Procurement Management Project
Procurement Management Project
🙞···☼···🙞
GROUP MEMBERS
No. Full name Student ID
First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Phan Thi Mai Ha for her dedicated instruction and guidance throughout the
Procurement Management course. Her comprehensive lectures and valuable insights
provided us with the essential theoretical framework—ranging from supplier selection
to inventory management, which served as the foundation for this research.
We are deeply grateful to the Board of Directors and the staff of O Tesla Industrial Co.,
Ltd. for allowing us to conduct this case study on their enterprise. In particular, we
would like to thank Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Phẩm, General Director, and the procurement and
technical teams for their openness and support.
We sincerely appreciate the time and effort the company staff spent assisting us during
our field visits and interviews. Their willingness to share practical insights regarding
the company’s Make-to-Order (MTO) model, supply chain challenges, and internal data
such as inventory records and procurement process diagrams—was invaluable to the
completion of this report.
Finally, we would like to thank our fellow group members for their collaboration,
research efforts, and commitment to analyzing the data and proposing practical
solutions.
Despite our best efforts to combine classroom theory with practical reality, this report
may contain inevitable shortcomings. We look forward to receiving comments and
feedback from the lecturer to improve our knowledge and future research.
ABSTRACT
This report analyzes the procurement management activities of O Tesla Industrial Co.,
Ltd., a manufacturer of coffee roasting machines operating under a flexible Make-to-
Order (MTO) business model. The research aims to evaluate the efficiency of the
company’s current procurement strategy, material management, and supplier
relationships to identify operational risks and propose strategic improvements.
By combining theoretical frameworks with practical data analysis—including internal
inventory records, purchasing workflows, and supplier evaluation criteria—the study
assesses how O Tesla balances cost optimization with product quality. The findings
indicate that while O Tesla effectively minimizes capital tied up in inventory through a
Lean strategy and strict BOM adherence, the company faces significant challenges.
These include a high dependency on a limited number of suppliers for critical
components, the absence of a formal Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system,
and a reactive purchasing process driven by manual requisitions, which increases the
risk of stock-outs and production bottlenecks.
To address these limitations, the report recommends shifting from a reactive to a
proactive procurement approach. Key proposals include diversifying the supplier base
to mitigate supply chain disruption, standardizing supplier evaluation KPIs (such as
OTIF and defect rates), and strengthening cross-functional integration between
planning and purchasing departments. Furthermore, the report suggests adopting long-
term strategic partnerships and framework agreements to optimize costs and ensure
stable material availability for sustainable growth.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................... 1
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................. 3
3.5 Evaluation........................................................................................................... 37
4.1.1 Supporting the Lean strategy (capital optimization and efficiency) ........... 39
6.3 Proposed Solutions for Purchasing to Optimize Discounts from Suppliers ...... 72
REFERENCE.............................................................................................................. 87
Table 1.2 Some models designed for sample roasting, specialty coffee shops, and
small-batch artisanal roasting ..................................................................................... 16
Table 1.3 Some models designed for growing coffee businesses and medium-sized
roasteries. ..................................................................................................................... 16
Table 1.4 Some models designed for mass production and large-scale factories. ...... 17
Table 1.5 Some models of OD series helping gravity-based machines remove heavy
foreign objects (stones, metal, glass) from roasted coffee. .......................................... 18
Table 1.6 Some models of AB series helping emission control systems treat smoke and
odors to meet environmental regulations. .................................................................... 20
Figure 3.1 Overview of O Tesla’s material flow under the MTO/ATO Model ............ 36
Figure 5.2 Actual components of the coffee roaster, illustrating the machine’s unique
configuration and customization level, factors that directly influence the identification
of material requirements at O-Tesla. ........................................................................... 47
ATO Assemble-to-Order
B2B Business-to-Business
B2C Business-to-Consumer
JIT Just-In-Time
MTS Make-to-Stock
PO Purchase Order
PR Purchase Requisition
QC Quality Control
WIP Work-in-Progress
Today’s economy is growing fast, and many companies follow similar business models.
Because of this, good procurement strategies are important for keeping costs low,
improving quality, and staying competitive. To understand this topic in a real business
setting, our group chose O Tesla – Modern Coffee Roastery Machinery as the case study
for our Procurement Management course.
During the study process, our group applied classroom knowledge together with hands-
on experience, including visiting the company and talking with staff members. These
activities helped us understand how procurement works in real operations and why it
affects the whole production flow. They also gave us a clearer view of the challenges a
make-to-order manufacturer faces when selecting suppliers and managing materials.
O Tesla produces modern coffee roasting machines with advanced features, and the
company depends on high-quality input materials such as stainless steel 304, imported
components, and certified thermostats. This shows that procurement is a key factor in
ensuring product stability, performance, and long-term reliability. With its strong
machine design, customer-focused solutions, and growing customer network, O Tesla
is a suitable case study to show how procurement decisions directly influence product
quality and the success of a make-to-order manufacturing business.
Using the basic knowledge from the Procurement Management course, our group
analyzes the procurement activities of O Tesla, a make-to-order manufacturer of coffee
roastery machines. By combining class theory with our hands-on experience at the
company, we aim to identify the main challenges O Tesla faces in its purchasing
process, especially those related to supplier selection, imported components, delivery
time, and input quality. Based on these findings, we propose several solutions that can
help improve the procurement process, reduce purchasing costs, support more stable
production, and increase overall business performance.
1.3 Report Structure
The report's structure is systematically organized to address the comprehensive scope
of the procurement function, moving logically from foundational context to strategic
implementation, operational specifics, and critical compliance.
The document initiates with the General Introduction, providing the necessary overview
of the enterprise and its product portfolio to establish the operational framework. This
context naturally precedes the development of the Research Process and Procurement
Strategy, which defines the core strategic direction for purchasing activities in
alignment with the organization's goals.
The following sections detail the execution of this strategy. Material Management and
Inventory Management consecutively address the practical aspects of handling and
controlling physical inputs, ensuring the supply chain is both efficient and cost-
effective. These operational prerequisites lead into Procurement Procedures and
Functions of the Enterprise, which meticulously outlines the established workflow,
transaction processes, and associated organizational responsibilities.
Subsequently, the report focuses on external dependencies. Supplier Evaluation,
Selection, Development, and Relationship Management examines the vital process of
identifying, qualifying, and fostering sustainable relationships with key vendors. The
crucial element of regulatory adherence is addressed in the Relevant Legal Factors
section, confirming that all procurement and business activities maintain compliance.
The report concludes with Conclusion and Recommendations, synthesizing the findings
from the preceding analysis and proposing strategic improvements for the future.
1.4 Overview of O Tesla Industrial Co., Ltd.
1.4.1 Business Model
Category Information
OTL Roaster offers a comprehensive range of roasters designed for energy efficiency,
precision, and consistency. The machines are suitable for various scales, from sample
roasting to large-scale industrial production.
Lab & Shop Series (Small Capacity)
Table 1.2 Some models designed for sample roasting, specialty coffee shops, and
small-batch artisanal roasting
Sample roasting,
OTL - 1.2 1.2 kg
Training, Home use
Medium Cafes,
OTL - 06 6 kg
Production startup
Table 1.3 Some models designed for growing coffee businesses and medium-sized
roasteries.
Model Sample Figure Capacity (kg/batch) Ideal Application
Wholesale roasteries,
OTL - 12 12 kg
High-volume cafes
Growing wholesale
OTL - 15 15 kg
operations
Commercial
OTL - 30 30 kg distribution, Industrial
entry-level
Table 1.4 Some models designed for mass production and large-scale factories.
Model Sample Figure Capacity (kg/batch) Ideal Application
Large-scale
OTL - 60 60 kg factories, Instant
coffee production
Mass market
OTL - 120 120 kg distribution, Export
processing
b) Auxiliary Equipment
To ensure product purity and environmental compliance, OTL provides a full ecosystem
of support equipment.
Table 1.5 Some models of OD series helping gravity-based machines remove heavy
foreign objects (stones, metal, glass) from roasted coffee.
Wholesale Production
Industrial Factory
Urban Roastery
Essential for shops located in
Matches 15kg
AB - 15 populated city centers or
Roaster
mixed-use buildings to
eliminate smoke complaints
Commercial Compliance
For standalone roasteries
Matches 30kg
AB - 30 requiring adherence to local air
Roaster
quality and environmental
regulations
Step 1: Study the theoretical background, outline the research framework, and
analyze the company’s procurement activities through import–export data, accounting
documents, and the purchasing process diagram.
