RACI breakdown... including managers from building and property maintenance, engineering, plant stakeholders, and purchasing.

Initial Supplier Assessment $($Weeks $1-2)$: The Steel Company conducts a comprehensive assessment of potential suppliers, focusing on their reliability, contract terms, and regulatory risks. This stage involves gathering data through industry reports and third$-$party evaluations to ensure a thorough understanding of each supplier's capabilities.

Cost$-$Benefit Analysis $($Weeks $3-4)$: After assessing suppliers, the company performs a detailed cost$-$benefit analysis. This analysis compares the cost savings and price stability offered by each supplier against the potential risks involved. The goal is to identify which supplier presents the best overall value.

Negotiation of Contract Terms $($Weeks $5-6)$: The Steel Company enters negotiations with the selected supplier, aiming to secure favorable contract terms. This includes discussions about price stability, flexibility, and potential exit clauses to mitigate financial risks.

Implementation of Payment Strategy $($Weeks $7-8)$: The company decides to adopt "Net $30"$ payment terms with the chosen supplier, emphasizing the importance of making prompt payments to take advantage of early payment discounts. This strategic move is designed to improve cash flow and enhance cost$-$effectiveness.

Collaboration and Multi$-$Sourcing Opportunities $($Weeks $9-10)$: The Steel Company leverages the connections provided by the supplier to explore multi$-$sourcing opportunities with energy service firms. This collaboration aims to diversify the company's energy procurement strategy, reducing dependency on a single supplier.

Monitoring and Evaluation $($Weeks $11-12)$: The final phase involves establishing measurable goals and key performance indicators $($KPIs$)$ to monitor the success of the collaboration. The company evaluates the impact of the implemented strategies on operational efficiency and financial performance.