The modern economy means that competition today is based on short product life-cycles, increased uncertainties and global pressures. This unit examines how organisations can meet these challenges by adopting world-class supply chain management (SCM) business models, developing active supplier and customer relationships, and measuring their performance with metrics, as well as using associated eBusiness and business analytics technologies. The unit also covers the implications of the increasing pressure from customers and governments for supply chains to be more environmentally and socially responsible.