April 2008
Regional news: | ACT | NSW | NZ | QLD | SA/NT | VIC/TAS | WA |
Contents
- CIPSA adresses the subject of Public Sector Procurement
- CIPSA joins APCC in developing Uni education model
- University of Wollongong course gains MCIPS accreditation
- Open Training Courses Booking Out Quickly
- Submit your entries for the Procurement Professional Awards
- New CIPS CEO takes the reins
- CIPSA National Essay Competition
- 2007 Edition Essays Booklet Now Available
- 17th IPSERA Conference
- Is Category Management the next big thing?
- Knowledge Bites: Lunchtime Lecture Series no. 1
- Considering full CIPS membership? Perhaps the PDP route is for you!
- The Knowledge Club
- Finalising CIPS’ 2008 Conference Programme
- Change of personal details
- CPO agenda newsletter
- Movers & Shakers
- Dates for the Diary
- Gossip
- Local News
- Non-CIPS events
- International Job Opportunities
- News from abroad
CIPSA addresses the subject of Public Sector Procurement - 21-22 May
The Rudd Government has placed fiscal restraint near the top of its priorities. The result is that procurement teams throughout the public sector will be asked to play a critical role in helping to achieve the challenging target of $10 billion savings at the heart of this fiscal policy.
Helping to address the subject of public sector procurement, the CIPSA Public Sector Procurement Forum will return to Canberra on 21-22 May, presented in conjunction with the Federal Department of Finance and Deregulation and the Australian Procurement and Construction Council.
Speakers include senior procurement practitioners from both the private and public sectors, federal and state, a number of Australia’s leading consultants and training specialists, and expert presentations from leading technology suppliers.
For further information and to view the entire programme, please visit www.cipsaconferences.com.au. The PDF brochure is available for download here.
CIPSA has also included a feature on the topic in this month’s Procurement Professional magazine. In addition, following last year’s 2nd Public sector Procurement forum, CIPSA published a white paper highlighting the “Seven challenges facing public sector procurement”. To view this White Paper visit the direct link here. (You must be logged in as a member, can't login? Email here.)
CIPSA joins APCC in developing Uni education model
CIPS Australia has joined with the Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) and private sector partner Telstra, to develop an integrated approach in developing a procurement university level education model.
The APCC is the peak council of departments responsible for procurement, construction and asset management policy for the Australian, State and Territory governments. New Zealand is an associate member. The APCC reports to the Ministerial Council responsible for public sector procurement for all jurisdictions.
The initial challenge is to convince universities that procurement is the fastest growing profession in business that warrants a greater focus on our subject – for the benefit of both public & private sectors.
Ideally, CIPSA would like to see a university in each jurisdiction offering MCIPS accredited programmes, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level that would meet the needs of CIPSA, the government and private sectors.
Available through the APCC is the guide Developing the Government Procurement Profession, which defines the characteristics required of those government professionals charged with delivering value for money improvements and provides the vision for building procurement capacity nationally. A second edition of this guide is due out in May 2008.
University of Wollongong course gains MCIPS accreditation
CIPSA is pleased to announce it has accredited its first university in the Sydney region – the University of Wollongong. Candidates who successfully complete their Masters of Science (Logistics) and meet the conditions specified, including evidence of three years relevant procurement work experience, will be eligible for MCIPS status. This programme is offered in the Sydney and Wollongong campuses. While the university has decided to label the course ‘logistics’, this degree is focussed on supply chain, procurement and project management. To find out more about CIPSA Accredited Universities, click here.
Open Training Courses Booking Out Quickly
Courses are filling up quickly for CIPSA’s 2008 Open Training programme. More than 200 places have been booked during March, so to avoid disappointment, book your place now!
The programme offers a wide range of non-assessed training courses designed to enhance procurement skills and disseminate relevant professional knowledge quickly and easily. To view a list of courses available visit http://www.cips.org/membership/australia/opentraining/
See the full 2008 Open Training Calendar here.
