The Australian Purchasing Professional magazine recently published an interesting insight into procurement life down- under, in a paper published by Guy Callender, CIPSA Foundation Professor and Professor and chair of Leadership in Strategic Procurement at Curtin University of Technology. The paper touches on many issues for the wider professional development worldwide, to which I add a personal perspective below: 1.Introduction: … Read More
Are Corporate HR Practices Stifling Innovation?
Reading an interesting article by Professor William A. Fischer at the IMD Institute on creating virtuoso teams, brought my mind back to innovation in corporations, something I wrote about last month ( here) Professor Fischers article raised a question I have pondered many times – “are corporate HR practices stifling innovation?” Modern recruitment practices put candidate through a range of … Read More
Time to Call the Shots in Asia?
Procurement -online published an interesting article which gave a good insight into the development of procurement in Asia, but also sends a relevant message to those procurement functions around the world that have not yet secured a strong mandate from the board. The article describes scenarios still recognisable by many in Europe or North America – a tale of unrecognised … Read More
14 Ways You Can Tell If An RFP Is Wired For Someone Else
14 Ways You Can Tell If An RFP Is Wired 14 Ways You Can Tell If An RFP Is Wired For Someone Else – 3Forward published an interesting article discussing how you can determine if an RFP is rigged or wired. This sales organisation perspective may provide an interesting insight for many purchasers which could be useful when constructing an … Read More
Top Ten Priorities for Innovation Centred Procurement:
Procurement must learn to adapt to the rapidly changing environment modern businesses operate in or risk becoming irrelevant. It is not just about new tools, but about mind-sets and behaviours. Its also about monitoring developments in its external environment that impact their organisations ability to compete and therefore procurements ability to contribute strategically. These changes are about innovation, where technologies … Read More
Planning for Growth This Hiring Season?
After winding down for the summer, the silly season is over and its time to start planning your resources for the challenges 2010 will bring. Like most companies, the economic downturn may have forced you to cut back your procurement staff, and you very likely may have lost some star performers. The first few weeks of September can be critical … Read More
Time of the Buying Magician’s
As procurement’s profile has soared, companies expectations of what they can deliver has become even more challenging. The CPO is now being asked to be accomplished in a growing list of skills and responsibilities: Financial, commercial, supply chain, legal Reduce cost, Increase revenue, Improve working capital, reduce tax Stimulate supplier innovation Enhance the brand Decrease supply chain complexity Reduce risk … Read More
Staying Centre Stage
Once the current economic turmoil is over CPOs will need to develop new strategies to maintain executive attention. The economic downturn has highlighted the role procurement can play as a creator of value but many CEOs still view the function mainly in terms of cost savings rather than as enablers of growth. Having gained the attention of the board in … Read More
Director of Supply Chain Finance – Specsavers
Yesterday, Specsavers placed an add for a Director of Supply Chain Finance. This is a bold move for which Specsavers should be congratulated and reflects the growing importance of Procurement and the Supply Chain. The problem for procurement is that they are seeking qualified accountants to apply for this job, not supply management experts with financial acumen. What do you … Read More
Marketing & Procurement – Natural Partners in Managing the Brand
Marketing & Procurement – Natural Partners in Managing the Brand Marketing & Procurement – Natural Partners in Managing the Brand – We argue that through their joint focus and contribution to the organisations brands and reputation, Marketing and Procurement should be natural allies. “Our Focus is on markets and brands, but without an effective supply chain, we cannot even begin … Read More