Continuing from Question $1$ on Best Battery Co$.$

The management of Best Battery had decided to outsource the production of the entire new

battery. The rationale was Best Battery$$s strength lies in its product design, development,

proprietary technology, and global sales and distribution channels. Best Battery$$s

manufacturing cost structure and quality capability had fallen behind the industry best

practices.

This is Best Battery$$s first outsourcing project. Nick, the new metals category manager of Best

Battery, has been tasked to strategically source a supplier partner of global standards for this

new battery.

Nick undertook extensive market research, attended trade shows and engaged with industry

contacts. He identified a total of $33$ potential suppliers all over the world.

$($a$)$ Nick is happy that he has identified so many potential suppliers. However, he knows

that he can$$t propose the entire list to the management.

He shared that he has found suppliers who are:

$$ Original Equipment Manufacturers $($OEM$),$ Original Design Manufacturers

$($ODM$),$ Original Brand Manufacturers $($OBM$),$

$$ competitors, non$-$competitors,

$$ local $($domestic$),$ regional and global suppliers,

$$ single site, multiple$-$site factories,

$$ with differing quality standards certifications,

$$ business of smaller, similar, larger size than Best Battery,

$$ reputable with industry track record, $$best kept secret$$ industry unknown,

exciting high potential new supplier, supplier with new technology

LOG$304$ Group$-$based Assignment

SINGAPORE UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES $($SUSS$)$ Page $5$ of $6$

He is struggling to shortlist these suppliers. He consults you on the $$next steps$$ he

should take to progress on with the project. How would you help Nick appraise his

sourcing strategy?

$(15$ mark