DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Why are more top managers recognizing the importance of purchasing$/$supply management?

What is the difference between purchasing and supply management? What is the difference between a supply chain orientation and supply chain

management?

What is the difference between a supply chain and a value chain?

Do you think organizational purchasers should behave like entrepreneurs? Why or why not?

What are some of the factors that might influence how important purchasing is to the success of an organization?

What knowledge and skills do you feel are required for a purchasing professional?

Why does the collective behavior of supply managers have such an impact on economic trends?

Why are supply base innovation and risk management two future areas that will consume more of the supply manager's day?

Discuss the four enablers of purchasing and supply chain excellence.

Would you agree that the importance of the individual supply chain management activities vary with the type of business $($e$.$g$.,$ purchasing vs$.$ inbound

transportation$)$ and provide examples?

Briefly discuss each of the seven periods in the evolution of purchasing and supply management. What do you forecast for the future?