add a status to the workflow, e.g. "Hold" or "Waiting 3rd-party". in this scenario whoever is accountable w/in the team to 'manage' the vendor should be assigned the issue.
create a sub-task to the issue for getting closure w/ vendor and assign the proper person.
I would treat this the same as #1. they are simply an internal 3rd-party.
Link the two stories. One will be "blocks" the other "is blocked by"
using the above you can then create reports (filters) and add to dashboard to show "blocked" issues.
One small thing: how about using the flag to flag out items that are blocked (instead of adding a status)? These can be filtered and displayed in a project management dashboard, for example.
Certainly a reasonable approach. I really haven’t used flagging much. The last time I looked I recall liking it but just haven’t fit it into my processes formally. The one caveat I would make here is if you have one issue blocking another I would certainly use the blocks link method. Note if you wanted to use a Kansan or scrum board the advantage of a status is you could have an “On Hold” column and map the status there making it very apparent.
@Charlotte Watson, i'm not sure i'm following you here. If this is a new question you might want to treat it as such, creating a new question. If this is offering an alternative answer to the original question you might want to use the "Answer" button and add more details.
