In this issue’s Knowledge Zone Anthony Naylor, actor and director of in-Dialogue, lets buyers in on public speaking techniques used by comedians and actors. His tips include combining structure with spontaneity, having a clear beginning, middle and end and being genuinely interested in your own material in order to bring it to life. Do you [...]
In the latest issue of SM, experts discuss the recent rise in outsourcing activity, as organisations look to make savings in tight economic conditions. It contradicts the SM100 poll, which revealed 54 per cent of buyers think the current economic climate does not make outsourcing more attractive. Rick Simmonds, partner at consultancy Alsbridge suggests this [...]
In the latest issue of SM, Nigel Smith, chief executive of the OGC, argues the government does not get value for money from its procurement operations. Addressing delegates from the energy industry at a procurement seminar in London last week, Smith said: “Does government get value for money now? I’d have to say, in my [...]
Politicians have, of late, been extolling the virtues of ‘social enterprises’ – that is, companies set up specifically to tackle a social or environmental problem rather than to maximise shareholder value. And buyers say there are advantages to using them: they can assist with hitting CSR targets; have commercial nous; and have a potential advantage [...]
I’ve been to a couple of events over the last few weeks, and the topic that has raised its head most consistently is that of collaboration. Buyers are commonly being told to work more closely with suppliers, partners, internal customers, other buyers and even their competitors. But despite the benefits this may bring, many purchasers [...]
In this issue, our report from the Institute of Purchasing and Supply South Africa conference mentions an initiative by British Airways as part of their CSR programme . When blankets from BA flights reach the end of their lifespan, they are sent to a sanctuary in Kenya to be used by baby elephants. Has your [...]
In this issue’s Knowledge Zone, networking expert Julia Hubbel says buyers should look to strengthen relationships with suppliers and take a more personal approach to ensure relationships will endure tough economic conditions. Have you adapted your approach to SRM to cope with the “tough times”? How important is it to get to know your suppliers [...]
Since procurement departments have assumed responsibility for buying travel in the past few years the negatives have “outweighed the positives” according to Mike Platt. Platt, who has been the public face of travel management company HRG for the past 20 years, divulged his views to SM as he retired from the job to take [...]
In this issue’s Adviser Q & A, our experts look at preventing misuse of purchasing cards. Their tips include: making policies available on the company intranet giving staff training to prevent potential mistakes undertaking regular sample audits to ensure compliance Do you have any further advice on how to make sure purchasing cards are being used [...]
In the next issue of Supply Management, out tomorrow – Features In full flight – British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh talks to SM about leadership, procurement and T5 Giving back to Africa – A round-up from the 2008 IPSA conference in Johannesburg Up in the air – Mike Platt, group industry affairs director for [...]
