It's not just about logistics and purchasing. The supply chain consists of a broad network of partners who interact at every level of their organizations, says Douglas M. Lambert, director of the Global Supply Chain Forum at Ohio State University.

FTAs are a hot topic in Washington, D.C., and in the corporate world, says Nathan Pieri, SVP Marketing & Product Management of Amber Road. And in this video, he discusses their benefits and challenges, and outlines what you need to know to make them work to your greatest advantage.

Ann Grackin, chief executive officer of ChainLink Research, traces the evolution of ethical behavior throughout the supply chain. But is the trend motivated by a desire for profitability, the law, or just good intentions?

Companies large and small are gradually coming to recognize the important of measuring their supply-chain performance. But trust among partners is also a key factor in the effort, says Karl Manrodt, associate professor at Georgia Southern University.