When evaluating potential suppliers for a global sourcing initiative, a company emphasizes the importance of Total Cost of Ownership $($TCO$).$ Which of the following factors is least likely to be a direct component of TCO in global sourcing decisions?

Question $15$Answer

a$.$

Direct costs such as the purchase price and shipping

b$.$

Exchange rate fluctuations and their impact on cost

c$.$

The economic growth rate of the supplier$$s country

d$.$

Indirect costs related to quality control and delays