The document discusses global sourcing, which involves identifying the best supplier regardless of location. Global sourcing includes shared services and outsourcing solutions that can be implemented domestically or offshore. Key factors to consider in global sourcing include material costs, transportation costs, inventory costs, taxes and duties, supply performance, and risks. There are also quantitative aspects like logistics and economics, and qualitative aspects such as political, legal, and cultural factors. Risks of global sourcing include distance from suppliers, communication challenges, currency fluctuations, quality issues, and staffing needs.