March 2008
Regional news: | ACT | NSW | NZ | QLD | SA/NT | VIC/TAS | WA |
Contents
- Exam Deadlines
- 2008 Open Training Programme
- The Category Management Forum -Day 1 Sold Out!
- Amy wins her way to a CIPSA conference
- Recycled Paper Forum: Friday 14 March
- CPO Agenda Masterclass programme 2008
- CPO Agenda magazine discount
- Get CPO Agenda articles online - free!
- CIPS Australia - The First Three Years 2005-2007
- CIPS Australia goes green with ENVI and Blue Star Print Group
- ‘A Guide to IT in Procurement’ – Research Initiative
- Unlock the secrets of effective travel management!
- Member Survey: e-procurement practices
- CIPSA bids farewell to Amanda Lamont
- apics accreditation for CIPS Level 4
- Supply Management Magazine now less than half price
- Change of personal details
- Movers & Shakers
- Dates for the Diary
- Local News
- News from abroad
Exam deadlines
External examinations are currently offered in May and November each year. When you are registered as an active student, you will be sent an examination enrolment form well in advance of the closing date for each series. Available examination centres and fees will be clearly shown and you will have a choice of early bird, standard or late fees. These fees may change from time to time and are updated on this website.
Exam closing dates are as follows:
Standard entry 17 March 2008
Late entries 4 April 2008
(exceptional circumstances)
Visit http://www.cips.org/documents/Timetable_May_2008.pdf for full details on exam dates.
Open Training - first courses coming up. Time to get your bookings in.
The CIPSA open training programme for 2008 offers a wide range of non-assessed training courses designed to enhance procurement skills and disseminate professional knowledge quickly and easily.
To view a list of courses available visit the 2008 Open Training Page on www.cipsa.com.au or click on the direct link here. Of course, all of these courses and many others are available on a private ‘in-company’ basis – simply call the CIPS office in Melbourne on
1300 765 142 or +613 9629 6000 for more details.
See the full 2008 Open Training Calendar here.
Download the full PDF brochure here (1.8 MB) (PDF)
Download an electronic booking form here. (Word).
To view Events happening in your state visit the EVENTS page or click the link directly below.
ACT | NSW | NZ | QLD | SA | VIC | WA |
The Category Management Forum
Conference: The Category Management Forum, 13-14 March 2008, The Grace Hotel Sydney
DAY 1 SOLD OUT – still some spaces left for Dinner and Day 2 seminars.
Attention all category managers: a reminder that the first CIPSA conference for 2008, The Category Management Forum, is scheduled to take place at The Grace Hotel in Sydney on 13th & 14th March. Offering something for everyone, the conference features seminars that focus on key insights, market dynamics, and the practices to ensure an optimal buying performance in each of these specialist areas.
Delegates can select and register for those topics relevant to them. A networking dinner will also be held on the evening of Thursday 13th March.
Be quick as places are selling fast. Day 1 is already sold out, and limited places are available for day 2 seminars and the networking dinner.
For full programme and registration details please visit the link here.
Call BTTB Marketing immediately on 07 5573 7493, to secure a spot now.
Amy wins her way to a CIPSA conference
Amy Lawrence, Sourcing Analyst at Rio Tinto Procurement is the winner of our "Win your way to a CIPSA Conference Competition". Amy attended the Perth Conference in 2007, and from her prize winning response, it sounds like she got a lot from attending.
"I thought it was FANTASTIC because… as I’m new to Procurement it increased my confidence and ability to contribute and add value to my team after listening to excellent real life examples presented by enthusiastic and knowledgeable speakers. I can see immeasurable value in attending CIPSA Conferences and relish the opportunity of expediting my contribution to my team by learning from other people’s knowledge and skill base and I REALLY hope to win my way to another CIPSA Conference."
Amy is not yet sure which conference she will attend, but it sure sounds like she will be a willing and enthusiastic delegate! Congratulations Amy, we look forward to seeing you at plenty of CIPSA events in the years to come.
Recycled Paper Forum: Friday 14 March, Grace Hotel, Sydney
Should your company be doing more to support buying recycled paper from Australian sources? As an example of Category Management in action you are invited to spend an hour gaining a thorough understanding of the Australian paper recycling industry.
Discussion topics include:
• Is recycled paper a good thing for the environment?
• What is your company’s policy on recycled paper?
• How can you drive up the quality and affordability of recycled paper?
• How can you do more to create a closed loop used paper recovery process?
