Amway of Canada

Amway of Canada is faced with decisions surrounding the replacement of photocopiers at its Canadian headquarters. As the lease has expired on its current copiers, Amway is beginning the process of evaluating new copier brands, vendors and related technologies. However, what initially appeared to be a rather straightforward rebuy purchasing situation is becoming a more complex organizational decision. Specifically, the number of potential vendors is increasing as different technologies are considered, because the purchasing team realizes that the new photocopier decision inherently impacts other areas of Amway's operations. The purpose of this case is to examine how seemingly simple organizational purchases - particularly those related to new and emerging technologies - can become extremely complex and involve the consideration of related functional areas and operational characteristics within the firm. As such, the case is ideally suited for a discussion around prioritizing key issues in a complex organizational purchase and achieving rapid closure on a procurement initiative, which has apparently spiralled out of control.