Proactive Supply Management: The Management of Risk

IN BRIEF Proactive supply management is a frequently used phrase, yet no agreement exists about its precise meaning. This article argues that proactive purchasing management is risk management, a perspective that evolved from case studies of the purchasing function. To better understand risk management from the perspective of purchasing management, it is analyzed within the context of transaction cost theory and the resource dependency model. Evidence is provided from the case studies that risk management is an appropriate framework for understanding proactive purchasing management. Examples of risk management through proactive purchasing activities are presented.