Internal data collection: with the support of staff at O Tesla Industrial Co., Ltd.,
procurement reports, inventory records, and accounting documents were accessed. This
ensured that the data were accurate and closely reflected actual operations.
Because production only starts when an order is received, delivery accuracy is important
in the Make-to-Order model, where the production schedule depends completely on
having the right materials at the right time. Any delay in lead time can cause late
delivery to customers. Therefore, O Tesla prefers working with suppliers who have
stable delivery performance, quick responses, and clear order tracking. Maintaining a
high level of delivery reliability helps the company meet its commitments to customers
and improve overall satisfaction
O Tesla can meet many custom requests from customers, including changing the drum
size, adjusting the power, adding extra features, or creating a special design. Because
the company produces small batches and many different models, the purchasing team
needs to react quickly by changing material types, ordering the right quantities for each
job, and working with suppliers who can respond fast. Thanks to this focus on
flexibility, the company can serve many kinds of customers, handle special requests
more easily, and still keep production running smoothly
Although O Tesla does not follow a low-cost strategy, the company still focuses on
managing costs effectively to maintain profit margins and keep production sustainable.
The company looks at cost not only as the purchase price but also as the total cost of
ownership, which includes inventory, transportation, defects, and rework. Because O
Tesla works under the Make-to-Order model, it keeps almost no raw material inventory.
This means cost efficiency depends on accurate ordering based on the BOM, choosing
suitable suppliers, and controlling operating expenses. With this approach, O Tesla can
balance cost and value while still protecting its key priorities, such as quality and
flexibility
Based on its production model and market characteristics, O Tesla defines its
competitive position with three core priorities includes quality, flexibility and on-time
delivery, while cost is controlled and improved only after these main priorities are met
Customization is another central element of the strategy. Because O Tesla builds each
machine after receiving an order, the company can adjust drum size, motor power,
features or design to match the customer’s roasting style and business model. This
ability is especially valuable for small roasteries and coffee shops, who often need
equipment that fits their space, workflow or roasting profile. Customization also reflects
one of the company’s core advantages, which is the flexibility of small-batch production
supported by strong in-house engineering.
Cost efficiency supports all these goals. Although O Tesla does not compete through
low prices, the Make-to-Order model helps control costs by reducing inventory,
avoiding excess materials and ordering parts based on the exact BOM for each machine.
This keeps operating expenses manageable and allows the company to offer good value
without lowering quality.
Because of these strengths, O Tesla positions itself in a niche market rather than
competing head-to-head with large international manufacturers. By focusing on small
and medium-sized buyers who value quality, customization and strong technical
support, the company creates a clear and sustainable competitive position that fits its
capabilities.
Purchasing plays an important role in O Tesla because every component has a direct
impact on machine performance. Working under a Make-to-Order model and producing
in small batches, the company needs a purchasing approach that keeps inventory low
while ensuring flexibility and reliable supply.
In this model, materials are mainly purchased after an order is confirmed. This helps
the company avoid storing unnecessary items, reduces holding costs and ensures that
each material matches the exact BOM required for the order. This approach not only
limits excess inventory but also contributes to cost optimization by avoiding capital tied
up in unused materials.
Reliable suppliers are especially important for O Tesla. Because the production plan
depends heavily on on-time deliveries, the company prefers partners that can provide
stable lead times, consistent quality and responsive communication. When selecting
suppliers, O Tesla considers several factors such as technical capability, delivery
performance, responsiveness and their ability to support customized orders. Having
dependable suppliers helps the company schedule production more confidently, limit
disruptions, avoid unnecessary delays, and support cost optimization by enabling more
stable pricing and favorable commercial terms, even when order quantities are relatively
small.
Because order volumes are small, O Tesla places a strong focus on long-term supplier
relationships. Stable partners allow O Tesla to offer better pricing, faster technical
support and higher priority in periods of high demand, which are especially valuable
when handling customized products.
For key components such as motors, sensors and control boards, O Tesla applies
additional risk-management measures. These items have longer lead times and greater
impact on production, so the company uses dual sourcing whenever possible or
maintains a small buffer stock for parts that are difficult to replace. This approach helps
ensure continuity in production and prevents unexpected stoppages if one supplier
experiences delays or supply issues.
To protect the overall quality of the final machine, incoming inspection is treated as a
critical step. With low production volumes, any defect discovered after assembly can
be highly costly, so careful checking at the receiving stage helps ensure that only high-
quality parts enter production.
Because O Tesla produces in small batches and avoids holding unnecessary inventory,
the company follows a lean supply chain that focuses on moving materials into
production at the right time rather than storing them in advance. This approach helps
control costs while maintaining the flexibility needed to handle different product
specifications.
To make this lean system work effectively, purchasing, production and delivery must
operate under a shared order-driven plan. Close synchronization ensures that materials
arrive when needed, production stays on schedule and customer delivery commitments
can be met without delays. This alignment also reduces the risk of excess inventory and
improves overall process efficiency.
However, operating with low inventory also increases exposure to supply risks,
particularly for imported or highly technical components. To manage these risks, O
Tesla carries out regular supplier capability assessments, adopts dual sourcing where
possible and maintains small buffer stocks for parts with long lead times. These actions
help protect the production schedule from disruptions and ensure the continuity of
operations.
In addition to risk control, the company also aims to shorten the supply chain whenever
possible. By working with domestic suppliers for mechanical parts and supporting
materials, O Tesla reduces delivery time, lowers logistics costs and avoids delays
related to international transportation. Localization also improves responsiveness,
which benefits both production and after-sales service.
Bringing these elements together, O Tesla adopts a hybrid supply chain strategy. Lean
principles guide its purchasing and production activities, while a responsive approach
shapes its after-sales and customer support. This combination allows the company to
maintain cost efficiency while still adapting quickly to customer-specific requirements,
providing a balance between operational effectiveness and high service quality.
Toward Suppliers
To ensure stable production, maintain high product quality and support the Make-to-
Order model, O Tesla develops its procurement strategy around four main directions:
Since order quantities are relatively small, O Tesla emphasizes long-term cooperation
to secure stable pricing, priority allocation and continuous technical support. Strategic
suppliers are involved early in discussing new product requirements or design changes,
helping reduce mismatch risks and improving production readiness.
For motors, sensors and control boards with long lead times, O Tesla applies risk-
mitigation practices such as dual sourcing and maintaining small buffer stocks. Regular
capability assessments also help identify potential risks early and prevent production
interruptions.
2.5.1 Evaluation
Strengths
Limitations
Despite these strengths, several structural limitations still constrain the stability and
scalability of O Tesla’s procurement system. The most significant issue is the high
dependence on a limited number of suppliers, especially for critical components, where
only one or two viable sources exist. This creates substantial risk, as any delay, shortage
or price fluctuation directly disrupts production and delivery commitments. Lead times
are also long and inconsistent particularly for imported items and because the company
maintains very low inventory, even a single late shipment can halt the entire production
schedule, especially when design changes or add-on orders arise. In addition, O Tesla
lacks short-term forecasting and planning tools such as a 2 – 4 week rolling forecast;
procurement is activated only after an order is received, which aligns with MTO but
leaves the company unprepared for urgent, large-volume or highly customized orders.
Supplier evaluation is another weakness, as the company has not yet standardized KPIs
like OTIF, defect rate or responsiveness, resulting in assessments that rely largely on
subjective judgment and limit the ability to compare suppliers or renegotiate effectively.
Low inventory, while cost-efficient, increases operational risk because the company
often lacks spare materials to respond quickly when components fail, BOMs change or
customers request modifications. Furthermore, materials have not been classified
according to their criticality, meaning procurement cannot allocate resources or manage
risk effectively across different categories such as critical, strategic or routine items.
Finally, purchasing strictly by BOM for each order although appropriate for MTO
prevents O Tesla from benefiting from economies of scale; with small order quantities,
the company struggles to negotiate better prices, secure production priority or obtain
faster deliveries, which increases cost pressure while quality standards must still be
maintained.
Overall
O Tesla’s procurement strategy is well aligned with the Make-to-Order (MTO) model
and has established a solid foundation in terms of input quality, supply reliability and
operational flexibility. However, several limitations, including dependence on a small
supplier base, the lack of short-term forecasting tools, the absence of standardized
supplier KPIs, extremely low inventory levels and the inability to benefit from
economies of scale, make the procurement system less proactive and insufficiently
stable to support the company’s future expansion.
