Strategy . Influence . Innovation . Process

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Procurement must get control of the long tail of spend to avoid the loss of value this distraction can impose on the strategic end of spend management: As the pressure on supply management increases, so too does the demand on its resources. It is therefore important that the attention of procurement professionals remain focused on [...]

Joe Fiorito of the The Star.com vents his frustration on the difficulty of buying Canadian – a lament many others in developed countries will share…. Joe tells us his: Espresso pot – made in Italy, as was my cup. Toaster? Made in China. Cast iron frying pan made in the USA, as was the stove, [...]

Should you use the form contracts of the vendor or the customer when outsourcing information technology? This is the question the editor of The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel asked in an interview with Paul G. Madison , Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP. This is a subject dear to my heart and one I have commented [...]

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 [...]

A recent posting entitled “Three Levels of Open Innovation Maturity” show’s the close correlation between SRM and Innovation and describes three levels of maturity: Level 1: Externally Aware: Level 1 companies recognize that external ideas and capabilities are valuable in the innovation process. They partner with suppliers and customers throughout the innovation process—from ideation to [...]

Now is an excellent time for procurement heads to show their leadership skills and take ownership of the money-saving agenda. As most major economies emerge from recession, CEOs and business leaders are cautiously planning for the next growth cycle. The winners in this cycle will be the companies that focus on enhancing customer value while [...]

A lighthearted post covering supply chain “do its”: Buyers do it – “for a discount” CPO’s do it – “with the board” Supplier Relationship Managers do it “with suppliers” Category Managers do it “in the market” Demand Planners do it “forward looking” Schedulers do it “just in time” Inventory Managers do it “just in case” [...]

The CFO & CPO are increasingly seen as CEO’s in training. Companies such as Wal-Mart, Chrysler and Merck have had CEO’s who had been CPO. This new prominence places the CPO in direct competition with the CFO and other CXO’s for the corner office position. However, that the CEO still predominantly delegates responsibility for supply [...]

As the debt laden Fortress Investment Group who purchased the resort’s operator Intrawest LLC struggles to repay $1.7bn loan, the Winter Olympic Games host resort faces uncertain future. Intrawest has undergone widespread decentralisation – fragmenting their procurement leverage and embarked upon a resort garage sale. Had the company invested in developing its procurement capabilities to [...]