cars. With the JIT system, non-delivery can
have a disastrous knock-on effect. (1)
Environmental issues
o Be sensitive and sensible in terms of waste disposal; ISO 14001 compliant; re-use, recycle and
remanufacture. (1)
o Toyota: CO² emissions from cars should be managed, remanufacturing if mistakes made in
manufacturing, minimum waste and pollution from plant. (1)
Question 4
4.1 Delivering quality will incur costs. In literature three categories of quality cost are identified. Discuss the
three different categories using the type of cost as headings AND provide two relevant examples when
discussing every type of cost. (9) [TB PG 114 -115 & TUT101/2016 PG37-38]
154
Prevention costs (both a heading and description for 1 mark): These are costs relating to preventing
quality errors and the costs of changing the product design and production process to prevent the
errors. (1)
Any 2 examples for ½ mark each: equipment adjustments and calibration; process redesign and
control; quality planning; supplier capacity surveys; quality training of own and supplier's staff. (1)
Appraisal costs (both a heading and description for 1 mark): These are costs incurred when products
and services are inspected to ensure that inadequate quality materials do not enter the internal
operational processes. (1)
Any 2 examples for ½ mark each: cost of incoming inspections as well as of the supplier; testing
purchased material; in-process, semi-finished and final product inspection; supplier audits; recording
and processing data related to quality. (1)
Failure costs (both a heading and description for 1 mark): These are costs incurred when products
reach the customer that do not comply with the quality expectations of the customer. (1)
o Internal failure costs (both a heading and description for 1 mark): These are incurred after
production and before delivery to the internal/external customer. (1)
Examples of internal failure costs: cost of scrap; disposal; rework; redoing inspections;
production downtime; processing waste. (1)
o External failure costs (both a heading and description for 1 mark): These are incurred after
products have left the organisation, in the distribution channel or in the hand of the final
consumer. (1)
Examples of external failure costs: customer returns and replacing faulty products; warranty
claims; legal costs; costs due to product recalls; cost of lost customers.(1)
4.2 In the business world, a shift is made from correcting inadequate quality to preventing deviations from
quality requirements. Provide one reason for this shift. (1)
Question 5
Leasing capital equipment can be an alternative to obtain the use of capital equipment. You have always been
of the opinion that leasing might be a more viable option. Explain any ten reasons you have for choosing
leasing in such a way that the advantage of leasing becomes clear with every reason discussed. Use headings in
your discussion. (10) [TB PG 266]
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It is very flexible in the sense that organisations are not locked into long-term commitments
due to capital investments
It provides an organisation with financial leverage because leasing typically replaces a large
capital outlay with smaller and regular payments
The investment responsibility lies with the lessor
A small initial capital outlay is required
Expert service, advice and maintenance are often available
The risk of obsolescence is reduced
Lease payments are tax deductible
Leasing may serve as a buffer against price increases
Question 1
Assume that Amazon.com decides to outsource all outbound transportation services for the delivery of parcels
to final consumers to approved courier services. Discuss the way in which Amazon.com’s purchasing and
supply management would consider the following five key variables in acquiring these outbound
transportation services. (Use the same headings, 1.1 to 1.5 below, in your discussion, followed by a short
theoretical explanation and then an application of the theory to Amazon.com. Make sure that you write your
answer in the prescribed, structure way.)
(i) Define the concept of standardisation from a purchasing and supply point of view in terms of
quality decisions (2) [TB PG 119]
Standardisation is the process of developing and agreeing on uniform, technical product and
service specifications related to appearance, performance, measurement criteria, methods,
processes and practices.
Standardisation is the process of developing and agreeing on uniform, technical product and
service specifications related to appearance, performance, measurement criteria, methods,
processes, and practices
Standard items is derived from mainly three sources:
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o International standards
o National standards and
o Business standards
Standardisation implies that the characteristics of items have to comply with a specific
minimum acceptable standard.
(ii) Discuss any Four circumstances under which standardisation may be considered during
purchasing decisions. (Use headings to structure your discussion.) (8) [TB PG 120]
Standardisation may be employed fruitfully when the firm is experiencing severe price
competition or inflation and it becomes necessary to curtail costs in order to stay
competitive.
Standardisation may be used when the demand for a product is uncertain or temporary
and a firm does not wish to invest substantially in the manufacture and purchase of non-
standard items.