2.5.2 Recommendations
Based on the points mentioned above, some suggestions for improvement are as
follows:
Diversify suppliers for critical components: To reduce the high dependency on a small
supplier base, O Tesla should develop at least two qualified suppliers for critical
components such as motors, control boards and sensors. Diversifying sources will help
mitigate the risk of production interruptions caused by delays, shortages or price
fluctuations. In addition, the selection and monitoring of these suppliers should be
supported by standardized KPIs such as on-time delivery, defect rate, technical
responsiveness and the ability to fulfill small-batch or customized orders, so that
performance can be evaluated objectively rather than based on subjective judgment.
The material process at Otesla begins with the technical department, which identifies
production material requirements and issues a corresponding Purchase Requisition
(PR). Upon receiving the PR, the accounting/purchasing staff searches for potential
suppliers, obtains quotations, compares alternatives, and selects a vendor based on
price, quality, and delivery capability before finalizing the purchase contract. Once
materials arrive, the Quality Control (QC) department inspects them for both quantity
and conformity to specifications. Depending on production needs, the materials are
either transferred directly to manufacturing or stored as inventory. The accounting
department then processes payments in accordance with contractual terms, maintains
documentation, and monitors supplier performance. However, because the process is
fully reactive and depends on manual Purchase Requisitions, Otesla faces difficulties in
forecasting material needs, highlighting the absence of a formal MRP system.
Otesla does not currently operate a formal Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
system. Instead, purchasing activities are initiated reactively through Purchase
Requisitions issued by the technical department. While this approach partially aligns
with the company’s Lean orientation, the absence of MRP increases exposure to
production delays, particularly for components with long or uncertain lead times.
Despite lacking MRP, Otesla manages a multi-level Bill of Materials (BOM).In MTO
systems, the accuracy and structure of the BOM directly determine planning reliability,
as each customer order may require a different configuration. Each machine model has
its own BOM version depending on capacity, configuration, and optional features,
making BOM control both complex and highly variable across orders.
Level 2 includes electronic components and measuring devices essential for precision,
automation control, and machine stability.
The material profile shows high capital turnover but also reveals production bottlenecks
and vulnerability caused by minimal raw-material buffers. These issues reinforce the
need for structured material planning.
Reflects an imbalance in
production (bottlenecks between
Work in Progress
194 million VND the Welding, Assembly, and
(WIP)
Electrical teams), resulting in
capital being tied up.
The material flow at OTESLA begins when a customer places an order, which triggers
the R&D team to create the Bill of Materials (BOM). The BOM then becomes the basis
for planning and procurement activities. Following this, the Purchasing department
sources the required components, and the Production team proceeds with assembly,
testing, and final delivery. This sequential flow reflects the characteristics of both the
MTO and ATO models.
Figure 3.1 Overview of O Tesla’s material flow under the MTO/ATO Model
Beyond its purchasing function, the BOM also plays a central role in product costing.
It provides the baseline structure for calculating the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) for
each coffee roasting machine. When fluctuations occur in the market prices of
materials—such as steel or electronic components these adjustments are reflected in the
BOM. This enables Otesla to update unit costs, assess gross profit margins, and
establish competitive yet accurate pricing for each product configuration. Therefore,
while the BOM is actively used for purchasing and costing, the absence of MRP limits
Otesla’s ability to use the BOM for timing, scheduling, and material flow optimization.
3.5 Evaluation
Overall, the evaluation indicates that while O Tesla’s current BOM-based reactive
purchasing model supports customization, the lack of an MRP system poses growing
risks to operational efficiency, cost control, and lead-time synchronization.
CHAPTER 4: INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Inventory management at O Tesla serves a dual purpose, supporting both the Lean
strategy to optimize capital and the Responsive strategy to ensure customer service.
To support the Lean strategy, O Tesla focuses on optimizing capital efficiency through
several inventory practices. Maintaining finished goods inventory at 0.0 VND allows
the company to release a significant amount of working capital and improve overall
cash flow. At the same time, minimizing inventory levels helps reduce the risk of
product obsolescence, especially in an industry where coffee roasting machines evolve
rapidly in terms of technology. In addition, keeping Raw Materials at an appropriate
threshold ensures a fast and efficient turnover of materials into final products,
reinforcing the company’s objective of maintaining a lean and efficient operation.
O Tesla maintains a small amount of safety stock for critical Group A components. This
acts as protection against sudden supply chain disruptions and enables production to
start immediately upon receiving customer requests. The company also manages a
dedicated inventory of spare parts and warranty components, allowing the technical
team to deliver fast and effective after-sales service and minimize customer downtime.
In addition, all incoming materials are subject to a strict quality control (QC) process,
serving as the first layer of defense to prevent defective components from entering
production and avoiding future warranty costs.
The inventory management process occurs after the inspection of quantity and quality
(QC) following supplier delivery, where materials are either stored (if used later) or
directed into production (if urgent) to ensure that only materials meeting standards are
stored, and items are kept in inventory only when not immediately required for
production. QC plays a critical role in validating materials upon receipt and inspecting
the quality of finished products after repairs, necessitating regular inventory checks to
reduce the risk of defective materials increasing Work in Progress (WIP) costs or
warranty expenses. Materials are released into the production process (Inventory
Withdrawal) based on purchase requisitions.
Because O TESLA produces coffee roasting machines with capacities ranging from 1
kg to 120 kg per batch, the warehouse must provide suitable storage for a wide variety
of materials. Large components such as motors, roasting drums, and machine frames,
typically made of steel or metal—require spacious storage areas and must be organized
according to mechanical standards. In addition, sensitive components including
automatic controllers, electronic circuit boards, and imported burners require dry
storage conditions with strict temperature and humidity control to prevent damage.
Overall, the scale and organization of O TESLA’s warehouse lean toward a Functional
Warehouse model, where the emphasis is placed on precise management of each type
of material (consistent with ABC analysis) rather than the expansion of physical
warehouse space. Maintaining low material inventory levels, specifically 938 million
VND in raw materials, indicates a high turnover capability and contributes to optimizing
available storage capacity.
The identification of material requirements at O Tesla is carried out directly for each
customer order, as the company operates under a MTO model where every machine has
its own technical configuration. Once the R&D department finalizes the BOM for a
specific order, the planning team combines the BOM data with the actual inventory
balance, incoming materials, and the production schedule to determine which items are
still required. This ensures that only the exact materials needed for the job are
purchased.
To validate the accuracy of material availability, the planning team cross-checks three
core internal reports: (1) the material receiving report, (2) the material issuance report
for each production job, and (3) the daily inventory report. Comparing these three data
sources allows planners to clearly identify what has already been consumed, what is
still usable, what is pending receipt, and which items may become insufficient if the
production schedule changes.
As part of the MRP decision workflow, the planner follows a structured evaluation
sequence before deciding whether materials can be issued to production. The process
begins with an inventory check to verify the actual on-hand quantity for each BOM
item. This is followed by an in-transit review of materials already being delivered by
suppliers. The Planner then assesses the urgency of each requirement by analyzing the
production schedule and determining whether a shortage would immediately affect
assembly progress. Based on these checks, a final decision is reached: if available and
incoming quantities are sufficient, materials are released to production; if not, the
Planner generates a purchase requisition (PR) and forwards it to the procurement team
for immediate action.
Based on this consolidated information, the Planner calculates the net material
requirement for every part number by comparing the required quantity, current stock,
and in-transit quantities. Components with stable usage or long lifecycle are
additionally evaluated against minimum–maximum stock thresholds, while specialized
parts used only for certain machine models are purchased strictly according to the BOM
and the customer’s delivery timeline. Any material identified as insufficient or at risk
of delay is included in the PR list.
The purchasing process at O Tesla begins when the Planning Department identifies a
material shortage that cannot be covered by existing stock or incoming deliveries.
Instead of treating this as a routine administrative step, the emphasis is placed on early
communication between planning and purchasing to ensure that procurement activities
align with the production schedule. Once the shortage is confirmed, the Planner reviews
the urgency level of the requirement and assigns the appropriate sourcing pathway.
For standard requirements, the planner prepares a formal purchase requisition (PR) that
specifies the necessary quantity, required delivery date, and any technical instructions
from the BOM or R&D. This PR functions as the official document authorizing
Purchasing to initiate the sourcing process. It ensures that all relevant departments share
a consistent understanding of the requirement, thereby reducing the risk of
miscommunication.
For urgent requirements, O Tesla applies a fast-track mechanism. Instead of waiting for
the PR to be fully processed, the Planner notifies the Purchasing Department directly
through internal communication channels so that supplier engagement can begin
immediately. While the PR may be completed afterward for record-keeping, Purchasing
is allowed to proceed without delay. This practice is particularly important in a MTO
environment, where component shortages can halt machine assembly and affect
customer delivery commitments.