• Can you work with other Australian Procurement departments to make a difference?
This forum will start after the closing comments of the Category Management Conference, at approximately 4pm. A cocktail party and networking function will also be included.
See the invite here. For more information contact marketing@cipsa.com.au
CPO Agenda Masterclass programme 2008
In addition to Open Training, CIPS Australia will run a series of CPO Agenda Masterclasses throughout the 2008 business season. Aimed at senior level procurement managers, these Masterclasses will address the most compelling and intractable issues facing senior procurement professionals in daily management of their portfolios. Run in workshop format with a maximum of 16 delegates peer class (plus observers), they will be run by top class facilitators with real expertise in their field.
Masterclasses will enable delegates that attend to gain a thorough grasp of the real issues surrounding the chosen topic and some real strategies and tactics to take-away and try immediately in the real world office environment of a busy procurement team.
The programme is being finalised shortly and will focus on three Masterclass topics covering Stakeholder Buy-In, Socially Responsible Procurement and Supply Chain Effectiveness from a procurement perspective. More will be revealed soon! To register your interest email training@cipsa.com.au
CPO Agenda magazine discount
A global quarterly publication from CIPS, CPO Agenda is an international business review designed specifically for chief procurement officers and senior purchasing and supply chain executives in larger organisations.
A discounted price of $175 is available for CIPS Australia members (usually $225 per year). You can request a free issue online at www.cpoagenda.com, or if you would like a free ‘mini sample’, email marketing@cipsa.com.au with ‘Mini CPO’ in the subject line, and your address and other relevant details in the body of the email, and one will be posted out to you.
Get CPO Agenda articles online – Free!
Access the latest newsletter from CPO Agenda Editor-in-chief, Geraint John, with links to some of the latest CPO Agenda articles, including the Globalisation feature. There is also an interview with Michael Tracy: “New World Orders”. Make sure you check it out soon, as these articles are only available for a limited time. Cick on the link here.
CIPS Australia – The First Three Years 2005-2007
Don’t forget that our triennial report, ‘CIPS Australia – The First Three Years’ is available online here, or available in printed format directly from CIPS Australia; simply email your request for the amount of copies you require and your preferred mailing address to info@cipsa.com.au
This report was included with the recent CIPSA third birthday issue of Procurement Professional magazine and is an excellent chronology of the first three years of CIPSA. It is filled with some great memories, and offers a real insight to the years ahead for CIPSA.
The Knowledge Club
The next issue of the Knowledge Club, the quarterly digest of relevant and practical articles to support the procurement practitioner in delivering the finer points on their day-to-day job will be released in late March. Look out for it, but if you do not receive it, email marketing@cipsa.com.au after Easter to get your copy emailed ro you.
CIPS Australia goes green with ENVI and Blue Star Print Group.
CIPSA are pleased to announce that PaperlinX has kindly offered to support CIPSA in 2008 with a recycled paper supply. We will now be using the Envi recycled paper stock range, Australia’s first range of carbon neutral paper for our external printing needs. In addition, a sponsorship arrangement on print has been secured from printing company Blue Star Print Group for 2008. This saving is demonstrable and real to CIPSA and much appreciated – it will help spread knowledge to many more people than we might otherwise have done. Also, we are able to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable procurement at the same time! For more information on Blue Star or PaperlinX click here.
‘A Guide to IT in Procurement’ – Research Initiative
As a Procurement Professional do you see technology as an enabler?
Does technology enable you to perform better as a procurement professional? Does it improve your outcomes in the areas of stakeholder engagement, process excellence, operational efficiency, total cost reduction, talent management, supplier performance management, and knowledge management?
CIPS Australia – together with BOMweb and Vertical Talent is conducting a ground breaking research initiative titled “A Guide to IT in Procurement”. The research will be aimed at ‘Heads of Procurement’, Line Management and Team Members and will be facilitated via the use of an succinct online questionnaire. A whitepaper will be published in the second half of 2008 – and will include excerpts from the research findings. It is intended that the whitepaper will provide a pragmatic guide to the effective use of IT in Procurement.
Invitations to participate in the research will be emailed to CIPS Australia /New Zealand members in early March 2008. We strongly encourage your participation, as aggregate research data will be made available to all participating organisations on a ‘fee free’ basis. This will allow participating organisations to establish a valuable benchmark against their procurement industry peers.
For more information about this please email marketing@cipsa.com.au
Unlock the secrets of effective travel management!
