The course objective is to introduce the student to supply base management as a dynamic approach to managing both current and potential suppliers. The student will be shown that procurement and purchasing activities are strategic functions that play an important role in the success of any organization; provide the knowledge and tools needed to develop high-quality, effective relationships with suppliers and to leverage those relationships to facilitate better management of the supply base; and provide information the student can use to conduct supplier audits and reviews and develop/streamline the supply base.