By the end of Step 1, Purchasing receives a complete and validated request, enabling
the team to proceed with supplier evaluation and quotation activities.
After receiving the purchasing request from Planning, the Purchasing Department issues
RFQs to suppliers with whom the company has established working relationships or to
vendors known to be capable of providing the required materials. Depending on the
technical specifications, RFQs may be sent to multiple suppliers simultaneously to
ensure competitive offers. Each RFQ includes the part number, required quantity,
technical drawings or specifications, and the expected delivery date to ensure quotation
accuracy.
Once responses are received, Purchasing compiles all quotations into a comparison
sheet for evaluation. Price is not the sole consideration; lead time, payment terms, stock
availability, historical delivery reliability, and quality performance recorded through the
IQC system are also assessed. This multi-criteria evaluation allows O-Tesla to balance
cost efficiency with production continuity and risk mitigation.
For materials with complex specifications or long lead times, Purchasing may request
suppliers to reconfirm stock availability or provide updated production schedules before
finalizing the comparison. In urgent cases, the team may directly engage the most
reliable supplier instead of conducting a full RFQ cycle, but the justification for this
deviation is documented for traceability.
So the outcome of this step is a consolidated comparison that forms the basis for supplier
selection in the next step.
Step 3: Supplier Selection
Based on the comparison prepared in the previous step, Purchasing selects the supplier
that best meets the company’s requirements in terms of price, lead time, material
availability, and historical performance. For items with technical complexity, the
evaluation may also include a technical alignment check with Engineering to ensure
that the quoted specifications fully match the design requirements.
Once the selection is made, Purchasing reconfirms key terms with the chosen supplier
unit price, delivery schedule, minimum order requirements, and any special conditions.
This step ensures that there are no deviations between the quotation and the final
agreement.
After confirmation, the purchase order (PO) is generated and sent to the supplier. The
PO includes all contractual details such as part number, quantity, price, delivery
deadline, and shipping instructions. The supplier’s formal acknowledgement marks the
completion of the ordering process and serves as the binding reference for subsequent
delivery and invoicing activities.
The Purchase Order (PO) process begins when Purchasing receives the Purchase
Requisition (PR) from Planning, or proceeds without a PR in urgent cases to avoid
production delays. Based on the selected supplier’s quotation, the purchaser prepares
the PO with all required information and then submits it for internal approval according
to the company’s authorization matrix. After the PO is approved, Purchasing issues it
to the supplier, whose confirmation serves as the official basis for production, delivery
scheduling, and subsequent follow-up activities.
After the PO is issued, Purchasing monitors the supplier’s delivery status to ensure
materials arrive according to the agreed schedule. This includes following up on
production progress, shipment dates, and any potential delays. When the supplier
provides a delivery notice, Purchasing updates Planning and relevant departments so
they can prepare for receiving and production scheduling. Any deviations from the
committed timeline are escalated promptly to minimize impact on the manufacturing
plan.
When materials arrive at the factory, the Receiving team first verifies the delivery
against the PO and Delivery Note, confirming the correct quantity, packaging condition,
and part identification. After quantity verification, the goods are transferred to the IQC
team for technical inspection. IQC evaluates the materials according to a standardized
checklist that varies depending on the part type. Mechanical parts are inspected for
dimensions, machining accuracy, tolerances, weld finishing, and surface defects, while
electrical or electronic components undergo model verification, visual inspection, and
basic functional checks such as continuity or voltage rating validation.
If the materials meet all required standards, IQC registers the result as “Pass,” attaches
an acceptance tag, and releases the items to the warehouse. The warehouse team then
places the materials in their designated storage locations and updates stock records,
enabling Planning to issue them to production when needed.
In cases where defects are found, IQC classifies the materials as Fail and isolates them
in a dedicated non-conformance area to prevent accidental use. The failure is
documented in a Non-Conformance Report (NCR), which is shared with Purchasing for
follow-up with the supplier. Depending on the nature of the defect and the production
urgency, several corrective paths may be taken. The materials may be returned to the
supplier for replacement, or the supplier may be asked to rework the items if the issue
is fixable. In situations where rework is not possible and production deadlines are at
risk, Purchasing may coordinate with the supplier to provide an immediate alternative
batch. Internal rework can also be considered, but only when approved by Engineering
and when the correction does not affect the performance or safety of the final machine.
This cycle continues until conforming materials are obtained. Repeated failures from
the same supplier are logged and later referenced in supplier performance reviews.
Through this structured and transparent approach, O Tesla ensures that only qualified
materials enter the production flow, reducing rework, preventing assembly issues, and
maintaining overall product quality.
Once the materials have passed IQC and are officially recorded in inventory, the next
step is the reconciliation of purchasing documents to ensure accuracy before payment.
The Accounting Department verifies four essential documents—the PR, the PO, the
Delivery Note, and the Supplier’s Invoice—to confirm that the delivered items fully
match the order in terms of quantity, specifications, unit price, and total value. This
cross-checking process also helps ensure consistency between the original request
initiated by Planning, the PO issued by Purchasing, and the goods physically received
by the warehouse. If all documents align and the invoice reflects the agreed terms,
Accounting proceeds with payment according to the schedule specified in the PO. Upon
completion, transaction details and supplier performance indicators—such as invoice
accuracy, completeness of supporting documents, and administrative responsiveness
are updated in the supplier’s record, contributing to future evaluations and sourcing
decisions.
In practice, discrepancies may still occur between the PO, delivery documents, and
issued invoices, including mismatched quantities, pricing errors, or incomplete delivery
notes. These issues require close coordination among Purchasing, Warehouse, and
Accounting to resolve before payment can proceed, as any unresolved inconsistencies
may delay settlement and affect supplier relationships. By maintaining a controlled and
traceable reconciliation process integrated across departments, the company strengthens
internal financial control, minimizes billing discrepancies, and ensures transparency
throughout the entire procurement cycle.
5.7 Evaluation of procurement performance
Strengths
Moreover, although the system is still simple and highly reliant on manual coordination,
it remains flexible and responsive, enabling quick adjustments when urgent material
requirements arise. This adaptability is particularly advantageous for a company
operating in a non-repetitive, order-driven manufacturing environment.
Limitations
The main limitation of the company’s procurement process is the lack of seamless cross-
functional integration, which causes information fragmentation and delays across
several stages. Because the Planning function is positioned under Production, material
requests are issued in small, unsynchronized batches that reflect production progress
rather than consolidated demand. As a result, Purchasing is frequently required to
operate reactively, slowing PO issuance and sometimes generating multiple POs for the
same items.
Additionally, Warehouse and QC operate as separate functional nodes with limited real-
time feedback channels to Planning or Purchasing. When materials fail QC inspection,
the information loop is not fast enough to prevent repeated fail cycles or delays in
warehouse intake. Similar issues occur when suppliers provide incomplete delivery
documents, preventing Warehouse from issuing the GRN and subsequently delaying
invoice matching. Finally, Accounting can process payments only when all upstream
documents are fully reconciled. Any delay in PO confirmation, goods receipt, QC
approval, or GRN creation extends the payment cycle, reduces internal efficiency, and
affects supplier relationships.
5.8 Recommendations:
Based on the strengths and limitations identified, the following key improvements are
proposed:
To address the current limitations, the company should strengthen cross-functional
integration throughout the procurement–to–payment flow. First, Planning should be
repositioned to operate independently from Production and work closely with Sales and
R&D to consolidate demand into clear, prioritized PRs instead of fragmented requests.
This integrated planning mechanism will enable Purchasing to move from a reactive to
a proactive sourcing approach, improving both PO accuracy and lead-time control.
Second, Warehouse and QC need a shared digital reporting system that provides real-
time feedback on receiving results, QC failures, and missing supplier documents.
Immediate data visibility will prevent repeated QC fail loops, accelerate GRN creation,
and reduce downstream delays.
To maintain a stable source of goods, achieve standard product quality, and ensure
quantity requirements, selecting suitable suppliers is extremely important as it directly
affects the entire business process of the store. Therefore, supplier selection is not just
a step in the purchasing process but a strategic foundation requiring the company to
carefully consider and screen before making a decision to commit long-term to any
supplier.
