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Case Study #1 – Sunspot, Inc. 1. Strategic alliances among suppliers can be beneficial among companies that share the same vision. Some benefits of an alliance include lower total costs, reduced time to market, improved quality, improved technology and improved continuity of supply. In the case of Sunspot, Inc. the CEO, Ms. Monica Foltz can look to adopt and create strategic alliances with suppliers for parts to manufacture sunglasses. Overall, Ms. Foltz can hope to lower costs of sunglasses which may help to garner more market share and increase her customer base. She can also direct more of her attention on future development, new products, R&D and innovation because an alliance allows for a shared vision among the supply base and openness that is progressive towards current demand.

2. Disadvantages of alliances may include many factors. One such factor is in order to have an alliance, the firm must have executive level commitment. Without the commitment of top level executives alliances can be hard to get long term vision shared between alliances. Two firms need to pledge to cooperate for long term success and be open about cost, long term objectives, technology, and the overall supply chain. The relationship must be adaptable through changing economic struggles and advantages, environmental issues and competition. Another disadvantage of alliances may include the fact that they are resource intensive. On top of all of these factors, alliances take a long time to develop. If a firm needs a product quickly at the best price and quality then a firm may choose to use a transactional relationship.

3. Alliance disadvantages can be offset by the long term vision of a firm. If two firms share a common vision of working together to strategically get a product or service to the market place with the best available cost and quality it may be

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