After reading the notes and the chapter assignments, what are your thoughts about the purchasing function and the evolution of supply management in the 21st Century? Based on your experience or readings, discuss how Supply Management and in particular Supply Chain Management benefits organizations in the public and private sectors. What are the salient factors that contribute to the successful implementation of a supply chain management initiative? Are supply chain management and the establishment of strategic alliance agreements with select suppliers more conducive to private sector organizations? What are your perspectives?