When evaluating offers, it is important to remember that the best price may not be the lowest. To ascertain that; the total cost of Acquisition TCA (the cost a buyer bears for placing orders and re-ceiving a product from a supplier) should be uncovered and compare against offers received. Things to consider that might make up the total cost of acquisition are;
1) logistics and handling costs
2) Cost of requisition
3) Rework
4) stock cost
5) Delay
6) Inspection
7) customer services
8) consumables
9) Training & support

Benchmarking is the process of comparing a function, process or performance with another which is best-in-class. Benchmarking is either internal or external. External benchmarking has three types; 1) Competition benchmarking, 2) Functional 3) Generic Company Toyota with the Porsche a competition in the same industry and by suggesting that drives will find the cars performances comparable with that of Porsche Cayman sports car, suggest think it is an external competitive benchmark.

A code of ethics is a set of morals and principle set out by an organization to state what it deems to be acceptable conduct and behavior An ethical code of practice is a continually changing and developing document with society changing and different suppliers coming to market, the document has to remain current Suppliers should continually monitor their codes of ethics to ensure that;
1. They are looking after the interest of the supply chain
2. That potential customers can be reassured that they are conforming to the required regulation, e.g. ISO 14001.
Ethical code of conduct should be constantly monitored and updated in accordance with the changes organization faces. This include 1) Define (2) prevent (3) detect (4) reprove (5) evaluate.

Data can be primary or secondary
Primary data are derived from original work or research through experience. Primary data can be gathered from the following sources; 1) Interview (2) survey (3) meetings (4) case studies.
Secondary data is derived from a previous source, i.e. somebody else has gathered the data. Sec-ondary data can be gained from; (1) Books (2) Websites, Trade magazines, etc