Standard items may be used when there is doubt about a suppliers ability to maintain
constant quality, or when rejections due to poor quality are relatively high on arrival or
during production.
Standardised items are obviously require less technical skill which is helpful when a firms
employees in the production and purchasing functions are no technically highly skilled.
Standardisation may also be used when a firm is experiencing a shortage of funds, which
sometimes happens in newly established business. Less stock needs to be carried,
reducing the need for storage space.
(iii) From a purchasing point of view, the cost-saving results of standardisation are significant. Briefly
discuss any five ways in which cost savings in purchasing may be affected through
standardisation. (make sure that you show the way in which cost savings are achieved Use Bullets
to structure your answer) (5)
Less stock needs to be kept to when a standard item is suited to many applications.
Larger quantities may be ordered at a time, creating the opportunity for negotiating larger discounts.
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Inspection and quality control of the incoming goods are facilitated or even eliminated when
standardized products and standardized quality assurance procedures are part of the supplier base
management philosophy of the purchasing organization.
The possibility of mistakes and doubts when orders are placed or eliminated
The usually cheaper standard items may reduce the cost of final products which makes the firms
competitive position to improve.
Less stock needs to be kept when a standard item is suited to many applications,
and this reduces inventory-carrying costs
Larger quantities may be ordered at a time, creating the opportunity for
negotiating larger quantity discounts, with lower purchasing costs as a result.
The possibility of mistakes and doubts when orders are placed is largely
eliminated, since the standard description can be used.
The firm’s competitive position may improve, since the usually cheaper standard
items may reduce the cost of final products so that the firm can quote lower
prices
Standard items are more readily available, thus less effort is taken in
administration costs.
2.2 A clear distinction can be made between the concepts of logistics management and supply chain
management. In a table, briefly describe the distinctions between logistic and supply chain management
(Please note that your answer will not be marked if it is not in the form of a table and the short relevant
descriptions required) (10)
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organisation as well as other organisation
organisations
Question 3
(ii) Give any two examples of capital equipment (you have to give two relevant examples to receive
one mark.) (1)
Drilling machines lathes, fax machines
MULTIPURPOSE EQUIPMENT
o Eg. Forklifts, computer systems and furniture
SINGLE PURPOSE EQUIPMENT
o Eg. Specialised machine tools and new manufacturing plants
(iii) When purchasing capital equipment, purchasing and supply should also take into account
qualitative considerations. Discuss any six Qualitative factors to consider when buying capital
equipment. (12)
Reliability of equipment – risk if breakdown
Flexibility of equipment – single or multi
Space requirements – adding equipment
Effect of quality of end products – fewer rejections
Durability of equipment – life expectancy/robust
Departmental preference – everyone’s input
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o Breakdowns means higher costs, loss of goodwill due to deliveries and unnecessarily
high investments in spares
FLEXIBILITY OF THE EQUIPMENT
o The versatility of application of the equipment to be used for purposed other than
those for which it was primarily acquired
o Higher flexibility reduces the risk of obsolescence, in contrast with single-purpose
equipment that can be used for only one or few operations
SPACE REQUIREMENTS
o Capital is required to provide space taken up by equipment.
o The greater the floor space required for the equipment, the more capital is required
in the form of buildings, factories and warehouses
o Technological innovation in photocopiers and computers have resulted in significant
space saving
SAFETY OF THE EQUIPMENT
o To ensure that staff members are willing and able to operate equipment
o Unsafe equipment can lead to industrial accidents, production loses and even low
worker morale
EFFECT OF QUALITY OF END PRODUCTS
o Quality conscious manufacturers who require very small tolerances can compare
alternative on the basis of the finished product
o Equipment that can consistently provide the required quality ensured fewer
rejections and defective end products which in turn eliminate production losses
DURABILITY OF THE EQUIPMENT
o Technical and economic life expectancy of equipment is reflected in its durability or
the rate at which it depreciates in value
o Durability of equipment indicates if it is sufficiently robust for its intended use.
3.2 Management has to decide on either a centralised or a decentralised organisational structure for
purchasing and supply management. In a table briefly describe the following.
