Read the statement below and answer ALL the questions that follow. Research shows that a short and basic structure serves as a platform for the food supply chain. Additionally, the businesses heavily integrate their processes with those of their raw material suppliers (backward integration), and they take seriously the coordination and integration of their cross-functional internal operations (internal integration). In addition, these businesses present themselves as having a reasonable level of customer integration (forward integration).

You are managing supply chain activities at Shoprite

Discuss any five factors that Shoprite needs to consider when selecting its suppliers. Make use of practical examples to support your answer.