Apple has received multiple awards for its supply chain strategy. Recently, for example, Gartner, a US-based research and advisory company, awarded Apple its inaugural "Masters" award after previously ranking Apple No. 1 on its Top 25 Supply Chains" list for the past 5 years One key aspect of Apple's supply chain is its use of multiple suppliers for the same component. Apple has a number of exclusive long-term agreements with its key suppliers and uses prepayments to negotiate favorable pricing terms, secure strategic raw materials and guarantee high volumes of production. For your deep dive, discuss procurement at Apple Inc., its strategy, its function, and how it is managed. Provide analysis and insights based on your research, incorporating relevant data, statistics , and examples . Questions to Answer In This Deep Dive What are key objectives and goals of Apple's procurement function ? What is the overall procurement strategy at Apple Inc. and how has it changed over time ? What is the organizational structure (and key personnel ) involved in Apple's procurement