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functions many offices
There is good service delivery to regional There is duplication of staff and facilities
plants Control over the function is much more
There is faster reaction time to user difficult
departments in emergencies There is a greater likelihood of
Decentralised Support of local suppliers generates communications breakdown
goodwill There is focus on local units and under-
There is greater autonomy for profit emphasis on strategic issues
centres
Interdivisional competition can improve
purchasing performance
(In order for your answer to be marked, you should answer in bullet form in a table and describe the
advantages and disadvantages clearly)
Question 1
Green Harvest is a family company with 15 years of professional experience in the manufacture and sale of
rooibos tea. They are considering going into the coffee business. They have the options of wither importing the
coffee ingredients and making the coffee product or buying the finished coffee product. Green Harvest has
come to you for advice. Discuss the decision to make or buy coffee by highlighting the favourable
circumstances in the each option. (10) [TB PG 70 – 71 & TUT101/2016 PG40]
Circumstances that will favour buying the coffee or outsourcing the service:
If Green Harvest has a strong purchasing corps that can buy the ingredients efficiently, they will buy.
When there are inadequate facilities to make the coffee (or better investment possibilities instead of
investing in coffee-making facilities), they will rather buy or outsource the coffee making.
When the operational staff’s knowledge and skills are inadequate in terms of producing coffee,
buying the finished coffee product or outsourcing to an experienced coffee manufacturer would be
better.
When the demand for the product or service is relatively small and only temporary, it would be better
to buy or outsource instead of making long-term commitments in terms of coffee making.
When it is cheaper to buy than to make, it makes sense economically to buy the coffee.
Circumstances that will favour making the coffee or insourcing the service:
When it costs Green Harvest less to produce the coffee, they would consider making the coffee or
insourcing.
When there are no or only a few reliable suppliers, they almost have no other option than to make
the coffee themselves.
When there is available capacity, it could be used to make coffee instead of having idle machines.
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When Green Harvest’s quality requirements are so stringent that suppliers cannot meet them, they
should rather manufacture themselves to prevent losses due to quality errors.
For competitive, political, social and environmental reasons, they might prefer to make the coffee
themselves (for example when a competitor in the coffee business has acquired an interest in the
only supplier of coffee ingredients, or when Green Harvest is prevented from importing the coffee by
the authorities).
Question 2
2.1 In a table, shortly explain why a supply manager would consider a decentralised purchasing and supply
organisational structure by referring to the following.
- THERE ARE BETTER RELATIONS BETWEEN DECENTRALISED PURCHASING AND OTHER FUNCTIONS
- THERE IS GOOD SERVICE DELIVERY TO REGIONAL PLANTS
- THERE IS FASTER REACTION TIME TO USER DEPARTMENTS IN EMERGENCIES
- SUPPORT OF LOCAL SUPPLIERS GENERATES GOODWILL
- THERE IS GREATER AUTONOMY FOR PROFIT CENTRES
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Interdivisional competition can improve
purchasing performance
2.2 KFC has been baking their own bread in each of their franchises. Recently, they received the opportunity to
outsource the bread baking to an independent baker. This baker will bake all the bread and distribute it to the
different franchises. Discuss 4 advantages and 4 disadvantages the help KFC in their decision of whether they
should outsource or not. (Take note that the advantages and disadvantages should be relevant to KFC) [TB PG
63]
Advantages Disadvantages
Cost savings Dependency on enterprises – captive supplier
Specialisation Unsuccessful development of supplier
Better competitive position Over involvement in development of contractors
Enlarged production capacity Double outsourcing
Limit inventory Loss of confidentiality
Increase response to market Lack of cost control
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ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Bring about cost savings if a service provider can offer Contractors become dependent on the enterprise
the product at a lower cost with the accompanying dangers of a captive supplier
Specialization by smaller, more streamlined An enterprise becomes over-involved in the
enterprises development of contractors or service providers and
may never reach the point where it is able to
continue without intensive assistance from the
organisation
Outsourcing contractors can enlarge production Loss of service provider focus
capacity, thereby saving large amounts of capital for
additional production facilities
Limit or completely eliminate the inventory Lack of clarity
(stockpiling) of raw materials
2.3 Although inventory costs should be kept to a minimum, organisations realise that keeping inventory
remains essential. Discuss the reasons for holding inventory.
5. Continuity in production and marketing – sufficient inventory ensures that production is continuous.
Low unit costs and constant availability of final products provide marketing opportunities such as
timeous availability and better service to customers which could result in a better competitive
position.
6. Cost savings and hedging against price uncertainties – The enterprise may make use of quantity
discounts and transport in bulk, which means cost savings. Hedging against price in important to
enterprise prone to currency volatility.
