Since the start of 2012, I’ve been to the US three times and it is interesting to reflect on what is going on in the world of sustainability. It is tempting to say “not much” and make this a very short blog, but that’s not the case.
I never imagined I would spend time in Texas working on sustainability with a company that exclusively supplies big oil with capital equipment, but I did. I never imagined I would end up helping the United Nations deliver the Rio +20 event in a more sustainable way, but I have. I did not predict spending time with the UK, US and Canadian institutions for civil engineering talking about more sustainable infrastructure development, but I have. And I expect to be back in the summer, working with at least two other global businesses. And yes, I offset my flights! (more…)
I was surprised just how much of Doha, the location for this year’s CIPS Middle East Conference, is still under construction.
I mistakenly thought the Qatari city would have suffered from the financial crisis like other nations in the region, but there was no sign that this was the case as workers toiled in the roasting sun. And, with the announcement last week of plans to build an underwater hotel in Dubai, it seems the rest of the region continues its recovery. Last year the economy of Qatar grew by 15 per cent, and expansion is likely to continue, boosted by hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 (and – potentially – the Olympic Games in 2020). (more…)
The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait) are evolving and the procurement profession is doing so with them. (more…)
As supply chain management has become dependent on electronic systems it has simultaneously grown more vulnerable to attacks from external (or internal) sources. (more…)
I have just returned from one of my increasingly regular trips to China. Globalisation has resulted in a marked increase in international procurement in recent years, especially in manufacturing, and as a negotiation specialist I am often asked about the importance of cultural issues. In the Far East, for example, how much of a cultural faux pas is it to fail to bring a gift for your host, or to hand over your business card with one hand? (more…)
British clothing retailers are apparently becoming more interested in making more of their ranges in the UK.
According to The Express, Sir Philip Green, owner of the Arcadia Group that includes Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins, said: “We are looking to do more here and are developing in Britain where we can.” Other retailers apparently trying this approach are John Lewis, J D Sports and Asos.
The report said ‘made in Britain’ is becoming trendy again as retailers react to rising labour costs in China. (more…)
Peelie, Blinkie, Catalina and Bogo. These are not the names of the latest children’s characters, they are in fact the lingo of ‘extreme couponers’ – bargain-hunting buyers in the US who are looking for discounts off the weekly shop. (more…)
Wherever I go in the Middle East, the interest in CIPS and what we have to offer is overwhelming. My latest visit last month was no exception. From a nominal presence in the region five years ago, we now have more than 1,000 members and active branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman. (more…)
Driven by increasingly globalised communications, more and more companies are positioning themselves as global brands. Ford is just one example, having consolidated its marketing, sales and service operations into one team to further improve its brand image worldwide. Usually this global positioning means supplier consolidation and a big tender for one lucky communications agency. (more…)
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