http://www.procurementleaders.com Latest articles from the Procurement Leaders Network RSS 2.0 http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/on-the-move-feb-2010/?version=1 On the move in the procurement world... Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:30:31 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/on-the-move-feb-2010/?version=1 2010-02-12T09:30:31Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/mars-cpo-market-volatility/?version=1 Volatility in the commodities market has thrown up as many opportunities as it has challenges. For Mars CPO Andy Parton it’s a great time for procurement to prove its worth to the business. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:40:32 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/mars-cpo-market-volatility/?version=1 2010-02-11T17:40:32Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/john-hans-heinz/?version=1 Heinz vice president of purchasing John Hans has brought a decidedly more commercial flavour to procurement, prompting a cultural change at the iconic food and sauces company. But, asks Steve Hall, will it leave a bad taste in suppliers’ mouths? Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:17:12 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/john-hans-heinz/?version=1 2010-02-11T17:17:12Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/china-dynamic-supply/?version=1 With China’s economy still in pole position, now is the time to seek out new markets as well as future global procurement leaders. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:04:07 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/china-dynamic-supply/?version=1 2010-02-11T17:04:07Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/cpo-leverage-exec-support/?version=1 CPOs should use their new-found influence to overhaul the procurement function, without damaging its hard-won reputation, writes Leslie Campbell. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:34:22 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/cpo-leverage-exec-support/?version=1 2010-02-11T16:34:22Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/eliminate-complexity-whirlpool/?version=1 Introducing greater standardization and removing complexity cleared the way for procurement-led cost savings at Whirlpool, writes Malcolm Wheatley. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:04:50 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/eliminate-complexity-whirlpool/?version=1 2010-02-11T15:04:50Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/demand-management/?version=1 Rather than manage cost, manage demand - it's a simple theory, but there are few organizations doing it well. Here, Michelle Perkins, head of research at the Procurement Intelligence Unit, takes us through some of the steps that CPOs can take to introduce a corporate-wide demand management process. The article is based on an in-depth research project carried out by the PIU, the findings of which point to a long, difficult road, but one which has a huge pot of gold at its end. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:50:57 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/demand-management/?version=1 2010-02-11T14:50:57Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/supplier-carbon-management/?version=1 A.T. Kearney principal Stephen Easton and partner Dr Daniel Mahler discuss the thorny issue of supplier carbon management. Having worked closely with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) on a detailed study, the consulting firm offers several pointers on how to drive carbon reduction through supplier relations; from better training to supplier dumping and improved metrics. While there is evidence of progress, gaps remain between the performance of CDP members and their suppliers. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:33:35 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/supplier-carbon-management/?version=1 2010-02-11T14:33:35Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/collaborative-kpis/?version=1 Only by working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders can procurement professionals hope to significantly improve performance. In this article, former Royal KPN CPO Willem van Oppen discusses the processes involved in developing the type of collaborative KPIs that pull people in the same direction and don’t encourage siloed thinking. And it’s a process that involves all stakeholders – both those in senior leadership positions and those on the shop floor. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:27:52 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/collaborative-kpis/?version=1 2010-02-11T11:27:52Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/roundtable-business-alignment/?version=1 A greater understanding of what business wants and better engagement skills among executives will help better align procurement with business outcomes, writes David Rae. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:35:14 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/roundtable-business-alignment/?version=1 2010-02-11T10:35:14Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/profile-julia-brown-kraft-foods/?version=1 As the ink begins to dry on its acquisition of Cadbury, Kraft Foods’ VP of procurement Julia Brown has a lot on her plate. Reducing the supply base by more than half is just one of the many challenges she faces, writes Richard Edwards. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:11:40 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/profile-julia-brown-kraft-foods/?version=1 2010-02-10T15:11:40Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/profile-marc-magistrali-kone/?version=1 Not everyone in procurement enjoys the elevated status that Kone CPO Marc Magistrali has achieved in his four years with the company. But, then, he is one procurement professional who seems destined to make it to the very top, writes David Rae. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:28:34 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/profile-marc-magistrali-kone/?version=1 2009-12-17T15:28:34Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/gifts-and-hospitality/?version=1 Procurement is a natural place for suppliers to try and gain influence – often by way of lavishing gifts and hospitality. Most organisations have embedded gifts and hospitality policies deeply into their sourcing processes, however, in recognition that they not only have to stamp out corrupt behaviour but they also have to be seen to be doing it. In this article, freelance business writer Malcolm Wheatley looks at how some of the world’s largest companies approach the often thorny subject. