How to solve the food waste and losses along the food supply chain?
Worldwide around 1.3 billion tons of food is either lost or wasted every year - accounting for approximately one third of the annual human food production of the world.
View ArticleHas Unilever changed its sustainable palm oil game plan?
It was back in 2010 when I had the pleasure of interviewing Marc Engel, CPO of Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever, on the subject of its Sustainable Living Plan.
View ArticleThe Bribery Act and procurement – are we taking it seriously?
It’s coming to the first anniversary of the UK Bribery Act’s introduction. The Act caused a frison of fear throughout the business industry when it was introduced.
View ArticleApple and Foxconn share the bill on boosting labour conditions
The Apple-Foxconn saga continues.
View ArticleR2P: Whose budget line is it anyway?
The PIU has recently closed a survey focused on the Requisition-to-Pay (R2P) process. The most interesting aspect is not what is said by respondents, but what is not said.
View ArticleHow can you measure value?
Value creation is the next stage in procurement’s journey. The function has matured from its previous preoccupations with price and cost, and it’s now looking to make a bigger impact in business.
View ArticleSAP deepens it dominance: is this procurement’s fault?
The Procurement Intelligence Unit is in the midst of its research into Requisition-to-Pay processes, and the the findings show weaknesses of current providers.
View ArticleBuyers baffled by airline charges
Managing business travel spend is becoming increasingly challenging due to the multiplication in fare types on top of new airline ancillary fees and credit card booking charges.
View ArticlePublic sector e-procurement; no cure for bad business
On the 1 June, a UK parliamentary body published a report on a government e-procurement initiative. It argues that poor controls are increasing the risk of inappropriate or fraudulent spend. So how can...
View ArticleSocially responsible companies are not possible
Is it right to treat people as commodities? If not, can companies change?
View ArticleThe airlines are fighting a losing battle against rising oil prices
The airline industry is struggling to control fuel costs. If oil prices continue to rise airlines will be forced to pass on costs to travellers, significantly impacting demand. The industry's long term...
View Article2013 – What flavour will the future be?
The PIU is starting its research into the future. We are asking leading procurement organisations about their 2013 plans.
View ArticleDon't be blind to your telecoms spend
Managing telecoms spend used to be easier. The increasing diversity of services used by organisations means that they are losing track of potential savings. Companies must maintain visibility to keep...
View ArticleHow rare is category expertise? Do category managers have the talent?
Many of our past studies indicate that category managers are one of the most important roles in procurement. But do they have the right skills and knowledge?
View ArticleManagement consulting: Ways to increase client satisfaction
70% of clients who engaged consultants (including management consultants) were not fully satisfied with their project results, according to a global consulting client satisfaction study, undertaken by...
View ArticleAirlines consolidate their risk: will this reduce innovation?
Both Airbus and Boeing have signalled intentions to lead a new wave of consolidation among their supplier bases.
View ArticleHow far should the fibre go? The dilemma facing telecoms operators
Fibre To The Home (FTTH) provides the fastest internet speeds and the greatest bandwidth. There is huge demand for this type of connectivity service from households and enterprises. However many...
View ArticleSocial media and procurement – what's wrong with sourcing in public?
There is a perennial discussion within PLN towers about social media. It’s clear that procurement still doesn’t get it, but will these new technologies change the way we do sourcing?
View ArticleSteel a march: why low prices may worry buyers
The value of the metal has fallen from $912/tonne in March 2011 to $734 in July of this year. How do we interpret these figures and what do they mean for business?
View ArticleProcurement planning for 2013: what will set the agenda for next year?
For many in the business world, the summer months are a peaceful period spent on a sunny beach. Buyers, however, are worried as category plans are urgently being forged for the next year.
View ArticlePutting trust back into business travel
The lack of transparency in the remuneration models of travel management companies is causing concern for buyers. However, full disclosure from both buyers and TMCs is required to solve the issue.
View ArticleAre 'made in...' labels just made up? The truth about trumpets and...
When I’m not writing about procurement, I’m busy playing the trumpet. It’s hard to fit in because these purchasing blogs don’t write themselves, but it’s a rewarding pastime.
View ArticleThe UK leaving the EU will be the real bombshell
There has been much made of Greece potentially leaving the Euro, the issue still frequently popping up in Procurement Leaders’ editorial meetings. But another rising issue within the EU is the...
View ArticleHow innovative is your innovation?
Innovation is at the heart of purchasing functions in the future. Markets move faster, consumers’ minds change quicker and procurement must create a supply chain which responds to this volatility.
View ArticleCorruption unchecked in the supply chain
As reported today by the PLN, a recent survey found that half of UK-based businesses check their suppliers for compliance to the UK Bribery Act.
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