Best of the ‘Buying Magician’ 2010: Part 1
Part 1: Strategy & Influence
Here is our first ‘best of’ - a four part review of our thoughts and comments in 2010. Here in part 1 we profile ‘Strategy & Influence’
Expanding Procurements Scope and Influence
Expanding procurements scope and influence is critical for CPO’s, if procurement is to develop its value contribution beyond cost savings. Here we discuss some mechanisms to help procurement leaders achieve this goal:
The ability to expand the depth and breadth of procurements playing field, to take on greater spend under management and to move beyond cost [...]
Placing the CPO at the top table
The executive in the organisation to whom the CPO reports plays a vital role in breaking down corporate roadblocks, setting priorities and supporting procurement’s profile within the business. The CPO reporting relationship therefore has an important role in ensuring the effective contribution of procurement to organisational goals and strategies. Significantly, [...]
Procurement: Be Strategic or Die
In a separate post, over on SM Steve Bagshaw asks us to contemplate what we call ourselves – a question which refuses to die. On the Purchasing Practice Linkedin group this same question is still receiving comments more than 12 months after posting.
The answer really depends upon where the procurement profession wants to [...]
Procurement: Win the support of senior management
All procurement professionals will have experienced the consequences of not having senior management support at some point in their career. The consequences can wreck promising careers and destroy confidence when things go wrong and you find yourself “on your own”. It is vital therefore buyers have strong organisational awareness and [...]
Procurement Takes the Stage on Capital Markets Day Events:
As the credit crisis evolves into the new normal, credit has become tighter and one outcome investors and regulators will almost certainly demand is more transparency into the strategy and crucially, the underlying operating and financial performance of companies.
Investors are increasingly aware of the impact that procurement and the supply chain can have on overall [...]
Clear direction needed for procurement’s future
SM reported AXA CPO Heinz Schaeffer’s view that procurement would become a centre for “spend intelligence” but was hindered by a lack of suitable talent. While I share this view in part, there are several key points that need to be addressed by CPOs everywhere if procurement is to reach its [...]
