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

8.1 State the reasons a corporation may decide to outsource production.

8.2 Identify sources businesses can use to make informed supplier decisions.

8.3 Explain the importance of a strategic match between the buyer and supplier.

8.4 Discuss the need for efficient supply chain management relationships.

8.5 Describe the approach to a supplier relationship management program.

8.6 Explain how to implement a supplier development program.

8.7 Explain how to implement a supplier evaluation program.

8.8 State the factors that should be considered when determining the number of suppliers to work with.

8.9 Compare how different industries select and evaluate suppliers.