Which activities are seldom completely outsourced but may include inventory monitoring and order placement?

The correct selection pertains to supply management because this function is often retained in-house by organizations, even when other activities may be fully outsourced. Supply management encompasses essential tasks such as inventory monitoring and order placement, which are critical for maintaining effective control over the supply chain and ensuring that there is a balance between supply and demand.

Organizations typically choose to keep these supply management functions internal to maintain strategic oversight, optimize costs, and maintain flexibility in their operations. By handling inventory monitoring and order placement, firms can respond more swiftly to changes in market conditions and customer needs, thus enhancing their competitive advantage.

While full outsourcing can entrust logistics or production to external partners, it is less common to fully outsource the nuanced activities involved in supply management, as these are closely tied to the company’s overall strategy and operational effectiveness. In-house logistics and quality assurance, though important, do not directly fall into the same category regarding inventory and ordering oversight.