A seminar designed to discuss all activities required to bring materials, parts, and sub-assemblies into and through the enterprise at the lowest possible overall costs with end-user quality requirements. Contribution to the profitable operation of the firm is stressed as the main objective of the purchasing and supply management function. Weekly case assignments integrate the subject matter with the finance, marketing, and production functions. Topics include: the challenge of purchasing and supply management, effective organization, techniques of buying, computerization, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), World-Wide-Web, quality including I.S.O. 9000/14000 quality standards, specifications and standardization, inventory management, supplier selection, price determination. The course provides valuable background information for employees and managers in any area of specialization and can lead to challenging professional career opportunities. (Formerly MGT 701)