Book excerpt: Your SOURCE for supply chain management fundamentals Optimize your understanding of the essential supply chain management practices used by the best firms to gain competitive advantage. Written in an easy-to-follow style, Supply Chain Management DeMYSTiFieD is filled with best practices and proven techniques for success. This practical guide covers supply chain collaboration, planning, strategic sourcing, manufacturing, production, logistics, risk management, and performance metrics. Corporate social responsibility is also addressed. Detailed examples and concise explanations make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce key concepts. It's a no-brainer! You'll learn about: Creating a customer-focused strategy Buyer-supplier negotiations New product development Just in time (JIT), Lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma Transportation Global supply chains Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Supply Chain Management DeMYSTiFieD helps you master this essential business and quality management topic.