So far I personally have been impressed with Cameron, who has not been afraid to focus on the big issues; PS procurement being one of them. However, his recent remarks condemning public sector buyers as the “enemies of enterprise” are akin to blaming the foot soldiers rather than the generals setting strategy. There is much the PM can do to … Read More
Inflation Preparedness: Are you ready?
While buyers have had to manage rising commodity prices over the past decade, a whole generation of buyers have had no experience of high levels of inflation and significant price increase requests across all spend. For their more experienced colleagues – who were at work in the 1970s and 1980s – dealing with such requests was a part of daily … Read More
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, the reporting line sends a clear message regarding the importance … Read More
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 full potential: What is Procurements End Game? There does … Read More
Procurement Capability in CSR: Risk Management
Part 3 Risk Management Procurement Capability in CSR: Risk Management Procurement Capability in CSR Part 3: Risk Management – A three-part guide for CEO’s, CFO’s and CPO’s to assess how procurement can make CSR a competitive weapon in their organisations success In part 2 we discussed a stakeholder approach to CSR. Here in Part 3 we discuss risk management. 1. … Read More
M&A Procurement Capabilities: Due Diligence
M&A Procurement Capabilities: Due Diligence Part 2 – Due Diligence M&A Procurement Capabilities: Due Diligence. A three part guide for CEO’s, CFO’s and CPO’s to assess how procurement can make a critical difference to capturing the value in M&A In Part 1 we discussed how M&A value is created and the procurement capabilities required to capture it. Here in part … Read More
Sellers or Buyers contract in IT – the legal view?
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 on in previous post. Madison … Read More
Procurement: Take control of costs
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 eradicating costs that don’t match … Read More
Whistler Blackcomb – Could Strategic Procurement have helped?
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 take control of cost a … Read More
2010: Lessons for the Recovery
Its the time of year again where we take a look back and try and assess the last 12 months and think ahead to what awaits us in 2010. In that spirit, we take a look at what we believe represent some of the most important lessons to take into the year ahead: 1. “Collaborate”: In November we reported how … Read More