7. Protection against supply uncertainties – It serves as protection against breaks in supply caused by
unexpected events, such as strikes and natural disasters.
8. Purchasing costs – Larger less-frequent deliveries must be traded off against the increased cost of
inventory holding and decreased costs of transportation.
Question 3
3.1 Shoprite is in the process of opening a new store in Ghana; however, they are uncertain about owning a
warehouse or leasing it to assist Shoprite:
(a) List and discuss the types of leases options available to Shoprite (4)
Financial Leasing
o Used to obtain financial leverage
Operating Leasing
o Facilitate business operation
Financial leases:
- used to obtain financial leverage and related longer-term financial benefits
- long term and covers a time period slightly shorter than the approximate life of the
warehouse leased.
- Lessor pays for the asset and owns it
- Lessee pays rental that covers the capital cost of the asset with a service charge
- Lessee is responsible for insurance, servicing and maintenance
Operating leases:
- used to facilitate business operations
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- the focus is on operating convenience
- the asset is not wholly amortised during the obligatory period of the lease
- lessor is responsible for servicing, maintenance and updating equipment
- short term and used when organisation has a temporary need for warehouse but not
interested in owning it
3.2 List and give a short description of the 8 most commonly used criteria for the assessment of suppliers.
3.3 Price determination in the supply activity can be based on the type of product. Discuss the type of price
determination typically relevant when deciding on the price of the following type of product (also include one
example of the type of product in your discussion):
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RAW MATERIALS - such copper, wheat and crude oil which are bought on world commodity markets and
require special skills of commodity purchasers or commodity brokers. Usually prices are fixed in these markets
CAPITAL GOODS – price determination for capital goods is a complicated process and is usually performed by
management team since it has major financial implications for the firm. Eg. Buildings, plant and machinery.
ITEMS FOR RESALE – Prices are largely influenced by what prices the market will be willing to buy. Unique
purchasing and pricing methods are used by shops like pick and pay. Eg. Groceries
Question 1
In the case study, numerous examples are given of the manner in which The Coca-cola Company accepts their
purchasing and supply social responsibilities Discuss, with relevant examples, the manner in which The Coca-
Cola Company has met the discretionary responsibilities expected by the Ghanaian community structure your
answer by discussing two activities related to each of the following (if the case study does not have examples,
you may make relevant assumptions)[TB PG 92]
Purchasing and supply should also encourage members of the supply chain to add value in the
community.
1.3 Ethics
Ethics form an important part of the King III report. According to this report senior managers should
take responsibility for the ethical (or unethical) conduct in their organisations. The key requirements
stipulated by the King III report:
The company board should ensure that the company is and is seen to be a responsible
corporate citizen through the development and implementation of strategies and policies in
relation to economic, social and environmental impacts
Leadership should be effective and based on an ethical foundation
The board should ensure that management cultivates a culture of ethical conduct through
the creation of an ethical risk profile; and the establishment of a code of conduct through the
integration of ethics into all company practices, procedures, policies and conduct and
through the assessment, monitoring, reporting and disclosure of the company’s ethics
performance.
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The assurance of the company’s ethics performance supported by and assurance statement
in the integrated report is recommended
Question 2
2.1 According to the case study, Project last Mile applies The Coca Cola Compnay’s supply chain expertise in
distributing critical medical supplier to remote communities in Ghana. The government agencies responsible
for managing and distributing the medical supplies purchased transportation services from the Coca-Cola
Company. Discuss the five key variables in transport decision making that the government agencies most
probably used.[TB PG 279]
Total Cost – All cost that can be associated with a particular transportation contract.
Speed – Refers to the time required by the contractor to perform a specific task as describe in the
SOW
Reliability – Ability to meet customers’ expectations continuously
Capability - Ability in terms of capacity, staff, equipment and management to perform the services
contract in time
Accessibility – The ease with which a service supplier can be accessible to the various user division or
plants which may be spread geographically
2.2 Inventory shortages can cause serious disruptions in the organisation. Discuss the costs incurred when
inventory shortages are experienced (Note This Question is a theory question and not application to the case
study is required) [TB PG 157]
2.3 Discuss the way in which organisations can benefit from buying from only one or a limited number of
suppliers (Note this question is a theory question and no application to the case study is required)
ANSWER HERE
Question 3
3.1 In the process of strategic sourcing, a matrix can be used to divide the spending on purchased products and
services into four categories. Provide a detailed diagram of the four quadrants of the strategic sourcing matrix
(note only diagrams will be marked. This question is theory question and no application to the case study is
required)
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3.2 The Coca-Cola Company may experience failure costs as part of quality costs while manufacturing
Schweppes Malt Considering this, define the different types of failure costs and give one relevant example per
category. (5)
Are costs that are incurred after production and before delivery to the internal or external customer.
