Extended Supply Chains Available to Purchase

Describes a new approach to improving customer/supplier partnerships. Asserts that Western managers tend to perceive every other company as a potential threat. Contends that Japanese companies have realized that global battles are between groups of companies acting in networks or extended supply chains. Shows how supply chain competitiveness can be improved through the buyer/supplier relationship audit. Concludes there is still much to be done before we emulate the Japanese role models and create competitive alliances of companies which would have a strong root culture of quality on which the health of each part would depend.