Final answer:
A firm can protect itself against an interruption in the supply of parts by maintaining multiple supply sources, using its own transportation vehicles, and selecting suppliers through a competitive bidding process.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several ways that a firm can protect itself against an interruption in the supply of parts:
- Maintain more than one supply source: By having multiple suppliers, a firm can ensure that it has alternative sources of parts in case one supplier is unable to deliver.
- Transport the parts in its own transportation vehicles: By using its own transportation vehicles, a firm can have more control over the delivery process and reduce the risk of delays caused by external factors.
- Select suppliers through a competitive bidding process: By using a competitive bidding process, a firm can choose suppliers that offer competitive prices, quality, and reliability.