Download the full PDF brochure here (1.8 MB)
Book Now - 200+ bookings already in March!
Download an electronic booking form here. (Word).
See Terms & Conditions here
To view Events happening in your state visit the EVENTS page or click the link directly below.
ACT | NSW | NZ | QLD | SA | VIC | WA |
Submit your entries now for the Procurement Professional Awards
As many of you will recall, the first inaugural CIPS Australia Procurement Professional Awards were held last year, recognising the best people the profession has to offer and the best procurement practices in place by innovative organisations. Given the success of the awards programme and the huge amount of interest generated, submissions are being accepted even earlier this year, so start preparing your entries!
Awards include Best Example of Socially Responsible Procurement, Best Supplier Partnership, Best Cross-Functional Teamwork Project, Most Improved Procurement Operation, Best People Development Initiative, Best Process Improvement Initiative and The CIPS Leadership Award.
One award category has been also added to the list for 2008, Young Procurement Professional of the Year.
The ‘Young Procurement Professional of the Year’ award requires organisations to nominate up-and-coming procurement professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements. It is open to all CIPSA members, except affiliates, aged 30 or under when the project or initiative was started. Judges will look for evidence of achievement that is significant and beyond what is normally expected from managers of this age and experience.
CIPSA looks forward to seeing you at the Awards dinner on the evening of 14th October, which will be a great chance to get dressed up and celebrate with your professional peers.
For more information and to register visit the PP Awards page on www.cipsa.com.au
Entries for the Awards close on 15th August 2008.
New CIPS CEO takes the reins
New CEO Simon Sperryn officially took over the reins on 6 March, signalling the beginning of a new era for CIPS. Simon recognises that the profile of the procurement professional needs to be raised, both in the general community and in business, and to combat this, he intends to raise awareness among opinion formers, policy makers and the public about the importance of procurement.
Simon will be coming to Australia in October to attend the CIPS Australia Annual Conference on 14-15 October in Melbourne. Prior to that CIPS Australia’s Managing Director, Jonathan Dutton, will be visiting Simon at CIPS headquarters in the UK during July 2008.
CIPSA National Essay Competition - $10,000 Prize Pool!
Sponsored by Curtin University, the CIPS National Essay Competition is taking place again. This is your chance to share in a $10,000 prize pool. You could win $2000 plus an all-expenses paid trip to the 4th Annual CIPS Australia Procurement Conference in Melbourne, October 2008.
All you need to do is submit an essay of 1500-2500 words on one of three questions (listed below) by the 29th August, 2008 and you could collect $1000 as a regional winner of the CIPS Australia essay competition. The winner from each region will automatically be entered into the national competition with the chance to win a further $1000, and the aforementioned trip to the 4th Annual CIPS Australia Conference on 14 October - so start writing now!
Questions:
- How does the procurement profession avoid “green wash” and ensure truly sustainable sourcing solutions are presented to stakeholders?
- Are a socially responsible procurement policy and a low-cost country sourcing strategy mutually exclusive?
- As the generic cost of production falls, and the generic cost of freight rises, how will carbon trading affect supply chains?
Download the Essay Competition flier here, for full competition terms and conditions and details of how to enter.
The competition this year, has been generously sponsored by Curtin University.
2007 Edition Essays Booklet Now Available
The 2007 edition of "6 Essays on Procurement" is now available to members, and are well worth putting some time aside to read. Feedback regarding the 2006 essays has been extremely positive, and we are certain you will be impressed by the quality of work presented in the 2007 competition.
A booklet showcasing the six winning entrants’ essays from the 2007 competition will be provided as an insert in the next issue of Procurement Professional magazine, due out in May. The essays are also available on the White Papers page of the website (in the Professional Resources section), where you will also find the winning essays from the 2006 competition. (You must be logged in as a member, can't login? Email here.)
