Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to:

1.1 Identify the role of the purchasing manager, buyer, and purchasing agent in an organization.

1.2 Describe the evolution of the purchasing and supply management function as organizations become more globalized.

1.3 Explain the relationship between the purchasing function and inventory, ordering, and transportation costs.

1.4 Explain the purchasing function’s contribution to profitability.

1.5 Identify the relationship between the purchasing function and other functional areas.

1.6 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various purchasing organizational designs.

1.7 Describe the reporting structures common in the purchasing profession.

1.8 Identify careers in purchasing and supply management.