1. Why is it important to clearly separate the make or buy from the geography decision? Have companies in the past always followed this approach versus just following some industry best practice? Google some examples for the latter incorporating keywords such as "bandwagoning" and/or "mimicking".
2. searched one recent outsourcing case. How did they do it? Which of the four stages can you identify in the information provided ? Do you think they missed something?
3. What are typical pitfalls? Pick one and describe why a company might fall into that trap despite knowing better what do rationally? What could be drivers and circumstances under which companies are particularly prone to such errors?
4. Is there a "most important" supplier selection criterion? If so, what is it, and why? Does your answer depend on what industry? Does it depend on the type of product? Explain your thought process. Finally, imagine you are preparing for a job interview. What steps would you take to identify the most important selection criteria in your dream industry.
5. Imagine you are going to start your job search. Pick an industry and develop a matrix for a multi-criteria analysis. What criteria will you use? How important is each criterion? Now, identify three industry leaders and evaluate them using your matrix.