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
Driving savings to the bottom line
Driving strategic sourcing savings to the bottom line Driving strategic sourcing savings to the bottom line – we discuss how procurement leaders secure powerful savings and drive them to their bottom line by approaching sourcing strategically to deliver and capture cost savings for their organizations. What’s in it for you? Increased earnings and business efficiency Reading Time: 5 minutes Introduction: … Read More
Chinanomics:
Under international pressure to revalue its currency, China has been accused of exporting unemployment to the world. However, China showed spectacular timing by announcing a week before the G20 meeting in Toronto that it will abandon the two-year-old peg that has kept the RMB tied to the dollar and allow the exchange rate to float within a very narrow band … Read More
Procurement Must Be Strategic or Die
Procurement Must Be Strategic or Die Procurement Must Be Strategic or Die – In a 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 … Read More
What does procurement actually do?
In a previous posting on how to win executive support a reader comment highlighted the fact that many procurement professionals still struggle for support and greater recognition, which can – in his terms – damage your “procurement mojo”. So for those readers who still need to convince a sceptical organisation, here are some tips to help market procurement’s benefits to … Read More