Thursday, February 23, 2012
Edition 31 (Mar 2011)
PREVIOUS EDITIONS
David Rae, Editor
But this latest issue puts achievement firmly in the spotlight, writes David Rae
Achievement comes in many shapes - to some, it means beating the competition; to others, improving their own performance.
However you choose to define it, you don't have to go far in procurement to find high achievers - the readers of this magazine positively impact the fortunes of their companies on a regular basis.
In our In Focus section, you will find a roundup of the Procurement Leaders Awards 2011 shortlist. This year, we received a record number of entries - 229, in total, and it would have been more had the deadline been slightly more flexible - from some of the largest companies in the world. Glancing at the shortlist, leaves one in no doubt of the calibre of companies taking part; and my personal thanks goes out to our team of judges for spending a huge amount of time deciding between them.
But, obviously, there is more to achievement than winning awards. Meanwhile, you can read about achievements of a different type as we publish our fourth annual research study into procurement at board level. This year's research provides a fascinating insight into how procurement is viewed, with some industries clearly seeing it as more crucial than others.
Poring over the results reveals some interesting trends, not least that the US seems to put more faith in the potential that procurement has to offer (although I'm sure some would disagree with me here). Either way, those CPOs who make up the 4.7% of procurement executives that command a board position at Europe and North America's largest 1,000 companies deserve praise.
But, as Neil Deverill says in his 'Speak of the Deverill' column, they had better possess excellent time management skills.
This issue also includes a write up of our first ever Asian event. The executive roundtable, held at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, Singapore, attracted more than a dozen senior procurement executives and was the perfect precursor to our first Asian forum, also in Singapore, on 14 September 2011.
David Rae
PROCUREMENT FEATURES
- Editor's Letter
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:48:35 - Just In Time interview: Frank Thorsen, Findus
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:37:15 - Roundtable: Risk management, Houston
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:35:52 - Roundtable: The Asia challenge, Singapore
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:34:23 - Splintering supply chains
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:33:27 - Strategic sourcing is not dead
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:32:29 - Rio Tinto CPO on mining's finest hour
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:31:27 - Thought Leaders: Professional service provider relations
Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:46:43 - Thought Leaders: Future sourcing philosophy
Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:18:55 - Sustainability: Skanska CPO on building sustainable standards
Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:13:36
PROCUREMENT OPINIONS
Common risks and challenges do not necessarily mean common answers. But innovation and greater engagement with suppliers and consumers creates a win-win situation for all, writes Rick Hughes. Economic View: Ready for the unknown
Social unrest and political instability in the Middle East and North Africa is likely to cause serious disruption to supply chains for some time. But despite the warning signs, not everyone has a backup plan in place, writes Philip Thornton. Talk of the Deverill: Uninvited guests
CPOs may not like it, but the truth is there's no real reason why procurement should have a seat at the top table - nor do they need one, writes Neil Deverill.
= Associate Members Only 