Business Travel Monthly, the leading publication in the region on business travel procurement and management, has gone digital. With the switch to this new and exciting distribution format, the publishers, BTTB, would like to offer all CIPSA Members Free Access to this valuable resource.
Many of our members already receive the magazine, but if you don’t, and have a responsibility for your organisations travel, sign up for free at www.bttbonline.com
BTTB, CIPSA’s conference partner, also run the region's leading travel procurement conferences. The next major event, 'BTTB Australia 2008', is scheduled for May 7-8 in Sydney. BTTB have offered to extend a discount on registration to all CIPSA Members at this years event.
For further details click here.
Member Survey: e-procurement practices
CIPS Australia invites members to participate in an ongoing e-procurement research project being conducted by the Central Queensland University and the University of Western Australia. The aim of the research is to develop a better understanding of e-procurement practices and to find out what motivates procurement professionals to use electronic tools in their current occupations.
The results of this research will be published in a future edition of the newsletter.
Visit http://www.biz.uwa.edu.au/home/eprocurement to complete the survey. .
CIPSA bids farewell to Amanda Lamont
After more than two years as Corporate Relationship Manager, Amanda Lamont is leaving CIPSA at Easter. Amanda has worked around Australia & New Zealand meeting the myriad of organisations that CIPSA support with a wide range of training and support services including In-Company training programmes, applied learning programmes such as The Corporate Award and the CIPS Certification processes.
Amanda has worked closely with companies like Qantas, Coles Group, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Suncorp & Energy Australia and with several state government departments to help develop and deliver training programmes that support their professional development aims.
Jonathan Dutton, Managing Director of CIPSA said, “Amanda has been a key contributor to CIPSA’s growth and success and we are sorry to see her go. Replacing her won’t be easy. We certainly wish her well and every success in the future.” A recruitment process to replace Amanda is already underway.
After a short break, Amanda will be pursuing other interests and is considering a future career in the field of corporate social responsibility and in the NGO or not-for-profit sectors.
Angelina Pillai now part time
Membership & Education Manager, Angelina Pillai will now work on a part-time baseis in the single role of Education Manager, enabling her to spend more time with her family. Effective as of 1 March, Angelina is working Tuesdays and Wednesdays to manage the Education programme.
Marlene Kornides joins CIPSA
Marlene has taken on the role of Membership Marketing Manager. Marlene will be working with Jerry Penny, Marketing Manager/Regional Coordinator, and Leah Vlamos, Membership Coordinator, to improve CIPSA’s member benefits package and communications to members. Marlene was formerly in charge of Membership Marketing at Hawthorn Football Club, and will be a valuable asset to the team in the coming months.
If you have any member enquiries, remember that we are just a phone call away! Can’t access the website? Need to update your details? Renewing your membership or inquiring about training? We’re here 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday-Friday Victorian Business Hours on 1300 765 142, or +61 3 9629 6000.
apics Purchasing Diploma Provides a Leg up the CIPS Education Ladder
The society for supply chain professionals, apics, recently introduced a Diploma of Business (Purchasing), which CIPSA has agreed to recognise. Students who are assessed as competent for this course will be admitted to CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply.
Bill Thompson, apics NSW President, welcomed the news saying that, “students who complete the Diploma with us, now have a clearer educational pathway and have the benefit of having their efforts recognised within an international professional standard.”
In granting apics Diploma students accelerated access, apics and the Diploma of Business (Purchasing) were required to make a submission for recognition in accordance with CIPS’ quality assured process for program assessment. In addition to viewing the content of the Diploma, CIPS also examined the assessment processes and methodologies, the level at which the program was addressed, and the resources of apics as an educational provider.
For more details about the apics Diploma of Business (Purchasing) visit www.apics.org.au
Supply Management Magazine now less than half price
SM is the CIPS UK journal produced fortnightly and is available online to members with a full archive of over 15000 SM articles at www.cips.org. In addition, CIPS members based in Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific Rim can subscribe to supply management magazine at discounted rate of 45 GBP, normally 110 GBP. Take advantage of this special offer before it reverts back to a 50% discount. You will need a special promotional code from CIPS to receive the discount. Email CIPS here for the code, then visit www.supplymanagement.com/ to subscribe.
Change of personal details
CIPS is always trying to keep up-to-date with the whereabouts of its members, and this is not an easy task. Every month CIPS have many emails and mail returned, and often members forget to update CIPS with their new details. This is just a friendly reminder to keep CIPS in mind when your details change, whether its work or personal details. 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.
IPSERA Conference
- Starts in 2 days!