Due to the diversity of product models and the fact that each product requires many
different detailed materials, the company needs numerous suppliers across different
product segments. Specifically, suppliers for O Tesla are classified by the following
product segments: Electrical and Automation Equipment Suppliers, Mechanical and
Industrial Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers (Steel, Stainless Steel, Plastic, etc.),
Gas and Supplies Suppliers, Consumables and Packaging Suppliers, and Insulation and
Heat Preservation Material Suppliers.
Consulting with O Tesla, the author group learned that their supplier selection process
is carried out according to the following steps:
This is the first and equally important step in the entire business process because the
company needs to find a stable supply of goods for itself. It can be said that suppliers
have a huge influence on how a business operates.
Recognizing the importance of suppliers, O Tesla has researched sources for its raw
material items. Specifically, the methods of information collection include:
Via online information channels: Search for information on suppliers suitable for the
company's needs. Geographical location is checked to assess whether shipping
capabilities can meet deadlines. Some related information can be searched online, such
as brand value in the market and whether they have been involved in any quality-related
legal issues.
Direct contact with suppliers: Can discuss and ask in-depth questions about shipping,
pricing, time, supply quantity, etc.
To select the most suitable suppliers among those approved in Step 1, O Tesla has
established scales to evaluate suitability with their business goals, which are ensuring
product quality as well as receiving reasonable prices to increase competitiveness in
output product costs. From there, the company created a specific evaluation scale
including the following factors:
Table 6.1 Supplier selection factors and evaluation methods
Supplier
Evaluation Method
Selection Factor
GEOGRAPHICAL
- Distance from factory 50 - 200 km (neighboring 0.8
LOCATION 2
provinces).
LEGAL
0.8
REGULATIONS - Basic papers available but the contract signing
2
process is slow or has minor omissions.
RETURN,
- Clear return regulations for defective goods in
WARRANTY 3 0.8
contract, O Tesla incurs no return shipping fees.
POLICY
- Commits to replacing critical components within
24 – 72 hours to ensure production schedule.
In this stage, the company directly visits each supplier to examine the source of goods,
compare, and contrast with other suppliers. The company sends an RFQ (Request for
Quotation) to potential suppliers to review quality, features, services, prices, etc.,
thereby finding a suitable supplier helping the company achieve the best value for its
investment. After evaluation steps and making an offer, both parties negotiate,
contributing requirements to ensure their rights, then discuss to achieve a common goal.
For suppliers who do not align with the company's general principles or vice versa, if
no suitable change is made after agreement, the company consults other suppliers to
avoid wasting both parties' time.
Based on information after contact, evaluation, and negotiation, the company proceeds
to rank existing supply sources on a 10-point scale for objective quantification rather
than qualitative subjectivity.
At this step, the company has only classified suppliers with the most suitable criteria,
but has not yet decided on official suppliers for long-term strategic connection;
therefore, an initial trial order step is necessary to review the situation.
At this time, the company reviews whether the selected trial supplier meets the
requirements as agreed or not. Specifically: is the delivery time accurate, are the
components genuine, do they match the ordered models; is input price stability and price
suitability as initially agreed. If the supplier meets these basic requirements, the supplier
is considered trustworthy and reputable by the store, and can be categorized as a long-
term cooperative supplier. If the supplier does not meet those basic requirements,
transactions cease after the initial order experience.
Based on collected information, the author group will take a specific example of the
company planning to select a supplier for the Insulation and Heat Preservation Materials
segment (including materials like ceramic fiber, rubber sheets, terminal blocks, etc.).
Based on the scale and scoring method presented in Step 2, along with the criteria set
on a 3-point scale, the store evaluated 2 suppliers out of 4 under consideration,
specifically as per the table below:
Reputation 1 2 3 3 1
Based on the total score of each criterion, we select both Supplier 2 and 3: HD
INSULATION TRADING CO., LTD (Supplier 2) and BAO SON INDUSTRIAL CO.,
LTD (Supplier 3) because they are tied in total score and the score difference between
individual criteria is insignificant.
Therefore, O Tesla decided to proceed with trial orders from both companies to evaluate
objectively and in most detail the criteria related to delivery and product quality.
After receiving the trial batch, O Tesla proceeds to inspect and re-evaluate the 2
suppliers based on actual transactions. Due to the nature of Make-to-Order
manufacturing, evaluation criteria will focus on technical accuracy and schedule
adherence capability, specifically as follows:
Evaluation
Evaluation Details
Criteria
DELIVERY
- Late 1-2 days but with prior notice. 1.0
SCHEDULE
2
- Difficulty when requesting urgent
delivery.
SERVICE &
- Supports return but process is slow (3-5 0.8
SUPPORT
days). 2
Supplier 3 (Bao Son) has very good, enthusiastic customer service. However, the
trial batch had some rubber sheets with minor thickness errors (though usable)
and delivery was 1 day later than expected.
Based on actual evaluation results, Supplier 2 (HD) has superior scores in technique
and schedule - two vital factors for O Tesla's assembly process. However, Supplier 3
(Bao Son) has strengths in service and competitive pricing.
b) Still maintain cooperation with BAO SON INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD in the role
of back-up supplier to ensure supply safety, avoid supply chain disruption
risks, have initiative in goods sourcing, and avoid dependence on a fixed source
Advantages:
Methodical, Objective Selection and Evaluation Process: The company does not choose
partners emotionally but has a clear 5-step process. Using quantitative methods (scales
and weights) to evaluate key criteria such as: Reputation, Location, Transport Policy,
Legal, Scale, and Warranty. This helps eliminate the risk of choosing the wrong partner
from the start.
Good Supply Chain Disruption Risk Management Strategy: The company does not rely
solely on one source for an important item. A typical example is selecting Supplier HD
as main (due to good technique) but keeping Supplier Bao Son as backup (due to good
service). This method helps the company both ensure quality for difficult orders and
have a safe backup plan.
Win-Win Cooperation Mindset: Instead of immediately eliminating a supplier not yet
absolutely standard (like the case of Bao Son delivering 1 day late or small errors), O
Tesla chooses to share technical standards and request an improvement roadmap. A
strategy of not changing suppliers continuously helps maintain stability, especially
important for the "Make-to-Order" model.
Disadvantages:
High Dependency and Chain Risk: Due to product characteristics being assembled from
specialized components that are not interchangeable, dependence on the network of 18
suppliers is very large. This is a fatal weakness of this model if the progress of all links
is not strictly managed.
Backup Supply Quality Not Yet Synchronized: Although there is a backup plan (like
Supplier Bao Son), actual evaluation shows the backup supplier still has issues
regarding technique (thickness error) and schedule (late delivery). This creates pressure
for O Tesla's Quality Control (QC) department to inspect goods from backup sources
more carefully.
Lack of Flexibility from Strategic Supplier: The main supplier (HD), while strong
technically, has a weakness in "support service not yet very flexible". In emergency
situations or when quick exchange/return is needed, this rigidity can cause difficulties
for O Tesla in immediate incident handling.
Based on the analysis of pros and cons in supplier relations, as well as the goal of
optimizing input costs, the author group proposes specific solutions for O Tesla as
follows:
Commit to Total Quantity: Instead of signing contracts for each small order, O Tesla
should sign a principle contract for the whole year (or 6 months) based on minimum
production forecasts. Example: Commit to buying 1000 ceramic fiber sheets/year.
Multiple Deliveries: Request the supplier (like Supplier HD) to hold stock and deliver
scattered shipments according to actual demand (Call-off orders).
Benefit: The supplier has assurance of stable output so they will be willing to provide
commercial discount rates (usually 5-10% off for large quantity orders) even though O
Tesla still receives goods in small batches.
To minimize risk from "lack of quality synchronization" of the backup supplier (like
the case of Supplier Bao Son), O Tesla needs to shift from passive to active:
Technical Sharing: O Tesla's technical department should work directly with Bao Son's
production department to clarify allowable tolerances in technical drawings, avoiding
recurring thickness error faults.
Besides direct product discounts, O Tesla can optimize cash flow and costs through
payment negotiation:
Early Payment Discount (2/10 net 30): Propose to the strategic supplier (HD) that if O
Tesla pays within 10 days (instead of 30 days debt), the supplier will reduce the total
invoice value by an additional 2%. This is attractive to suppliers needing fast capital
turnover.
Volume Rebate: Agree that if total purchase value in the year reaches a certain milestone
(e.g., 1 billion VND), the supplier will rebate 2-5% of sales at the end of the year.
O Tesla should plan a fixed ordering schedule (e.g., close orders every Tuesday) for
regular consumable supplies.
Combine buying multiple different types of supplies from the same supplier (if they
have diverse supply capability) to consolidate into one truck trip, reducing logistic costs
per product unit.
