Developments in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the differences between procurement, purchasing, outsourcing, supply, and, sustainable supply chain management. An overview of the global marketplace and the emerging business issues of the 21st century will also be provided, along with some guidance on effective education programmes. Supply chain management a crucial element of competitive advantage (see, e.g., Figure 1). Understanding what supply chain management is and what it means is vital.