Procurement

Procurement with a Purpose

Posted: 02/10/2018 - 02:23
Author: Padmini Ranganathan

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

Posted: 02/10/2018 - 01:50
Author: Kevin Fraser

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

Posted: 02/03/2018 - 02:17
Author: Tim Cronin

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. 

From Boredom to Chief Customer Officer with Gregory A. Mark

Posted: 01/06/2018 - 02:39
Author: Gregory Mark

In this episode of the Sourcing Industry Landscape, Dawn Tiura interviews Gregory Mark. Gregory Mark is the Chief Customer Officer at Zycus, a role that not many have heard of. On the podcast, he shares the reason his role was created and we take a journey to learn more about his unique career path and what keeps him motivated.

Ronald Dworkin: Trust and Treating Each Other as Equals

Posted: 12/22/2017 - 05:08
Author: Kate Vitasek

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: Jamie Ogilvie-Smals, GEP 

Posted: 11/15/2017 - 02:20
Author: Jamie Ogilvie-Smals

Mark Pollack (MP): Jamie, tell our readers about yourself and your role within the organization. 

Jamie Ogilvie-Smals (JOS): GEP is the largest provider of unified procurement solutions in the world, combining strategic consulting, managed procurement services and cloud-based procurement software. We have a rapidly-expanding, blue-chip client base of Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Procurement with Purpose

Posted: 11/07/2017 - 03:15
Author: Kirsten Allegri Williams

Education is the great equalizer. Yet when it comes to capturing opportunities to learn, there is a significant divide between the “haves” and “have nots.”  Technology is a powerful tool that can change this, and non-profit organizations across the country are beginning to leverage it to bridge the gap.

 

Fueling Innovation and Choice

Outsourcing industry – time to innovate

Posted: 09/28/2017 - 05:43
Author: Manish Khandelwal

Innovation in most sectors has its roots in technology. What is curious though is that the outsourcing industry that plays such a big part in transforming other sectors has somehow ignored the need for innovating its own business models.

There is clear evidence of headwinds and industry players need to innovate to stay relevant and play their part in the IT supply chain of the future in a fast changing market place. And the time for them to do so is running out fast.

There are some notable trends that underline the need for change -

Reverse Auction: Friend or Foe?

Posted: 06/30/2017 - 06:30
Author: Phil Przeklas

Procurement organizations have been using reverse auctions in sourcing events for decades as a means to reduce spend, introduce new vendors into the supply base and remain competitive in the market. While reverse auctions have flourished since the mid 1990’s, they have also been heavily scrutinized. Trends such as these have forced suppliers to adapt to competitive business practices or become inconsequential. As procurement tools become more streamlined, practices like reverse auctions are more commonplace in sourcing events; however, they continue to harbor negative connotations.

How Big Data Can Improve Supply Chain Efficiency

Posted: 06/03/2017 - 07:03
Author: David Adams

Recently, supply chain professionals have recognized that better data collection and increased computing power can track sourcing, scheduling and routing better and faster than any human. Applying big data to thorny supply chain problems is still an emerging art as companies adapt their internal processes to rely on algorithms rather than rules of thumb. Here’s what you need to know to understand how big data is changing the supply chain and improving efficiency.

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