Problem: An assembly plant for a major automobile manufacturer has been idle for 2 weeks, due to a shortage of required parts. The reason for the shortage is because the manufacturer's supplier has been unable to fulfill the parts orders due to a labor strike at its production plant. The two sides in the labor negotiation show no signs of giving ground in the contract negotiations. The strike may go on indefinitely and cost the auto manufacturer millions. What could the auto manufacturer have done to prevent an interruption to their operations? Describe a potential risk mitigation plan you might advise them to employ.