1. Discuss what the following statement means: 'It can take years for a buyer/seller partnership to begin delivering results.'
2. Discuss the advantages of having point-to-point contact (Exhibit 1) between functional groups at different companies. Are there any disadvantages to this approach?
3. What role does trust play in the relationship between Whirlpool Corporation and Inland Steel? Provide examples from the case that illustrate trust within this relationship.
4. When formulating its purchasing strategy, what other strategic alternatives besides an alliance with another company could Whirlpool Corporation have pursued?