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…)
I’ve just returned from the seventh CIPS Australasia conference held in Melbourne.
The theme – ‘risky business’ – was particularly apt for today’s business environment. (more…)
The Efficiency and Reform Group ERG has been given a welcome hug by the Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) in its latest report on the body’s progress, published today.
Not bad at all is the verdict on its ability to deliver savings across central government. The PAC said the ERG could do a bit more about clarifying its responsibilities and those of other government departments, but on the whole, a good job has been done so far. (more…)
I seem to have all the gods under my roof and I have only just realised it.
Guru Nanak is plastered on a bedroom wall, Mary is on the upstairs hallway shelf, Buddha is on the window sill of another room, Allah’s teachings appear in bedroom three and a Hindu god is also lurking in the house.
I have not gone mad or decided to go Roman and honour all the gods in fear of angering them. I just happen to have a Buddhist, Catholic, Sikh, Muslim and Hindu in my house. (more…)
It was a miserable evening weatherwise, thanks to the current wet spell visiting England’s capital. However, the procurement profession’s female representatives were undeterred and last night gathered in force at the Barbican-based offices of law firm Linklaters to network.
Unrest across Arab nations, the prospect of fresh elections and, in cases, regime change signals in a new era of opportunity for greater transparency and professionalisation of the procurement function right across the Middle East and Asia.
All too often in the past, complex planning laws and inconsistent tendering processes have deterred international companies from bidding for large government infrastructure projects within the region. (more…)
Nowadays many people – buyers included, or perhaps especially – find their professional life leads them to speak, meet, liaise and do business with people from all corners of the globe.
For these relationships to be a success, a degree of cultural sensitivity and awareness is essential.
So spare a thought for Australian TV presenter Karl Stefanovic who opened his interview with the Dalai Lama with a joke that absolutely bombed. (more…)
Yesterday’s CIPS Middle East Conference was a great event.
There were some really interesting case studies about the various procurement “journeys” undertaken locally. The profession is undoubtedly on the rise here.
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