17th IPSERA Conference
The 17th IPSERA Conference was held at the Hyatt regency on the foreshores of the Swan River in Perth and hosted by Curtin University of Technology. The event attracted over 120 delegates of whom 65 travelled from overseas. IPSERA is an Association which aims to enhance the research and educational opportunities for academics and practitioners involved in this field. This year the theme of the Conference was "Building Practice and Research Collaboration in Purchasing", and to support that theme a number of keynote speakers from industry and government presented the results of their experience as well as providing the academic delegates with many suggestions for new and needed areas of research.
These procurement leaders came from organisations including Air New Zealand, Department of Treasury and Finance WA Government, George Weston Foods Limited, Rio Tinto Limited, Value Wales (UK), Wesfarmers Limited and the Beijing Axis. Special thanks are due to the Gold Sponsor, The Department of Treasury and Finance, WA Government; Silver Sponsors, CIPSA and Wesfarmers Limited and all the many speakers and the Conference Organising Committee and support team who each contributed to the enormous success of the event. The 18th IPSERA Conference will be held in Wiesbaden, Germany 5-8 April 2009. Further information will be posted on the Conference website: www.ipsera2008.com.
Is Category Management the next big thing?
The CIPSA Conference programme for 2008 kicked off last week in Sydney with The Category Management Forum. Taken by surprise by the level of interest and bookings for the event, CIPSA was forced to close off registrations for the first day two weeks prior to the conference. Notwithstanding the squeeze, the feedback with regard to the sessions was almost universally positive, with 91 per cent of delegates giving it a satisfaction rating of good or excellent, and virtually all delegates indicating that they took significant learnings away with them. With Category Management now confirmed as a “hot topic”, plans are already underway to develop a bigger, broader programme for next year and to move the Category Management Forum to a much larger venue.
Don't forget the CIPSA Open Training Category Management course, running in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. To book a spot on this course, or if you would like this course run in your city, or at your workplace as In-Company training, email your interest to training@cipsa.com.au
Knowledge Bites: Lunchtime Lecture Series no. 1
This first of the Victorian Knowledge Bites Lunchtime Lecture series featured Mr Ian Wheatley, Telstra Executive Director Procurement, who presented on "Procurement - a Leading Edge Approach”. Ian has ultimate responsibility for Telstra's 300+ procurement personnel, its procurement practice and execution, and engagement with IBM Australia. In his information session, he discussed Telstra's procurement challenges and solutions in not only building the world-first 3G network, but also Telstra's BPO with IBM Australia. Whilst Telstra is proud of its leading-edge status globally, it does come with the price of being the pioneer. A lot of lessons are learnt when you’re the first, and the knowledge of these lessons are invaluable.
Click here to download Ian's presentation.
Considering full CIPS membership - MCIPS? Perhaps the PDP route is for you!
Most people achieve full membership (MCIPS) by completing CIPS exams. However, alternative routes include the successful completion of a CIPS accredited degree, the CIPS Corporate Award, CIPS accredited programmes or a CIPS Personal Development Plan (PDP).
If you’ve been considering MCIPS, the globally recognised standard of professional competence in procurement, perhaps the PDP route is for you.
The ‘experiential’ PDP route involves an assessment of knowledge, experience and responsibility across an individual’s career within the procurement profession. It is a robust, rigorous and transparent process that includes completion of a comprehensive questionnaire and compilation of a portfolio by the candidate, to demonstrate responsibility, experience and seniority of position, which is then assessed by a panel of expert PDP assessors. Candidates’ portfolios are thoroughly tested by assessors and the majority are given some targeted development work to do (a PDP). On the successful completion of a PDP, MCIPS is awarded, however it does not award an academic qualification.
Candidates who apply are experienced senior practitioners who recognise the value of achieving MIPS, but for whom it is inappropriate to undertake a full programme of academic study. PDP offers them the chance to demonstrate that they have covered the ground involved in the academic route by virtue of their significant experience, responsibility and seniority in the workplace as well as the prior learning.
Have you had at least five years in a role of responsibility within the Procurement Profession and currently hold CIPS Australia membership? Take the PDP challenge! For more information about PDP please email your CV and job description to membership@cipsa.com.au for your preliminary assessment.