Examples are cost of scrap disposal, rework and redoing inspections, production down time and processing
waste.
Examples are customer returns and replacement of faulty products, warranty claims, cost of legal action and
the costs associated with product recalls. Often included in this category is the cost of lost customers, which is
very difficult to determine accurately.
3.3 Due to the specialised task of sanitising the water used in manufacturing beverages at The Coca-Cola
Company, Management is uncertain whether to outsource this task to an independent company.
(a) Why would The Coca-Cola Company consider outsourcing the task of water sanitisation instead of
performing it in-house? (5)
Cost savings
Specialisation
Better competitive position
Enlarged production capacity
Limit inventory
Increase response to market
(b) Why would the Coca-Cola Company prefer insourcing the using an external service provider? (5)
1.1 From the case study can be deduced that the approach followed when determining the price of maize is
based on prevailing market prices
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Motivate this statement from the case study (3)
(If the case does not provide specific information to substantiate your answer you are allowed to make
relevant assumptions)
(a) Discuss how silo owners can use standardisation in terms of the white maize received from the
farmers (2)
Standard items may be used when there is doubt about a suppliers ability to maintain constant
quality, or when rejections due to poor quality are relatively high on arrival or during production.
Standardised items are obviously require less technical skill which is helpful when a firms employees
in the production and purchasing functions are no technically highly skilled.
Standardisation may also be used when a firm is experiencing a shortage of funds, which sometimes
happens in newly established business. Less stock needs to be carried, reducing the need for storage
space.
(b) Discuss how standardisation implemented by silo owners would benefit the small-scale millers who
purchase from these silos (2)
Standardisation may be employed fruitfully when the firm is experiencing severe price competition or
inflation and it becomes necessary to curtail costs in order to stay competitive.
Standardisation may be used when the demand for a product is uncertain or temporary and a firm
does not wish to invest substantially in the manufacture and purchase of non-standard items.
(You may make relevant assumptions if the case does not provide relevant information to substantiate
your answer)
Question 2
2.1 Discuss any 9 supplier selection criteria when assessing suppliers. Your discussion should also include one
relevant example for criterium. (19)
Quality and quality accreditations
Price, cost and cost structure
Delivery
Time
Flexibility
Service
Financial status
(OPC) – Operations planning and control
The technology and process capability
Supply chain management
Environmental issues, and social responsibility
BBB EE
Capabilities, responsiveness and motivation: present and future
Geographical Location
(This question is a basic theory question and no application to the case study is required)
2.2 Based on the case study, the small-scale millers produce maize products at affordable prices. Categorise
ANY 3 types of inventory held at the small-scale milling plants by providing a short discussion of the inventory
categories and a relevant example. (6) [TB PG 154]
(You may make relevant assumptions if the case does not provide relevant information to substantiate your
answer.)
Production Inventories:
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Raw materials, materials and components required in production process – Corn
Maintenance Inventories:
Materials that support the manufacturing process but not necessarily included in final product – Light Bulbs
Question 3
3.1 If suppliers are using price analysis to determine selling prices, discuss the six different pricing models to
assist them in determining prices (19) [TB PG 140]
(This question is a basic theory question and no application to the case study is required)
3.2 From the case can be deduced that decisions should be made on appropriate milling machines as part of
small-scale millers capital equipment. Explain shortly what the decision about milling machines mean in terms
of the following qualitative considerations: [TB PG 258-259]
(a) Reliability
(b) Flexibility
(c) space
Space requirements
The greater the floor space required for the equipment, the more capital is required for the
equipment, the more capital is required fin the form of buildings, factories and warehouses.
(d) safety
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Effect on the quality of end products
Equipment that can consistently provide the required quality ensures fewer rejections and defective
end products which in turn eliminate production losses.
(f) durability
(If the case does not provide specific information to substantiate your answer you are allowed to make
relevant assumptions) (6)
Strategic sourcing
Is about managing the cost of purchase of goods and services. Can also be defined as the
strategic management process where by commodities and suppliers are analysed and
relationships are formed and managed according to the best practices and appropriate
strategies in support of long term organisational goal. Ref pg 60
Strategic sourcing process starts with the building of a multifunctional teal which may
consists of a purchasing manager, operation manager, information system manager,
financial or marketing manager, an engineer and legal advisor.
