By Jake Kanter This story in the Financial Times unveils research on the makeup of a FTSE 350 firm's board of directors. It says the average board member has only been in their position for four years, while the average chief executive just 4.6 years. This is in addition to the average age of board [...]
By Delwyn Cummack The theme of this year's CIPS Premier Conference is leadership. On 7 October, author and peer mentoring expert, Steve Trautman, will be talking about leading an inter-generational workforce. Do you manage or work in a team with people from different generations? What challenges does this present and how do you deal with [...]
By Paul Snell A study published today in the journal Science brings good news for buyers. The research revealed that fear of losing often leads to people overbidding in auctions. By scanning the brains of those taking part in auctions both against humans and computers, scientists found an exaggerated response when contestants lost against real [...]
By Delwyn Cummack In this issue's Adviser, our experts look at what makes a successful graduate programme. Paul McMullen, head of general expense procurement at AXA UK, says graduate schemes are "an excellent way to raise the profile of procurement and provide a varied experience to graduates." Have you been involved in a graduate programme? [...]
In the current Soapbox, Robert Anson, senior director of total supply management at i2, says suppliers must become partners to buyers – especially when it comes to demand. “Suppliers and manufacturers need to create a more open and honest relationship – one that acknowledges demand variations, and shares risks and rewards. By taking a more [...]
By Paul Snell This report on the BBC yesterday revealed the growing number of fake £1 coins in circulation – as many as one in 50 is counterfeit. Experts said criminal gangs were responsible for manufacturing the fakes using specialist equipment. Around 2 per cent of coins are said to be dodgy, a level at [...]
By Rebecca Ellinor With all that’s going on in the money markets, now might not seem like the best time to get into using complex financial instruments. But for some commodity buyers, the better question is perhaps: can you afford not to? In the latest issue of Supply Management we speak to companies hedging fuel, [...]
By Jake Kanter For the past two days I have been surrounded by purchasers from various corners of Europe. What struck me about most of them is that they are blessed with a brilliant directness, which is sometimes absent from their English counterparts. The speakers were open about their failures and proud of their achievements, [...]
By Jake Kanter I arrived in Prague on Tuesday and it is cold, the temperature has even dipped below six degrees. But the reason for my visit seems to be a very hot topic in procurement, such is the discussion surrounding low-cost country sourcing. Although among some of the delegates ‘low cost country sourcing’ seems [...]
By Delwyn Cummack The shortlist for the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year was announced today. The judges' picks include A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Has Shaped the World from Prehistory to the Present by William Bernstein, and Cold Steel: The Multi-billion-dollar Battle for a Global Industry by Tim Bouquet and Byron Ousey. Click here [...]
