The management of Better Battery has decided to outsource the production of the entire new battery. The rationale was Better Battery's strength lies in its product design, development, proprietary technology, and global sales and distribution channels. Better Battery's manufacturing cost structure and quality capability had fallen behind the industry best practices.

This is Better Battery's first outsourcing project. Nick, the metals category manager of Better Battery, has been tasked to strategically source globally for a supplier to manufacture this new battery.

(a) Identify the techniques for worldwide sourcing for this critical project. Show how you would use them to help Better Battery deliver higher overall value for its

customers.

(b) Propose strategies to manage supply chain risks for this outsourcing project to

fulfill Better Battery's global sales and distribution requirement.