The procurement community in Australia and Professor Guy Callender of Curtin University of Technology invite you to the 17th IPSERA (International Purchasing & Supply Education and Research Association) Conference. CIPSA is a sliver sponsor of the conference, which is taking place 9-12 March 2008 in Perth. Attached is the conference brochure.
Join the Co-op today… for great bookshop savings.
To officially launch CIPS Australia's relationship with the Co-op bookshop, we have 50 copies to give away of “The Meaning of Everything”, by Simon Winchester, to the first 50 people to join the Co-op bookshop. Lifetime membership is only $20 (for individual or corporate membership), and gives you access to all CIPSA titles, study guides, and of course all of the other great Co-op products, including software, iPods, novels, cook books.
CIPS Australia will continually work with the Co-op to bring members specials on the latest procurement and supply chain titles, to help you with you day-to-day job or CIPS studies. Co-op members always receive great discounts, ranging from 10-40%, so your membership fee will often pay for itself in your first purchase.
Members can order online, by mail order, or in person. The official store for CIPS Australia's books, is the Legal and Professional Bookshop at Shop 2, 153 Phillip St, Sydney. Ph: 02 9232 2550. Email law@coop-bookshop.com.au
You can contact this store directly to see if a particular book is in stock, or you can buy online, or order through any other branch of a Co-op Bookshop, remember delivery is free, if you pick it up at a Bookshop, check out the website for locations in most states.
Join online, and send your details and reference number to events@cipsa.com.au with the subject line: ‘Co-op bookshop’ and the first 50 will receive their copy of the book, “The Meaning of Everything – The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary”.
Brendan Comas left Coles Group in December and has joined The Portland Group.
Harry Bracegirdle is leaving Monash University on 31st March, after almost 28 years with the organisation, more than 10 of which were spent in a senior procurement role. Harry will take long service leave for about 7 months before officially retiring in November, and is looking forward to a sea change and life at a slower pace.
Nigel Tinley has left his Procurement role at Iluka Resources, and taken up a role in marketing. Meanwhile taking over the role of Procurement Manager is Trevor Cameron.
Marc Diaz MCIPS and CIPSA PDP Assessor, has left Department of Treasury and Finance embark on his new role of Director of Strategic Procurement at Curtin University.
Rob Craig has moved from General Manager Sourcing, to General Manager, Enterprise Channels and Infrastructure (ECI) at Westpac. New Steering Group member, Elaine Berg, has now stepped into the role of Acting Head of Sourcing.
Congratulations to QLD committee secretary Nick Binks who has joined the procurement team at Santos Limited in Brisbane. Nick is also in the process of achieving MCIPS through the PDP Route. Can you step up to the PDP challenge? Email membership@cipsa.com.au for more information.
Key Conference Dates for your diary:
13-14 March SYDNEY – The Category Management Forum DAY 1 SOLD OUT!
21-22 May CANBERRA – The 3rd Public Sector Procurement Forum
12 June AUCKLAND – The CIPS New Zealand Strategic Procurement Forum
19-20 June MELBOURNE – Women in Procurement Conference
19 August ADELAIDE - Strategic Procurement Forum
21 August PERTH - Strategic Procurement Forum
14-15 October MELBOURNE – The 4th CIPS Australia Annual Conference
John Tondut, Executive Director, Government Procurement, DTF WA has been awarded MCIPS via the PDP route. Congratulations John! Can you step up to the PDP challenge? Email membership@cipsa.com.au for more information.
2008 Training Dates
Visit the Open Training page here for a list of training dates for 2008.
Events for 2008
Keep up-to-date with all the events happening at CIPS Australia. Simply visit the Events page on www.cipsa.com.au or click the direct link here.
Australian Logistics Council launches National Strategy
Australia’s $150 billion Supply Chains could grind to a near halt if governments and industry do not commit to real reform, according to Ivan Backman, Chairman of the Australian Logistics Council in his challenge as he launched the National Strategy for the Transport and Logistics Freight Industry 2008-2015.
“With our industry worth an estimated 14.5% of GDP, or $150 billion to Australia each year, every one percent of productivity gained or lost is worth $1.5 billion,” Mr Backman said at the launch of the national strategy at the ALC forum on February 14-15.
The ALC was given the task of preparing a new industry strategy for the Transport and Logistics industry. The strategy covers the years 2008 to 2015.
