problem 1:

For organizations to develop an effective purchasing strategy it requires time, patience, and a determination to make fundamental changes.  It is not easy and will often be met by serious and well-entrenched objections which must be overcome by persuasive arguments couched in terms used by dynamic business people.

(a) Differentiate between purchasing strategy and strategic purchasing.

(b) Analyse what organisations need to do to create an environment in which purchasing is a strategic process.

problem 2:

Top managers can formulate a detailed strategic plan: but plans are not always put into practice nor are the plans that are put into practice necessarily successful. Describe some main pitfalls of successful purchasing strategy implementation.

problem 3:

Conceptualise strategy and describe the differences between corporate and competitive strategies showing the importance of each of them.

problem 4:

World class purchasing is not only about placing orders. Describe purchasing as a strategic function in an organisation.

problem 5:

In today's highly competitive business environment, organisations must engage into strategic planning. Describe the purchasing strategic planning process in an organisation.