Identify the advantages and disadvantages of using the "few suppliers" sourcing strategy

What will be an ideal response?

Advantages: long-term suppliers are more likely to understand the broad objectives of the procuring firm and the end customer; using few suppliers can create value by allowing suppliers to have economies of scale and a learning curve that yields both lower transaction costs and lower production costs; and the strategy also encourages those suppliers to provide design innovations and technological expertise. Disadvantages: concern about trade secrets and suppliers venturing out on their own; the high cost of changing partners; and risk of poor supplier performance.