Question 1: Discuss the concepts of centralized vs. decentralized purchasing authority, identify their relative advantages and disadvantages, and provide examples of when each may be appropriate.
Question 2: Differentiate between the principles & practices of Purchasing & Supply Management used in the Public sector (e.g. Government) and the Private Sector (e.g. manufacturing and retail). What are the salient differences and how do these differences affect the establishment or buyer-supplier relationships and the implementation of the Purchasing & Supply Management processes?
Question 3: Discuss the transformation of buyer-supplier relationships? What are the three levels of buyer-seller relationships and their relative differences?
Question 4: What is the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Continuous Improvement (CI)? Discuss the roles of Quality Assurance and Quality Control and their relative importance in demonstrating this relationship? What is the role of quality in the development of an E-Commerce capability?
Question 5: Explain the role of Purchasing & Supply Management in new product development, specifications development and a standardization program. How can cross-functional teams be used to create specifications for new products and to set up effective standardization programs. Do TQM and CI apply to the development of specifications for new products and standardization programs?