Part -1:

1. What roles do "collaboration" and "trust" play in the practice of supply chain management?

2. What does the "bullwhip effect" refer to, and what causes it? How, then, would you try to reduce the bullwhip effect?

3. Do you think the proper way to choose a supplier is to always find the one that will give the lowest price? When might this not be a good idea?

Part -2:

1. Describe the e-procurement system and its advantages over the manual system. Are there any disadvantages to the electronic system? Do you think the e-procurement system will ultimately replace the manual system? Why or why not?

2. How can purchasing help to improve the competitive edge of an organization?

3. Describe centralized and decentralized purchasing and their advantages.