Katharine is the owner of $$Bikes$,$ a company that produces high quality$$ cross$-$country bicycles. Bikes participates in a supply chain that consists of$$ suppliers, manufacturers,$$ distributors, and elite bicycle shops. For several years Bikes has purchased titanium from suppliers in the supply chain. Bikes uses titanium for the bicycle frames because it is stronger and lighter than other metals and therefore increases the quality of the bicycle. Earlier this$$ year, Bikes hired Michael $,$ a recent graduate from State$$ University, as purchasin