When starting a study of the purchasing and supply management functions, it is important for us to recognize the real world importance of this activity in the success of companies. Fortunately, there is a lot of coverage in the business press of how supply management can significantly impact the bottom line.

For this Discussion, research news articles and provide an example where the purchasing or supply management activities have made either a significant positive or negative impact on an organization.

Make sure to describe:

The organization, what they do and their situation.

The particular event and the impact it had.

How this can be prevented if it was a negative impact, and how it can be repeated, if it was a positive impact.