Which of the following is an advantage of decentralized procurement?

Decentralized procurement provides the advantage of autonomy, allowing individual departments or business units within an organization to make purchasing decisions based on their specific needs and priorities. This autonomy can lead to quicker response times to changing market conditions or departmental requirements since decision-makers are closer to the operational processes.

In decentralized procurement, local managers are empowered to identify and procure goods and services that best suit their functional areas, potentially leading to increased satisfaction and efficiency. This flexibility can enhance innovation and tailor procurement strategies to fit the unique circumstances of different parts of the organization.

The other options highlight attributes usually associated with centralized procurement. Assured accountability tends to be stronger in centralized systems where decision-making is consolidated, which allows for clearer oversight. Volume discounts are generally achieved through bulk purchasing and negotiation strategies typical of centralized procurement efforts. Effective inventory control is also often maintained more robustly in centralized systems, as they can optimize inventory levels across the organization.