Procurement is now front & centre of the business world. So when will CEO’s place it at the centre of their business strategy? If ever there were a set of conditions to emphasize the procurement functions strategic place in business and the modern world, it is the current maelstrom of recession, sovereign debt, gathering inflation, political revolution and natural … Read More
Puplic Sector Procurement: Missing strategic intent is "enemy of enterprise"
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
The Brave CPO: Which path will you take?
The Brave CPO: Which path will you take? The Brave CPO: Which path will you take? The start of 2011 has seen a debate about procurement’s challenges as the combination of austerity drives and economic recovery converge. Some commentators say the profession risks falling back into obscurity once the recovery really gathers pace. I share this concern, which was heightened by … 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
The 'inner buyer': Raising procurement’s self-esteem
Here we argue that procurement must first adopt the right self-image before it can convince others of its value: First impressions Procurement professionals are indoctrinated into the profession with messages such as: “you have to take the internal customer along with you”, “you have to persuade them” “you have to get their buy-in first” But what if internal customers are … Read More
SRM: The Emporor's CPO's new clothes?
SRM: The CPO’s new clothes? SRM: The CPO’s new clothes? “When the economic tide goes out, you find out who is swimming naked.” – Warren Buffet. SRM: The CPO’s new clothes? This famous quote came to mind this week as I reviewed some recent articles, and leads me to conclude the CPO is wearing new clothes in the form … 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
Is the Facebook generation the key to procurement’s future?
It is clear through listening across the blogosphere, that social media is coming to procurement – ready or not. As the profession’s old hands increasingly recruit from the “Facebook generation”, these bright young technology-minded individuals are going to have growing influence on the future of our profession and I believe smart organisation’s will start planning for the upside and downside … Read More
Developing Capability in Supply Chain Risk Management:
Developing Capability in Supply Chain Risk Management: Developing Capability in Supply Chain Risk Management: Vulnerability is not a word CEO’s like. But the simple fact is, as leaders we are faced with vulnerabilities every business day. A guide for CEO’s, CFO’s and CPO’s on integrating supply chain risk management into the corporate business planning process What’s in it for you? … Read More
CPO's: Don't miss the innovation opportunity
CPO’s: Don’t miss the innovation opportunity CPO’s: Don’t miss the innovation opportunity – Businesses are looking once again at the next growth phase. Key to business growth is innovation and it is here that procurement must learn from the missed opportunities of not making the connection to outsourcing. Procurement has achieved great things with the strategic sourcing process. It provided … Read More