6.4 Conclusion
Chapter 6 has deeply analyzed the supply source management process at O Tesla, from
searching, evaluating, and selecting to building strategic relationships. Research results
show the "backbone" role of suppliers for the Make-to-Order production model, where
a delay of a small component can also paralyze the entire machine assembly line.
Contractual obligations are the legal duties that arise when two parties enter into a
purchasing agreement. In procurement activities, these obligations become effective
once both parties accept the contract terms and exchange something of value such as
goods, services, or payment. From that moment, the agreement is legally binding, and
each party is required to perform their responsibilities as stated in the contract. These
responsibilities define what each side must do or must not do, ensuring clarity and
minimizing misunderstandings throughout the purchasing process.
Contractual obligations are grounded in established legal principles, meaning that once
a valid contract is signed, both parties are fully bound to the terms they have agreed
upon. Any failure to fulfill these commitments constitutes a breach of contract. In
procurement, breaches such as late delivery, supplying defective goods, or failing to
pay on schedule can seriously affect production efficiency and supply chain stability.
When such breaches occur, the affected party is entitled to seek remedies under the law.
These remedies typically include financial compensation for losses, legal demands
requiring the breaching party to perform their duties, or the termination of the contract
to release both sides from further responsibilities.
Within this structure, the purchasing and supply chain department plays a central role
in procurement. Its primary responsibility is to ensure the efficient sourcing of essential
materials, machinery, and spare parts required for production. The department
coordinates closely with suppliers, production, and sales teams to secure stable supplies
while meeting quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
The department is managed by the purchasing manager, who leads the procurement
team and is directly responsible for supplier selection, negotiation, evaluation, and
ensuring timely delivery. The purchasing manager is also the key person who may hold
delegated authority to negotiate or sign purchasing documents within limits approved
by the president. Supporting this role is the Purchasing Assistant, who handles order
coordination, documentation, supplier quotations, stock monitoring, and
communication with logistics and accounting.
The sales manager also interacts with procurement by providing demand forecasts and
coordinating on stock levels to ensure inventory aligns with market needs. Although not
directly involved in procurement decisions, this role contributes important information
required to plan purchasing activities accurately.
7.2.2 Authorities
Express Authority
Express Authority is the formal power granted to the Purchasing Manager by the
company’s regulations or job descriptions. It allows the manager to negotiate, issue
purchase orders, and sign contracts within approved budget and policy limits. This
authority must be clearly documented to avoid legal misunderstandings
Implied Authority
Emergency Authority
Emergency Authority is used only in urgent situations when standard approval
processes cannot be followed. In such cases, the Company Director can make
immediate procurement decisions to protect operations, such as during sudden supply
disruptions or risks to production continuity
During this process, the Sales Manager may provide demand forecasts, expected pricing
levels, or market information to ensure that procurement decisions align with business
plans. The accountant may also estimate budget requirements to determine whether the
proposed purchase meets financial targets. Once all terms are finalized, the Purchasing
Manager signs the contract to formalize the transaction and ensure its legal validity.
After the agreement is signed, the procurement team monitors delivery, quality
inspection, documentation, and inventory procedures until the materials are transferred
to the warehouse. Payments are processed in accordance with the agreed schedule and
supported by the necessary legal and accounting documents.
To ensure the work flow and continuity of the procurement process. O Tesla has used
purchasing authority: the official right or power to approve, request, or make purchases
on behalf of a company and each level of it to assign specific responsibilities to manage
procurement activities efficiently and minimize risks.
The Purchasing Manager sources and selects suppliers based on internal demand.
Departments submit lists of required goods, and procurement staff contact suppliers to
obtain quotes and evaluate suitability. The Purchasing Manager then negotiates terms
and conditions with selected suppliers
The Sales Manager reviews and adjusts contract terms and pricing to align with
company strategy and budget. The Accountant estimates the budget to determine cost
targets. At this stage, further negotiations may cover price, shipping, delivery time,
quality assurance, and financial compensation. When the contract is finally agreed on
by both counterparts, the Purchasing Manager will sign the final contract to initialize
the purchasing activities that ensures the contractual obligation will be legal, while the
Sales Manager will be the main responsible for the contract and suppliers. Once signed,
the suppliers' shipment will be delivered, after going through quality control, the goods
can be stored in the warehouse to wait for production, during this payment will be made
in periods with the staff making legal documents for storage.
O Tesla must follow important Vietnamese laws when buying materials and working
with suppliers. These laws ensure that all activities related to contracts, payments, and
business operations are legally compliant. The production and business activities at O
Tesla are governed by several key legal documents, including the:
Civil Code / Commercial Law
These laws provide the basic legal principles for all civil and commercial relationships.
These laws define how contracts are formed, the rights and responsibilities of the
parties, compensation rules, and how obligations must be fulfilled. Any business
contract must follow the Civil Code 2015 (No. 91/2015/QH13) to be legally valid.
Enterprise Law
Enterprise Law 2020 (No. 59/2020/QH14) explains how companies are established,
organized, and managed. It includes rules about company structure, shareholder rights,
responsibilities of the board of directors, and how businesses must operate legally in
Vietnam.
Law on Standards and Technical Regulations 2006 (No. 68/2006/QH11) states that
every product must comply with national standards (TCVN) and technical regulations
(QCVN) before entering the market such as Quality Management Systems is TCVN
ISO 9001:2015 in Viet Nam, which standard for ensuring consistent product quality and
continuous improvement and ISO 12100 Safety of Machinery provides general
principles for machine design to reduce hazards. These standards ensure that O Tesla’s
raw materials, machinery, and equipment meet required safety and quality levels.
Contract Types
O Tesla mainly uses three types of written contracts in its procurement process
including framework agreements, procurement contracts, and quality assurance
agreements (QAA). These contracts help the company ensure efficiency, flexibility,
and legal reliability when working with suppliers and customers.
Framework Agreement
A framework agreement is used for goods or services that the company purchases
frequently and continuously over a long period, which is a key point for O Tesla since
it helps to have a steady supply of raw materials such as steel, electronic components
for its manufacturing lines. Rather than negotiating a new contract each time, the
company can establish a consistent agreement with several qualified suppliers in the
long-term. This agreement sets out the general terms such as conditions, pricing
methods, quality requirements, delivery schedules, and performance standards. O
Tesla’s production department determines the actual quantity needed for a particular
month or quarter, it simply issues a purchase order or call-off under the existing
framework. This system allows the company to purchase quickly without repeating the
entire procurement process, ensuring both efficiency and consistency in supply.
Procurement Contract
Procurement Contract in O Tesla is used when the purchase involves a specific, one-
time requirement. It is a legally binding document that clearly defines what is being
purchased, how much, when delivered, consequences if either party fails to meet their
obligations. Procurement contracts are especially important for large or customized
purchases that require precise technical specifications. This contract will specify the
model, technical standards, installation process, training requirements, warranty terms,
and payment schedule. Because such transactions involve high value and potential risk,
O Tesla needs a detailed and enforceable contract to protect its interests.
O Tesla must establish a Quality Assurance Agreement (QAA) to ensure that suppliers
meet the company’s requirements in technical and quality standards. QAA focuses on
quality control, production standards, testing procedures, defect management, and
compliance with regulations such as ISO standards or environmental requirements. This
agreement requires suppliers to maintain strict documentation, conduct regular quality
inspections, and allow O Tesla to perform audits or monitoring when necessary. By
using this, O Tesla can ensure a reliable long-term procurement system and strengthen
its legal protection.
Product quality
The seller must provide products that fully comply with the agreed model, quantity,
technical specifications, and quality standards. If the products fail to meet these
requirements, the seller shall be responsible for compensation. All materials used for
production must satisfy the following standards:
The Seller must deliver the goods on time upon receiving O Tesla’s payment
confirmation. A delay of 3 to 4 days may be accepted due to unexpected events;
however, the seller must notify the buyer of the delay at least 2 weeks prior to the
delivery date, except for unavoidable circumstances as defined by company regulations.
Any late delivery may be considered a contractual liability.
If the buyer changes or cancels the order after production has started, the seller will not
be responsible for any resulting costs and will not issue any refund.
if the goods are defective or incorrect due to the seller’s fault, the seller shall bear all
costs related to replacement or return them.
The seller must provide all necessary papers and documents with the goods. The
delivery must include all certificates of origin, quality assurances documents, and any
other required paper work before dispatch. Also, all electronic VAT invoices must be
issued upon the arrival of the shipment, in accordance with the Law on Commerce 2005
– Article 52 and relevant decrees.