Team should fully understand the relative importance of the item or service for reaching
business objectives. They should make a spend analysis of total expenditure for each
commodity and supplier and spending on the commodity as a percentage of total spending.
3) Developing a strategy
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Four catergories of the product are: routine, leverage, bottleneck, critical.
Routine items-supply risk are low, many suppliers, high availability, standard specification,
low amount to spend and easy substitution possibility. e.g Stationery like pens
Leverage items-supply risk are low,available alternative source of supply, standard product
specification, large amount is spend,substitution is possible. Tenders and quotes can be
used as the method of choosing a supplier. e.g computer hardware
Bottleneck items-risk are high, the market is monopolistic, specification and manufacturing
are complex, low amount spent,substitution is difficult.e. g fuel supply, often sorcing had 2
be done across country borders.
Critical items- risk are high, there is a limited or no competition, spend is high, difficult
substitution, design and quality are complex and critical.e.g sourcing components for mining
machines.
The contract is negotiated with the identified supplier and the strategy is implemented in
terms of timelines, resources and accountability
An appropriate relationship should be formed and managed. The basis for managing a
relationship should be the performance evaluation of suppliers. Pg 61 and 62
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Tactical reasons-they are sourcing because they want to reduce operating and control costs,
to free up internal resources,to receive an important cash infusion, to improve performance
and to able to manage a function that is out of control.
Strategic reason- reason may be to improve company focus, to maintance access to world
class capabilities, to gain access to resources that are not available internally, to accelerate
re engineering benefits, to improve customer satisfaction and to increase flexibility and
share risks.
Outsourcing considerations and decisions are often triggered by technology and demand
trends such as new product development, strategy development, poor internal and external
performance and competences, changing demand patterns and shifting technology life
cycle.
Core activities are primary activities to create and deliver product and services to the
customer. Organisations prefer to keep core activities and particularly core competences
inside the organisation and to outsouce all non core.
During this phase the outsourcing team may as a result of non cost factors either decide to
perform an activity inside or finally decide to go ahead with outsourcing. Non cost factors
are control of production service and quality, design secrecy, unreliable suppliers, suppliers
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specialized knowledge and research, volume of requirements, availability to facilities,
workforce stability.
In this phase an efoort is made to measure all the costs involved in the internal provision
and external sourcing of the activity.
Cost to be included in the insourcing analysis are,1) operating cost; direct labour, fringe
benefits, direct labour and indirect labour, 2) interest on capital of additional equipment, 3)
equipment depreciation,4) fixed overheads, 5) engineering /design research / learning.
A purchasing and supply policy document should make provision for the firms policy on the
use of international, national or local suppliers
Advanced technical expertise, better quality, lower costs due to lower labour costs, large
production capacity or large product range.
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Disadvantages of using overseas supplier:
Higher transport cost, longer lead times due to long distance, more administration,
exchange rate and political risks and cultural factors.
Low transport cost, shorter lead times and consequently smaller inventories, improved
communication, express orders being easier to expedite, more reliable service, better
personal relatyionship with suppliers, the possibily to implement JIT system.
Another issuer on which policy is required is by where purchases should be made directly
from manufacturer or from distribution
-dispersed location of warehouse of many distributors in the market make shorter lead
times and better after sale service possible
-marketing services such as transport, storage reordering, financing and assistance with
promotions and advertisement.
4) Size of supplier
The size of the suppliers that will be used for the provision of certain product or service
depends on the size of the enterprise.
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5) Suppliers development
There are main 3 ways inwhich an enterprise may become involved in development of
suppliers.
6) Reciprocacy
Simply means buy from you because u buy from me. Whether or not to accept a policy on
reciprocity is an issue arousing much controversy and debate.
The decision to manufacture oneself or to but from a supplier is also a contemporary one.
Cost implication had to be considered before decision taken.
8) Captive suppliers
Are suppliers who are too dependent on one client for their survival.
9) Environmental protection
Purchase should be made with a great caution and the following three main aspects
concerning the environment should be taken into account
-do the suppliers mission, supporting policy and measures protect the environment during
the manufacturing of products?
-are the right product and quantities purchased to prevent obsolecence and waste.
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