Procurement
Why We Should Stop Chasing “Best-in-Class”
I do a lot of reading about next-generation strategies, trends and tactics being employed by leading procurement organizations. Often, I find myself confronted by the notion of “best-in-class.”
Forging an Alliance Between Procurement and Our Stakeholders
Being an ally comes in many different shapes and sizes, requiring involvement at both the micro and macro levels. Whether it means showing support by demonstrating interest in a cause important to a friend, or personally taking action to further their cause, allies strengthen each other through committed relationships and shared effort.
Minimizing Risk in the Outsource Model
2018 is not the first time our industry has come under fire. It’s had a colourful history from tales of cost-cutting to ethical arguments around driving labour arbitrage. Outsourcing has often been misunderstood and the whole industry blamed when things go wrong. But with the recent, spectacular collapse of Carillion we are seeing a renewed attack from certain corners in relation to the “failure of outsourcing.” A grand, sweeping statement, but is there any truth in it?
Procurement with a Purpose
A few years ago, companies used purpose to differentiate. It was an edge over their competition, something that was applauded by consumers. Today, it’s the expectation. Businesses want to not only do well for their companies, they also want to make a difference in the world, and between modern slavery and extreme poverty, the supply chain is the ticket. We’re living in an age where supply chains are becoming more and more complex and what you can’t see can hurt you.
Software Supplier Management: The Gold Standard
Between budget cuts and complex contract language, managing IT spend and relationships with software vendors can prove to be quite challenging, especially if you’re not in a position with leverage. With new technology constantly being introduced to the market, best-in-class procurement teams understand the importance of being in a position with leverage – allowing the business to be in control of the vendors’ influence and the ability to evaluate alternatives.
Procurement: From Theory to Practice
Not many people can say they haven't heard the voice of a young child asking “Why?” No matter what the subject matter we all seem to be programmed to want to know the “why” behind the “what.” The procurement workplace is no different but we tend to find difficulty in connecting these. Understanding the ins and outs of theory and practice become essential to success in the procurement world.
Ronald Dworkin: Trust and Treating Each Other as Equals
This month’s column features big thinker Ronald Dworkin. I like Dworkin because he tackles and integrates major ideas in ethics, morality, equality, justice and the “unity of value.” One of his most famous of many books is entitled Justice for Hedgehogs.
Don’t let the humorous book title fool you; there’s no question that Dworkin is a heavyweight. Dworkin is a Professor of Philosophy and the Frank Henry Sommer Professor of Law at New York University and Emeritus Professor of Jurisprudence at University College London.
Q&A: Gary Stoddard, Nitor Partners
Empowering Organizations to Create Sustainable Value - The Need for a Holistic and Integrated Procurement Environment
Dawn Tiura: One of the things I first wanted to talk to you about is understanding a little bit about your history. How did you get to be where you are at Nitor?
Brexit…Are (Retail) Companies Ready?
In a recent 4C poll* of 227 UK retail procurement executives, 89% responded that they either had no plan in place or were unaware that their company had a plan in place. What should you consider now so that you’re prepared for the March 2019 Brexit deadline?