The Knowledge Club
The ninth issue of The Knowledge Club, a quarterly digest of briefings relevant and practical articles to support procurement practitioners, came out in March 2008. If you did not receive your copy, follow the link here. (You must be logged in as a member, can't login? Email here.) In addition, the 2007 compendium will be published in August 2008.
Finalising CIPS’ 2008 Conference Programme
CIPSA still has a further seven conferences scheduled throughout the course of the year. Detailed plans are currently being finalised for the following CIPSA conferences:
• The 3rd Public Sector Procurement Forum: 21/22 May 2008, Canberra. Programme out!
• The CIPS NZ Strategic Procurement Forum: 12 June 2008, Auckland
• Women In Procurement, 19/20 June 2008, Melbourne
• The Queensland Supply Chain Conference, Brisbane: 31 July – 1 August
• The CIPS Australia Strategic Procurement Forum – Adelaide: 19 August
• The CIPS Australia Strategic Procurement Forum – Perth: 21 August
• 4th Annual CIPS Australia Annual Conference: 14/15 October, Melbourne
For further details regarding any of the conferences above, visit www.cipsaconferences.com.au or call Nigel Wardropper, CIPSA event director on 07 5549 1092. Please note the QLD Supply Chain Conference, is not a CIPSA run event. Please visit www.qldscc.com for more information.
Change of personal details
CIPSA is always trying to keep up-to-date with the whereabouts of its members, and this is not an easy task. Every month CIPSA has many emails and mail returned, and often members forget to provide their new contact details. Please keep CIPSA in mind when your details change, whether its work or personal. That way you can ensure you are being kept informed about all things procurement.
If your details are changing soon, or have recently changed, please email membership@cipsa.com.au with the new details.
CIPSA takes your privacy seriously and never sells data. All private data is kept on CIPSA’s unique database SMART, and restricted access applies.
CPO agenda newsletter
Check out the latest CPO Agenda newsletter with lots of great downloads from CPO Agenda magazine. Visit quickly, before the links disappear!
• Craig Rooney, Manager Strategic Procurement is leaving Coles
• Tony Butler recently left the Department of Infrastructure and is currently working in Indonesia.
• Glen Bainbridge, General Manager of procurement at Woolworths is moving to Melbourne.
Key CIPSA Dates for your diary around Australia & New Zealand:
9 April PERTH - Site Tour of WA News event. Bookings closed
10 April WELLINGTON - Inspiring Positive Change event. Book Now!
11 April - CHRISTCHURCH - Launch event - Procurement Forum breakfast. FULL
15 April MELBOURNE - Procuring Energy event - Book Now!
16 April BRISBANE - Attracting and Retaining Gen Y event - Book Now!
22 April SYDNEY - Global Sourcing event at PWC - Book Now!
14 May PERTH - Rio Tinto Sam Walsh breakfast - Book now!
13 May - AUCKLAND - Regional Event
14 May - WELLINGTON - Leaders' Armchair Forum
15 May SYDNEY - CapGemini Event
21 May MELBOURNE - Knowledge Bites Lunchtime Lecture Series #2
21 May GLADSTONE - QLD networking event at CQU
21-22 May CANBERRA – The 3rd Public Sector Procurement Forum
12 June AUCKLAND – The CIPS New Zealand Strategic Procurement Forum
18 June BRISBANE - Breakfast Seminar Event
19-20 June MELBOURNE – Women in Procurement Conference
16 July MELBOURNE - Knowledge Bites Lunchtime Lecture Series #3
19 August ADELAIDE - Strategic Procurement Forum
20 August BRISBANE - CIPSA networking event
21 August PERTH - Strategic Procurement Forum
21 August WELLINGTON - The benefits of Modern Procurement event
17 September MELBOURNE - Knowledge Bites Lunchtime Lecture Series #4
17-18 September BRISBANE - National Buy Green Conference
14-15 October MELBOURNE – The 4th CIPS Australia Annual Conference
22 October TOWNSVILLE - CIPSA networking event
7 November WELLINGTON - Sustainable Procurement Event
19 November BRISBANE - Breakfast seminar
- Peter Cubit of Grosvenor Management has just been awarded MCIPS through Professional Development Plan (PDP).
