Three major challenges facing supply executives when setting supply strategies and objectives are:

Multiple Choice

$(1)$ How can we simultaneously provide uninterrupted supply and minimize inventory? $(2)$ How can we improve quality while reducing our supply base? and, $(3)$ How can we increase our involvement in outsourcing decisions?

$(1)$ What is the effective interpretation of corporate objectives and supply objectives? $(2)$ What is the appropriate action plan or strategy to achieve the desired objectives? and, $(3)$ How can supply issues be identified and integrated into organizational objectives and strategies?

$(1)$ Should we pre$-$certify suppliers? $(2)$ Should we allow internal users to purchase certain categories of purchases? and, $(3)$ Should we increase or decrease the number of suppliers in our supply base?

$(1)$ Should we have a centralized or decentralized purchasing structure? $(2)$ Should we hire managers trained in supply management or in technical fields? and, $(3)$ Should we outsource any or all of the purchasing function?

$(1)$ How many suppliers should we do business with? $(2)$ Which suppliers should we select? and, $(3)$ What type of relationship should we have with these suppliers?