This best-selling text's hallmark has always been its fundamental treatment of the basics. In the thorough revision the change of title reflects the fact that purchasing is a field in transition. In most industries it is evolving into purchasing and supply management. Major new areas in the 6th edition include global sourcing, supplier and supply chain management, the use of cross-functional teams in new product development, commodity management and sourcing, and early purchasing and supplier involvement in specifications development. New topics include total quality management, partnering and strategic alliances, and just-in-time purchasing and outsourcing developments.