- Matthew Myles of Landgate WA upgraded to MCIPS after completion of the Masters of Strategic Procurement at Curtin University, and evidence of 3 years work experience minimum.
- Manuel Rivera of Woodside Burrup was awarded MCIPS after completion of the Bachelor of Commerce, Strategic Procurement, at Curtin University.
- Congratulations to Tania Seary, who is expecting a baby in July.
Challenging workforce perceptions - 2 April 2008
(Source: Transport & Logistics News)
The SCLAA Queensland Division will be holding a business over breakfast function at the Hilton Brisbane Hotel on Wednesday the 2nd of April aimed at discussing the challenging workforce perceptions by young people of the Transport, Supply Chain & Logistics industries.
NComputing seeks resellers for the Digital Education Revolution
(Source: Leanne Mezrani, CRN Australia)
NComputing is on the hunt for IT resellers who support Australian schools. The announcement pre-empts the allocation of $900 million for desktops in Rudd’s so-called Digital Education Revolution.
Australia's Leighton International wins pipeline project in India
(Source: Construction and Maintenance News)
Leighton International, part of Australia’s largest project development and contracting company Leighton Group, has been awarded a US$720 million contract for the construction of offshore pipelines in India for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
A $6bn 'hole' in defence
(Source: Ian Mcphedran, heraldsun.com.au)
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has revealed a $6 billion "black hole" in the defence budget.
In a speech last night Mr Fitzgibbon said defence had a shortfall of up to $6 billion over the next decade for personnel and operating budgets. That means either extra money will be needed to cover the shortfall or savings will have to be made elsewhere in defence.
Infrastructure Projects: Supply Chain Blockages
(Source: Australian Logistics Council)
It is welcome news that the Infrastructure Australia arrangements that have been announced by the new Federal Government will pay particular attention to blockages in Australia’s supply chains. The ALC strongly advocated during the election campaign the need to prioritise addressing Supply Chain Blockages.
Australian Carbon trading Expo and Conference 2008 – 29 April to 1 May
(Source: Transport & Logistics News)
Companies rushing to meet the 2010 deadline for carbon emission caps announced by the federal minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong, will be able to research their options at a new carbon trading event in Melbourne.
Global Sourcing Live - Emerging Markets
Taking place ‘live’ and online on 29th April 2008, this will be a virtual conference and exhibition focusing on low cost sourcing regions, setting up an IPO/JV, talent sourcing/management, supplier development, risk management and protecting your IP.
A relook at procurement policy
(Source: Ashok Khemka, The Economic Times)
The news that the government of India was to import wheat for a second year in a row to increase the buffer food stocks meant for the PDS and other welfare programmes raised the hackles of various farmers’ associations in major wheat producing states. They felt short-changed by the procurement policy of the government of not procuring wheat arrivals in domestic Mandies at current market prices, if prevailing above the minimum support price (MSP).
Get ready: peak oil to hit Sydney hard
(Source: Transport & Logistics News)
Sydney and other cities should be preparing now for future oil shortages, Bruce Robinson, convenor of ASPO-Australia, said. 'Peak Oil' is the time when global oil production will start its unavoidable decline. This may be happening now, but a more likely date is in 2012 or so (+/- 5 years).
Cities which prepare well in advance for oil shortages will have big advantages over those which ignore the risks till it is too late.
Strategy Development Project –‘T&L 2012’
(Source: Australian Logistics Council)
The National Strategy for the T&L Freight Industry was finalised and was released at the ALC Annual Forum on the 15th February 2008. Copies are available from the ALC office and from the ALC Website www.austlogistics.com.au. To obtain your copy please contact Melinda Buker.
