After millennium of unchallenged success, businesses and governments around the world are entering a new era of unprecedented openness. The movement to hold corporate officers and politicians accountable is spurred by three powerful forces: economics, technology, and zeitgeist. The entire world is experiencing a deep recession. The internet, meanwhile, has revolutionized the speed and power of data analysis and dissemination. Financial institutions are being held responsible. In general, the business world has become increasingly more interconnected. To become a competitive organization in today’s global economy, the purchasing and supply management function must become world class. The supply management function is the key to unlocking the value within the organization. Organizations must optimize sourcing assets.