If the product can be made internally, the project manager has the capability of keeping an eye on the progress. But if the creation of the product is external to the organization, then it will be in the hands of the external contractor, and the project manager must assume the associated risks of quality and delivery schedule.

• What are external influences, and what effects can they exert on the procurement management process?
• What mitigation strategies can be used to mitigate these effects?
• Use specific business examples to illustrate your explanations.