As the Strategy has now been released, this project has now been finalised and a new project, under the ALC Leadership Program has been initiated which will focus on Strategy Implementation and Industry Engagement.
The ALC Leadership Program’s aim focus on using the National Strategy to underpin the development of robust and effective arrangements for the industry as a whole that identify, endorse and advocate solutions to nationally strategic issues that promote a sustainable, capable and productive future for T&L industry.
Supply Chain Blockages
(Source: Australian Logistics Council)
It is welcome news that the Infrastructure Australia arrangements that have been announced by the new Federal Government will pay particular attention to blockages in Australia’s supply chains. The ALC strongly advocated during the election campaign the need to prioritise addressing Supply Chain Blockages. The draft report from Meyrick and Associates on supply chain blockages and infrastructure priorities was released at the Annual Forum in Canberra on 15 February. This project will culminate the publication of an updated Infrastructure Priorities for T&L in mid 2008. It will also be provided to the Federal Infrastructure Minister Hon Anthony Albanese MP and Infrastructure Australia to inform governments infrastructure and investment decisions.
Non CIPS Events
Safety In Action 2008
Australia’s premier workplace health and safety trade show, Safety In Action 2008 will be held from 29 April to 1 May at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank, Melbourne.
Discover what’s best in workplace safety from more than 350 of Australia’s leading workplace health and safety solution providers; listen to case studies on OHS success stories and learn innovative ways other companies have solved their workplace challenges.
For more information or to register visit www.safetyinaction.net.au or telephone 1300 858 108.
Strategic Procurement Seminar 22-23 May 2008, Singapore
Featuring World Class Procurement Function in Procurement & Supply Chain Management
Highlights include:
• Acquire best practices of procurement and supply chain management
• Identify how your business can make profits and minimize losses through successful strategic sourcing techniques
• Understand the essentials of category management
• Analyse the supply chain dynamics in your organization
• Benchmark your organization against world-class performance
• Sharpen your competitive edge through enhanced networking opportunities
• Understand how to undertake a world-class approach to supplier evaluation, negotiation and contract award
A highly targeted audience from Asia Pacific/Middle East/Eastern Europe/Africa/UK of about 20-30 delegates in one workshop is expected. For more information click here.
Australian Carbon Trading Expo 2008
29 April – 1 May, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Visit Australia’s first expo of its kind and learn how carbon trading and reducing emissions will impact your business.
• Find solutions from 40 specialist companies
• Speak to industry leaders
• Learn from experts at the concurrent seminars and open forums
For more information and to register online visit www.actexpo.com.au
Macquarie Supply Chain Executive Program
Register now for Macquarie Graduate School of Management’s Integrated Logistics & Supply Chain Management Executive Program, taking place for 3 days from 28-30 May 2008.
Presenters include:
John Bartholdi, Professor in the School of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology;
Lew Roberts, president and founder of L. Roberts & Associates Inc.;
Professor Aditya Ghose, Head, Decision Systems Laboratory, University of Wollongong;
Dr Simon Dunstall, Leader, Adaptive Supply Networks (ASN), CSIRO.
For more details see the attached course brochure.
International Qualifications = International Jobs
Are you keeping up with the world of MCIPS?
Head of Procurement Southern (part of the Go-Ahead Group)Croydon, Surrey Up to £70k p.a. + full benefits (car allowance, bonus, phi & pension) |
Head of Procurement PricewaterhouseCoopersLondon - Six Figure Package >> Click here to find out more. |
Vice President of Procurement ServicesKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology |
NZ pips Australia to China trade deal
(Source: Tim Colebatch, www.theage.com.au)
New Zealand has got in ahead of Australia to be the first Western country to negotiate a free trade agreement with China. But the terms of the deal are far from clear.