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:51:42 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/gifts-and-hospitality/?version=1 2009-12-17T14:51:42Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/supply-risk-management/?version=1 In this enlightening article, Dr Uwe Schulte, the former VP of global supply management at Unilever, provides a straightforward methodology for implementing a risk-management strategy. It looks at how CPOs can develop a simple process for determining the suppliers and categories they should focus on and, in doing so, Schulte makes risk management more manageable. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:37:23 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/supply-risk-management/?version=1 2009-12-17T14:37:23Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/global-software-contracts/?version=1 Contracts can be complex at the best of times, but multinational organisations that enter into global software contracts must be extra vigilant. Here, Dirk Karl, CPO of financial services giant ING, talks us through the ‘seven deadly sins’ that procurement must look out for. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:22:48 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/global-software-contracts/?version=1 2009-12-17T14:22:48Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/a-new-dawn-procurement/?version=1 The stellar rise of the CPO over the past decade reflects the changing role of procurement into a strategic business function. But they will need to up their skillset to maintain the profession's profile in a post-recession world, writes Richard Edwards Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:11:12 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/a-new-dawn-procurement/?version=1 2009-12-17T12:11:12Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/roundtable-collaborative-working/?version=1 Procurement needs more team players, with enterprise-wide knowledge and experience if it is going to form closer bonds with the rest of the business, writes David Rae. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:22:24 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/roundtable-collaborative-working/?version=1 2009-12-17T10:22:24Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/relections-on-the-us/?version=1 The challenges facing procurement may be the same on both sides of the Atlantic, but that isn’t always true of the solutions. One common trend, however, is the rise of procurement’s profile within the organisation – and that can only be a good thing for the profession. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:11:31 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/relections-on-the-us/?version=1 2009-12-15T10:11:31Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/pl-masterclass-2009-amsterdam/?version=1 It's easy to get bogged down in the complexities of supplier risk management and mitigation. But, as was discussed during this executive masterclass in Amsterdam, the key to success is to maintain clarity - and, ultimately, by keeping things simple. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:00:57 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/pl-masterclass-2009-amsterdam/?version=1 2009-12-15T10:00:57Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/pl-forum-2009-amsterdam/?version=1 Integration and cross-functional teamwork were some of the key topics at this year’s Procurement Leaders Forum in Amsterdam. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:55:24 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/pl-forum-2009-amsterdam/?version=1 2009-12-15T09:55:24Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/obama-protectionism-tyres/?version=1 President Obama’s willingness to impose protectionist tariffs sets a dangerous precedent that could lead us down the road to a global trade war, writes David Rae. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:32:27 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/obama-protectionism-tyres/?version=1 2009-10-19T16:32:27Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/roundtable-marketing-spend/?version=1 Having finally gained a greater role in marketing spend decisions, procurement is keen to prove its value to the bottom line – that means negotiating hard. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:28:16 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/roundtable-marketing-spend/?version=1 2009-10-19T16:28:16Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/marketing-spend/?version=1 Procurement often takes a broad brush approach to marketing services – but it takes detailed planning, good communication and careful management, writes Catherine Chetwynd. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:23:10 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/marketing-spend/?version=1 2009-10-19T16:23:10Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/technical-difficulties/?version=1 The take up of software-based solutions continues to fall, as companies – large and small – fail to make the most of the potential benefits. Research by consulting firm Capgemini points to a worrying state of play for procurement technology, as organisations fail to pick up on the benefits it can deliver for the organisation, writes David Rae. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:09:19 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/technical-difficulties/?version=1 2009-10-19T16:09:19Z http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/public-sector-procurement-battle/?version=1 Public sector will be under greater pressure to make the grade, as taxpayers demand better value for money. After pumping unprecedented sums of money into the global economy, a cold reality is finally hitting home that the huge national debt accumulated over the past two years will have to be paid off, writes Richard Edwards. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:04:24 GMT http://www.europeanleaders.net/news/latestarticles/public-sector-procurement-battle/?version=1 2009-10-19T16:04:24Z