Receiving goods
This duty means O Tesla is responsible for receiving the delivered coffee machinery or
components and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are made to allow the seller
to complete the delivery. The company must check and inspect all parts within 2
working days from delivery date. Any defects reported after this period may not be
accepted by the seller. If the seller is ready to deliver but O Tesla does not accept the
goods, this constitutes a breach of contract and may result in penalties
Payment
The payment details including currency, payment method, schedule, and conditions
must be agreed upon by both sides. O Tesla is generally not required to make a deposit.
Full payment is made to the seller only after the goods have been received and checked,
in compliance with Civil Code 2015 – Article 440.
O Tesla is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all order details, including quantity,
specifications, delivery timelines, before confirming the purchase. The company must
ensure the contract reflects complete and correct information. In addition, O Tesla shall
provide the seller with all necessary documents, contacts, and confirmations to ensure
a smooth and efficient purchasing process
REFERENCE
[4] O Tesla Industrial Co., Ltd. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved November 26, 2025, from
[Link]
APPENDIX A: PROCUREMENT DATA
Table A.1 Customer Demand List 2024
TEAM CONTRACT
Subject: Procurement Management
Lecturer: Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Thi Mai Ha
1. GOALS
Develop Procurement Management Competence
The objective is to build a solid understanding of procurement processes and their
importance in supply chain operations. Emphasis will be placed on procurement
planning, supplier evaluation, contract management, and cost analysis. Through this,
we will strengthen decision-making abilities and gain the skills necessary to manage
procurement activities effectively, while upholding ethical and sustainable practices.
Enhance Teamwork and Project Management
The objective is to improve the team’s capacity to coordinate effectively and manage
projects in a structured manner. Rather than working in isolation, responsibilities will
be shared, and support will be provided across all stages from task allocation to deadline
monitoring. This approach ensures that each member gains experience in organizing
tasks and integrating individual contributions into a cohesive final product.
Strengthen Communication and Presentation Skills
A key objective is to develop the ability to communicate technical ideas in a clear and
accessible manner. Emphasis will be placed on presenting complex concepts in ways
that can be understood by both technical and non-technical audiences. This competency
is critical not only for internal collaboration and project presentations but also for
professional development and future career advancement.
Build a Professional Work Culture
The team will prioritize the establishment of a professional working environment
characterized by respect, accountability, and mutual support. Such a culture promotes
comfort and confidence among members, thereby fostering creativity, efficiency, and
high performance. Ultimately, the aim is not solely to complete tasks, but to cultivate
professional collaboration practices that contribute to long-term growth and success.
2. Obstacles
Adapting to Real-World Practices
Procurement practices vary widely across industries and regions. Bridging the gap
between theoretical knowledge and the dynamic, real-world context of procurement can
be an obstacle for learners.
Complexity of Procurement Processes
Procurement involves multiple stages—such as planning, supplier evaluation,
negotiation, and contract management—that can be difficult to fully grasp without
practical experience.
Time Management
Balancing coursework, assignments, and other responsibilities can be difficult, leading
to stress or incomplete learning.
3. MEETING NORMS
Meeting place and time
1. In addition to the time we discuss in class, we will work mainly through the
Messenger group to discuss the project and proceed to divide the work once a week
through Google Meet to discuss the difficulties encountered, solutions, and
comments about the task we have done.
2. The online meeting will start at 10am on Saturday each week.
3. Each meeting will last an average of 1 and a half hours.
4. The meeting will start and end on time.
5. If there is any member who can’t participate in the meeting, we will distribute
meeting minutes to inform. The meeting minutes will be written by random people
who participate in the meeting.
Rules
Respect Everyone's Time: Punctuality is a top priority. Everyone must be on
time for meetings to ensure a smooth flow and avoid wasting the group's time. If you
have an unavoidable reason for being late, notify the team beforehand and find a way
to catch up afterward.
Come Prepared: Don't show up empty-handed. Before each meeting, review
your tasks and prepare specific questions or discussion points. This helps us stay
focused on core issues and increases our overall efficiency.
Stay on Topic: To save time, discussions will be focused and to the point. Avoid getting
sidetracked with side conversations to ensure every issue is addressed thoroughly within
the meeting.
Keep Everyone on the Same Page: No one gets left behind. Every member must
have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. If you can't attend, it's your
responsibility to read the meeting minutes or summaries to stay connected with the
team.
Listen and Respect: Every opinion has value. Listen actively, avoid interrupting,
and respect others' viewpoints. A comfortable environment where everyone feels free
to share their ideas will foster creativity and lead to the best solutions.
Use Tools Effectively: We use one shared system. The team will agree on a
common platform (like Google Drive, Excel, or Messenger) for managing tasks. Each
member is responsible for regularly updating their progress, ensuring everyone can see
the project's big picture.
3. WORK NORMS AND DECISION MAKING
Work norms
How much time do you anticipate it will take to make the project sucess?
With 168 hours per week, we estimate it will take approximately 10 hours to do the
project. However, it is important to note that this timeframe may vary depending on
specific situational factors, project-specific complexity, and resource availability.
How will work be divided among team members?
Team role assignments vary depending on the type of project, individual skills, and
schedule. Tasks should be assigned based on each team member's skills or based on
self-selection.
How will deadlines be set?
We need to assess the scope and complexity of your project and set realistictimelines
for each task. We can rely on each group member`s schedule.
How will you decide who should do which tasks?
Assigning tasks that suit their strengths and areas of expertise.
Giving them tasks that align with their interests.
Where will you record who is responsible for which tasks?
Using a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, we can list the tasks, who is
assigned the task, deadlines, and any additional details relevant to each task.
What will happen if someone does not follow through on a commitment (e.g.,
missing a deadline, not showing up to meetings)?
Delay the project schedule.
Disrupt the workflow and productivity of the entire team.
Other team members have to increase their workload or take on additional
responsibilities to cover the gap.
How will the work be reviewed?
Each person read the project several times and then explained the project in their own
way to the whole team.
The others will ask that person some questions related to making sure that the member
understands the project.
The keywords in the article, short content, and difficult problems will be saved as
multiple-choice quizzes (Can be saved in flashcards).
What happens if people have different opinions on the quality of the work?
This issue will be resolved by providing comments, consulting, and agreeing on how to
evaluate the quality of work among members and then make corrections if necessary.
What will you do if one or more team members are not doing their share of the
work?
1. Ask about that member's situation. (Ex: Did you encounter any difficulties
during the process? Did any unexpected problems arise? ... ).
2. Evaluate the work situation (Ex: Deadline, workload, ...).
3. Propose a solution.
4. Agree on the final plan and implement it.
How will you deal with different work habits of individual team members?
1. Unify common working flow.
2. In case of disagreement on the working direction for the whole group: Set a
common deadline to complete each piece of work for the whole team (Ex: 3 or
4 days before the reporting date). Whoever finishes first can submit it first and
check again.
2. Decision making:
Do you need consensus (100% approval of all team members) before making a
decision?
1. For assigned individual tasks, 100% input from all members is not required. This
ratio will decrease because decisions related to the part of each individual's job
are considered to contribute ideas.
2. Issues that may affect the group's progress, scores, and efforts of other members
must require 100% member approval to ensure individual and all team benefits.
What will you do if one of you fixates on a particular idea?
1. Evaluate the feasibility of the idea.
2. Evaluate the necessity of the idea.
3. Help teammates implement ideas/ Advise teammates and eliminate those ideas.
4. TASK REQUIREMENTS
Comprehensive completion of requirements: The submitted work must fully
and accurately address all objectives and directives outlined in the assignment prompt.
Every element must be completed in its entirety, with no omissions or overlooked
details.
Rigorous, evidence-based reasoning: Central arguments should be articulated
with logical coherence and supported by verifiable evidence, relevant data, or well-
chosen examples. The progression of ideas must demonstrate critical thinking and
academic integrity.
Creativity and originality: The work should transcend mere replication of
existing materials by offering fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and original
insights that distinguish it from conventional responses.
Professional presentation: The final product must reflect the highest standards
of academic writing, including clarity of expression, grammatical precision, stylistic
fluency, and overall readability.
Strict adherence to formatting conventions: All specifications regarding
length, structure, citation style, font, margins, and related formatting requirements must
be meticulously observed.
5. CHECK TEAM MEMBERS TASK
During group meetings, the facilitator will allocate specific tasks to each member.
