Week IV Assignment

1. (A) How attainable is the idea of “zero defects” when buying something for your organization? To what extent does it depend on what is being acquired?

2. (B) How does product quality relate to the concept of “just-in-time” manufacturing?

3. (C) How may sourcing component parts and materials globally specifically affect a company’s goals to improve the quality of its manufactured products?

4. (H) Why should a buyer be concerned with monitoring and managing a supplier’s or service provider's quality performance?

5. (J-K) What are the differences between the TQM and Six Sigma quality approaches?

6. Discuss the following statement: Supply management not only buys parts or services from suppliers—it often buys a supplier’s current and future performance capability.

7. (L) What do you think are the benefits to a supplier of achieving ISO 9000 certification?

8. (O) Why is it important for a buyer to be a good customer? How can a buyer become a good customer to its suppliers?

9. (P) How can early supplier design involvement contribute to higher levels of product quality?

10. (S) Some supply management experts argue that suppliers should not receive rewards for doing something that is already expected (e.g., continuously improving quality). Do you agree with this position? What are some examples of rewards that a supplier might receive?

11. (T) Discuss the benefits to a buying company of certifying its suppliers. Describe the benefits to a supplier of being certified—to the buyer and to the supplier.

12. (U)) What are some possible negative implications of sourcing globally?

13. (W) What are the most important reasons for pursuing global souring today?