Why do organizations commit the resources and time to evaluate suppliers before making a supplier selection decision? Discuss why purchasers have both distributors and manufacturers in their supply base. What are some possible indicators on a supplier visit that might determine whether the managers in a company are forward looking and or whether the company is capable of becoming a best-in-class supplier? What are the issues or questions purchasing needs to address when evaluating whether a supplier is a candidate for a longer-term relationship? Discuss a situation in which a purchaser might select a supplier that is having financial difficulties.