Thursday, December 04, 2008
Edition 14 (June 2008)
PREVIOUS EDITIONS
David Rae, Editor
Almost half a century ago economist Milton Friedman wrote in his book Capitalism and Freedom that the business world had just one responsibility. Predictably, for someone who could count Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher among his most ardent fans, that responsibility was to maximise profits.
But does Friedman’s theory of corporate life still hold true? Of course, it depends on who you ask, but if there’s one current issue that doesn’t recognise theories (least of all liberal economic ones) it’s sustainability and climate change.
At our roundtable on sustainable procurement (a write-up of which you can find here) our very own columnist Neil Deverill told of a conversation he had with the chief executive of a large UK-based company, who said he couldn’t care less about the environment; his motivation was pure profit. Friedman would have been proud. Thankfully, the procurement professionals who attended our roundtable were substantially more passionate about sustainability than the CEO in Deverill’s story. And having spoken to several of the attendees since the event, relationships have been formed and a large amount of post-event knowledge-sharing and collaboration has occurred.
More from the editor
PROCUREMENT FEATURES
- Come Together
Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:12:12 - The bitter fruit of poor PR
Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:18:38 - Working together
Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:41:40 - Hard Facts: Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing roundtable
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:07:00 - Young, gifted and scarce
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:27:29 - Procurement’s core principles
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:57:25 - Get up and grow
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:47:59 - Luis Ferreira - Power House
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:25:00 - Manila Thriller
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:22:41 - Power Mad
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:13:44
PROCUREMENT OPINIONS
After years of exchange rate stability, businesses that trade across their national borders face a potentially revenue-wrecking ride on a currency market with all the dynamics of a fairground rollercoaster. Philip Thornton looks in vain for the safe seats. Opinion: Risk and reward
Procurement professionals are in a pivotal position to influence the sustainable activities of their organisations, says David Rabey. And their position will get stronger as the risks and opportunities of supply chain sustainability are understood. Opinion: Whose line is it anyway?
You look to the executive you report to to back you up and push your procurement business case submissions on the board. But the truth of the matter is that a CPO’s leadership and influencing skills are more important than the actual reporting line.
PROFILE
Featured Profile: Luis-Ferreira
Selling himself to the wider business is always at the forefront of Luis Ferreira’s mind, writes David Rae. Saving €120m is a great way to start.
View profile