Throughout the week, the timekeeper will oversee the team’s progress by monitoring
updates in the task tracking worksheet.
At subsequent meetings, members will present their progress reports, after which the
facilitator will review the completed tasks for quality and compliance with requirements
before assigning new responsibilities for the upcoming week.
Performance Assessment
Assessment Board
Members
Wee Crite
Nhật Ánh Bảo Khanh Minh Nguyên Bảo Quyên Quốc Tuấn
k ria
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Week 1 4 4 4 4 3 4 3 2 3 4 3 3 2 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4
Week 2 4 4 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 2 4 4 4 4 4 2 4
Week 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 3
Week 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 2 4 4 3 4 4 4 4
Week 5 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4
Week 6 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 2 4 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 3 4 4 2 3 3
Week 7 4 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 2 4 3
Week 8 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 3 4 3
Week 9 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 4 4 3
Week 10 4 3 2 4 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 3 2 3 4 3
Week 11 4 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 3 2 3 3 4 3 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4
Week 12 3 3 2 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 4 4 4
Week 13 3 3 2 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4
Week 14 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 2 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4
Week 15 4 4 4 2 4 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Total
3,8 3,7 3,2 3,6 3,5 3,6 3,5 3,4 3,2 3,8 3,3 3,3 3,4 3,4 3,7 3,3 3,3 3,4 3,4 3,7 3,6 3,6 3,4 3,7 3,6
Criteria
GROUP MEMBERS
II. Objective
● Discuss the member contract: team roles, meeting plan, assessment
● Discuss the Journal & Business
● Divide the tasks for the week
III. Content discuss
1. Member Contract
Team Roles
● Note Taker: Minh Nguyên
● Presenters: Bảo Khanh, Nhật Ánh
● Timekeeper: Ming Nguyên
● Task tracking: Nhật Ánh
● Slide makers: Quốc Tuấn, Bảo Quyên
Meeting Plan & Schedule
● Team discussions and communication will take place mainly through
Messenger.
● Task allocation will be done during meetings.
● Two meeting formats:
○ Offline: meet after class or at the library.
○ Online: via Google Meet.
● Each member must prepare their assigned tasks before each meeting in order to
present updates.
● If someone cannot complete a task by the deadline or has any issues, they must
inform the team in advance so others can help cover the work.
Assessment
The team will use a 4-point scale (0 → 4) to evaluate performance based on multiple
criteria:
- Contribution
- Ideas
- Research effort
- Quality of work
- Compliance with the team contract
- Meeting deadlines and attendance
Each member should consider what is needed to achieve a high score and propose
improvements.
A summary evaluation table for the entire team will be created.
2. Discussion Summary
Journal
- An email requesting approval for the journal topic has been sent; the team is
waiting for the instructor's response. Meanwhile, the team will gather multiple
research papers related to frameworks and models with a manageable level of
difficulty.
- These papers will be compiled into a priority list with short descriptions, ready
to send to the instructor if the initial topic is rejected.
- The team discussed the research topic and agreed to take turns presenting or
compiling weekly slides.
- A presentation slide template is needed.
Business
The team will search for data sources through personal connections or workplaces,
ensuring requirements of the assignment are met, including:
- Describe the purchasing function and its relationship with other departments.
- Identify key concepts in purchasing decisions, including negotiation techniques
and ethical issues.
- Propose a model for supplier selection and evaluation.
- Explain the relationship between materials management & inventory control
and the purchasing process. Explain supply chain management.
Status of data sourcing:
- Nhật Ánh has requested revenue data from “Công ty TNHH TMDV Tin học
Không Gian Số” for the first 6 months of 2025.
- Bảo Khanh contacted a company and is waiting for a response.
- Minh Nguyên will ask his workplace for data next week.
3. Tasks
- Create a detailed weekly evaluation sheet (weekly time checking).
- Compile the group contract.
- Create the assessment table, including evaluation criteria using the 4-point scale
(conversion standards).
- Read and select research papers on relevant models/frameworks to send to the
instructor.
- Search for reliable data sources for the business project; choose an appropriate
company.
- Create a task-tracking sheet (managed by the Timekeeper).
Work spaceProcurement management
IV. Deadline
Context PIC Deadline Note
all + Minh
Meeting time + Vote 31/8
Nguyên
All + Quốc
Assessment board and next week timeline 4/9
Tuấn
Minh
Timeline 6/9
Nguyên
Meeting Minute Date: 06/09/2025
Time: 10g30 - 11g30
Location: Google Meet
6 thg 9, 2025 10:30| | Internal meeting
I. Attendees
Checking Absent
After discussion, the team agreed on five criteria to evaluate each member’s task
performance: Contribution, Quality of Work, Punctuality/Deadline,
Responsibility & Accountability, and Compliance with Group Rules.
Using these criteria, the team developed detailed requirements for assessing
each individual on a 0–4 scoring scale.
Finally, the team assigned weightings to each criterion. Contribution and Quality
of Work were considered the most important, each accounting for 30% of the
total score. The remaining criteria were weighted 20%, 10%, and 10%
respectively. Each criterion is labeled from 1 to 5 so evaluators can cross-
reference them with the Weekly Evaluation Details Table.
-
● After having assessment, our team began doing the team contract and its outline
● Khanh will inform and contact with company in the following week
3. Tasks:
● Finishing team contact
● Analysis on the choosing journal
IV. Deadline
Content PIC Deadline Note
all + Minh
Meeting time
Nguyên
Tuấn +
Finishing team contract 13/9
Quyên
Checking Absent
IV. Deadline
Content PIC Deadline Note
all + Minh
Meeting time 1/10
Nguyên
Journal analysis All 5/10
Checking information All 8/10
+ Saturday 11/10 deadline on journal context and update on: Dịch + Phân tích báo
Báo (LARG, MADM)
● Divide chapter responsibilities
+ CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION - Tuấn
+ CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH PROCESS AND PROCUREMENT STRATEGY -
Ánh, Quyên
+ CHAPTER 3: INVENTORY MANAGEMENT - Khanh
+ CHAPTER 4: PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND FUNCTIONS
+ CHAPTER 5: RELEVANT LEGAL FACTORS - Minh Nguyên
+ CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
IV. Deadline
all + Minh
Meeting vote 12/10
Nguyên
Journal context All 11/10
II. Objective
● Doing the small assignment Trung Thu festival
● Checking on the progress of the mid-term assignment
● Paper final analysis
IV. Deadline
Content PIC Deadline Note
II. Objective
● Review on the team contract, and completing it since having no class
II. Objective
● The objective of the meeting was to align on the midterm project, review and
reassess the existing project outline
● Ask for more information about the company and arrange an online meeting to
discuss more about the company, its internal information.
IV. Deadline
Content PIC Deadline Note
II. Objective
● Start doing presentation of the midterm project, analysis on what to put in or not
● Keep finishing the remaining chapter of the midterm
II. Objective
● Checking on the project, reading and giving advice on every parts
● Small presentation for everybody to prepare for the final presentatio
III. Content discuss
1. Review on chapters, reading and giving advices
The team talked about the need to carefully check all the remaining chapters of the
project to make sure everything is clear, complete, and correct. This includes reading
each chapter again, finding parts that are missing information, and deciding which
sections need more research or details from the company. The team also wants to make
sure that all chapters are connected well and that the ideas flow in a logical way. Here
everybody can give their own opinions of the overall structure of an entire project and
everybody will find a way to solve it. Tuan + Anh + Khanh is the person who will
thoroughly solve an entire subject and modify it on the outline of the project.
[Link] presentations
To help everyone understand the work better, the team will prepare a small presentation
that explains what each chapter is about, what tasks still need to be done, and who is
responsible for each part. This presentation will help all members know the content of
every chapter, even the ones they are not directly working on. It will also make sure
everyone understands what they need to do and how their work fits into the whole
project. By doing this, the team hopes to work more smoothly together, avoid confusion,
and keep the same quality across all chapters. By having a clear visual overview of the
project, the team can communicate more effectively, make better decisions, and keep
everyone aligned with the project’s direction. This presentation will serve as a guide
during online or in-person meetings, helping members track progress, identify problems
early, and stay organized throughout the entire project. Ultimately, this approach aims
to improve teamwork, increase productivity, and ensure the final project is coherent,
polished, and high-quality.
IV. Deadline
Content PIC Deadline Note
II. Objective
● Checking team members having problem and help them solve it
IV. Deadline
Content PIC Deadline Note
II. Objective
● Final reports reading
● Presentation rehearsal
IV. Deadline
Content PIC Deadline Note