By Jake Kanter In the latest issue of SM I interviewed Clemens Guenther, director, corporate procurement UK and Ireland for DHL. It was clear when I was speaking to him for 'The way to the top', that the German-born purchaser had a strong sense of service. Almost everything he described was in relation to the [...]
By Delwyn Cummack We've had the following question from a reader: "I am looking to let a contract to a supplier who will manage a series of events on our behalf over a specified period. Is there anything standard that I could use/adopt?" Do you have any suggestions?
By Jake Kanter I have been to two conferences for the best part of the last two days. A common theme I have noticed emerging at these types of events is speakers using the word "cute". Usually used to describe a different, successful approach to a problem or a new innovative product, it is being [...]
By Delwyn Cummack We've had the following question from a reader: "The use of e-auctions within my organisation is declining every year. Overall, the company supports their use but buyers seem to think they are "too much like hard work". How can we encourage the use of e-auctions? What are the different techniques that can be [...]
By Steve Bagshaw What is the correct level of preparation for a big event? Or even a surprise event. If you have a presentation coming up or a vital negotiation how much time should you allow yourself and how to spend it? It varies from person to person, but the general consensus seems to be [...]
By Paul Snell Max Mosley is to sit down with Formula One officials to discuss how racing teams can cuts costs in the midst of the global financial crisis. According to this BBC story, he is looking to make cuts in the “power train”, which includes items such as the engine and gearbox. This would [...]
By Delwyn Cummack At yesterday's interactive leadership debate at the CIPS Premier Conference, audience members were asked what they wanted to be at the start of their career. 25 per cent chose head of procurement and 17 per cent said they had dreams of being MD or CEO. By comparison, 37 per cent of young professionals surveyed [...]
According to local government (and former procurement) minister, John Healey, top civil servants should spend at least two years in a local authority running a public service programme. He believes this will broaden the experience of senior civil servants and give them an understanding of the country outside London.
By Jake Kanter We're all prone to a bit of an office tiff, even if it's a disagreement on the most basic level. But according to new research, dealing with conflict at work is costing organisations billions of pounds every year. The study by psychology consultancy OPP found the average UK employee spent two hours [...]
By Rebecca Ellinor Negotiation is a key part of any buyer’s role. We hear a lot about the skills involved – the importance of neuro-linguistic programming for example to pick up on non-verbal signals, and the assertion that sales staff would make good purchasers because driving deals is their raison d'être. To examine this essential [...]
