Purchasing has a critical role as a boundary-spanning function, through which it contributes to an organisation’s strategic success. This module will provide students with an integrative understanding of the role and objectives of the purchasing function and its complex inter- and intra-organisational relationships that contribute to sustained commercial success and maximisation of competitive advantage. Specific topics include the critical evaluation of purchasing strategies, tools and constraints including sourcing, supplier development and supplier-client relationships. The module also explores issues relating to contracts, including tendering, bidding and order management processes, as well as the legal, commercial and socio-economic implications of purchasing strategies.