Retailer H&M boycotts Australian wool
(Source: Peter Mitchell, www.news.com.au)
One of the world's largest clothing retailers has slapped a ban on Australian wool after pressure from a US animal rights group. Sweden-based H&M, with 1500 stores in 28 countries, will source wool from nations other than Australia after the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) complained the Australian wool industry had "reneged" on a promise to phase out mulesing sheep by 2010.
IBA wins £22 million contract extension with NHS SBS for financial systems
(Source: British Journal of Healthcare Computing & Information Management)
IB Solutions, a subsidiary of Australian company IBA Health Group Limited, has won a £22 million contract with NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) to host its Oracle financial and purchasing applications for a further five years.
UAE's Emal closes $4.9 bln financing for world's largest smelter
(Source: Oliver Klaus, MarketWatch)
Emirates Aluminum, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Development Co. and Dubai Aluminium Co., said Sunday it raised as much as $4.9 billion in limited recourse financing for a new Aluminium smelter in the U.A.E.'s largest emirate…SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. and WorleyParsons Ltd. will design and manage construction of the smelter.
High commodity prices are hard to swallow
(Source: www.telegraph.co.uk)
Soaring costs will wipe out some food makers' profits, says Tom Stevenson - but others will fare better…Finally, different skills are required in the new environment - classic marketing and production skills might now be less important than skilful procurement and risk management.
Govt. to keep an eye on wheat purchases by private traders
(source: The Hindu)
New Delhi (PTI): The government on Friday said that companies and traders will have to inform the authorities regularly if they purchase more than 10,000 tons of wheat this season, a move aimed at preventing aggressive buying by the private sector and increasing government procurement.
Boeing's Trouble with Tankers
The US Air Force's decision to buy new refueling tankers from Europe's EADS is not the first time the U.S. defence heavyweight has lost procurement bids
(Source: Carol Matlack, BusinessWeek)
When Britain announced plans to replace its aging fleet of military refueling aircraft, BAe Systems (BAES.L), the country's biggest defence contractor, wanted to be sure of getting a piece of the action. So it teamed up with Boeing (BA), the dominant global supplier of aerial-refueling tankers. Together, they looked like a shoo-in for the $26 billion deal.
Boeing faces questions after tanker loss
(Source: Reuters)
Boeing Co – and its shareholders – will be looking for answers this week as to how the plane maker and defence giant managed to lose a $US35 ($NZ44.45) billion tanker contract to smaller and less experienced Northrop Grumman Corp.
The loss won't seriously hurt Boeing's finances, but it does dent its revenue growth plans and is an embarrassing blow for a company that touted itself as the only serious option for building the US Air Force's refuelling fleet.
Bateman burnt in India, shakes up management
(Source: www.miningmx.com, Allan Seccombe)
THE Hindustan Zinc project in India has run over budget and time, prompting a management shake up and recruitment of more senior engineers to oversee large projects within the Bateman Engineering stable, said CEO Sivi Gounden.
Yunnan Group gains 12 years lead mining rights in Australia
(Source: SteelGuru)
It is reported that Yunnan Metallurgical Group has gained 10% stock right of Aiweinie Company using USD 18 million which stands for it obtained 12 years mining right of Australia mine lead concentrate. At present, this project has been approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Administration Department of Foreign Exchange.
The Amazon effect
(Source: Nick Martindale, CPO Agenda)
Usage of e-procurement systems remains disappointing. Could this be because end users find them frustrating compared with consumer websites?
When transactional e-procurement systems first emerged in the late 1990s, the theory behind them was sound. By channelling indirect spend through such applications, procurement departments could ensure that spend went through preferred suppliers and would gain the management information needed to seek further economies of scale. In addition, procurement would be free of policing such requests and could concentrate on more strategic activities that would hasten its evolution from a back-office department to a core business function.
Response Management: Enabling a demand driven supply network (DDSN)
(Source: Supply & Demand Chain Executive)
Brand owners today are continually faced with the growing pressures that result from constant demand changes. Response Management has quickly become an imperative for effectively managing demand volatility.
Download our complimentary whitepaper and learn how you can enable a demand-driven supply network.
