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Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Edition 13 (April 2008)
PREVIOUS EDITIONS
David Rae, EditorGood news, we’re in recession. That probably wasn’t the most likely of openings to a magazine editorial, but for the readers of this publication the current climate provides an opportunity to shine.
Procurement professionals are in the perfect position to make a fundamental impact on the destiny of their organisations thanks to the two biggest business stories of the century, so far. And, while one may well be a distant memory in 18 months’ time, the other will be with us well into the next century and beyond.
As I was writing this article, US investment bank Bear Stearns had just agreed to be taken over by JP Morgan, the US Federal Reserve had slashed interest rates to 2.25% and businesses across the world were wondering just how long the credit crisis would last and how far-reachng its impact would be. The implications of this ongoing financial crisis for procurement are clear – when times are hard, chief executives look for cost savings. They tighten belts, batten down the hatches and prepare to weather the storm. And it is here that your negotiation and cost-cutting skills are in greatest demand.
More from the editor
PROCUREMENT FEATURES
- The best in procurement
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:21:09 - Spend Analysis Roundtable: How much?
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:54:09 - Freight Expectations
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:41:34 - Getting on board
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:13:23 - Core Standards
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:54:37 - Jean-Philippe Collin - The Lean Machine
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:29:55 - Checking out retail
Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:13:26 - Credit where credit's due
Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:31:50 - Report sheds light on China
Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:05:57 - New beginnings
Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:54:40
PROCUREMENT OPINIONS
Inside view: Morals – what morals?It’s the strangest thing. No-one, it seems, has been subjected to bribery or corruption in their role as a procurement professional. But Neil Deverill doesn’t believe a word of it – and until CPOs come clean, we can’t have a proper debate.
Network view: Personally speaking Today’s procurement leaders must look high and low for the talent necessary to gain a competitive edge. But, says Volker Pyrtek, the changing role of procurement means that a personal approach to recruitment will ultimately pay dividends.
Economic view: Your time is now With high inflation, volatile exchange rates and rising commodity costs, companies are increasingly turning to procurement for wealth generation. But while some will be ready to take the heat, others will find themselves hopelessly exposed.
PROFILE
Featured Profile: Jean-Philippe Collin
Whether he's the CPO or the Chief Executive, Jean-Philippe Collin is the driving force behind car manufacturer Peugeot, writes David Rae.
View profile
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