The ALC extensively consulted with Industry and Government to gain feedback and input into the Strategy’s development. As part of this process the ALC held 14 Strategy Consultation workshops around Australia and received many written submissions on what industry stakeholders want the new strategy to cover.
See the Strategy Document available for download here.
Supply Chain Business Forum
The biennial Supply Chain Business Forum jointly hosted by the Institute for Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Macquarie Graduate School of Management in February at Werribee Spa in Victoria. The three day event featured guest speakers from Linfox Logistics, Michael Byrne, CIPSA Steering Group member, Dr John Gattorna, Victoria University’s Prof Pieter Nagel and representatives from organisations such as the ACCC, KPMG, PWC, Georgia Tech, Xstrata, The Portland Group, George Weston Foods, AMP, ACT Procurement Solutions and many more.
Lindsay Fox was guest of honour at the networking dinner on 21 February. Managing Director Jonathan Dutton said, “this was a great opportunity for CIPSA to build wider relationships throughout the supply chain and CIPSA is delighted to be attending and supporting this event. This year we shall be working with John Gattorna to better understand procurement’s role in the supply chain process in this region. This event is only a start point for this work.” The next event will be held in the Hunter Valley 24-26 February 2010. CIPSA have already been invited to participate.
Enviro 08 –
Australasia’s Environmental and Sustainability Conference & Exhibition
Australia’s leading environment and sustainability conference Enviro 08, is expecting record crowds this year. Enviro 08 will take place in Melbourne from May 5 to 7, with a conference theme of ‘Facing the Challenge’. It is expected to attract over 6,000 delegates and visitors to the conference and exhibition.
Enviro 08 will be a platform for promoting change through ideas, the sharing of knowledge, information and practical resources to better equip those facing the challenges of climate change. It has been convened five times over ten years and is expected to attract delegates and visitors from across the region.
The high calibre three-day program has been structured to offer leaders and executives an insight into global warming issues. The exhibition will have an emphasis on business-to-business transactions and showcase new innovative technologies, products and services. The Australian Water Association and the Waste Management Association of Australia stage Enviro 08.
Visit www.enviro08.com.au for information.
Manufacturing Forecast 2008:
Moderate Year Forecast as Manufacturers Tighten Belts
The Business Prospects for Australian Manufacturing in 2008 survey, conducted in late December 2007, was recently released by Australian Industry Group. The survey covers over 500 manufacturers across all states, and precedes the recent reversal in financial markets since January 2008.
The key findings of the survey are as follows:
- Australian manufacturers are anticipating moderate growth in 2008, against a background of belt tightening as the sector faces continuing global uncertainty and potential softening in demand. While nominal sales are expected to repeat the strong performance of 2006/7, growth in volume terms will remain moderate.
- Nominal sales are expected to rise by 7.2% in 2008 (marginally higher than the 6.9% rise in 2006/7). However, adjusting for goods price movements, sales volumes are expected to increase by a modest 2.7% (just above the medium term average).
- The sales performance will be driven in large part by domestic demand, as the continuation of a strong Australian dollar weakens export performance.
- Nominal export growth is expected to be 7.5% in 2008, well down on the growth of 13.7% in 2006/7. Price movements, particularly for metals and fuel, however have inflated nominal export performance in recent years. Adjusting for these movements, suggests in volume terms, manufacturing exports will grow by 0.5% in 2008, down from 3.4% in 2006/7.
- As a precaution against potential softening in demand conditions, manufacturers are tightening their belts, with growth in capital expenditure and research and development expected to slow, and companies making greater use of imported goods and production inputs.
- Expenditure on new capital equipment is expected to fall for a second consecutive year, dropping by 1.2%, while expenditure on research and development is forecast to rise by less than 1%, after an estimated 4.2% rise in 2006/7. Use of offshore materials (as a percentage of sales) is estimated to rise to 32% from 31.7%
- Manufacturers are expected to make greater use of new products to improve competitiveness in 2008, the ratio of new products to sales rising from 21.2% in 2007 to 23.1%.
- Offsetting these savings will be an increase in manufacturing employment of 2.2% (for the second consecutive year), as manufacturers continue to lift production to meet rising demand.
- Selling prices are expected to creep marginally higher, to 4.5%, with average wages expected to rise by 4.6%.
2008 Green Procurement Training Course Commencement
(Source: selector.com)
Good Environmental Choice Australia is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2008 Green Procurement Training Course. An overview of the course and training dates are available online on http://www.geca.org.au/green-procurement/training-intro.htm.
Aramco splits Jubail contracts to minimise risk of cost rises -
State-owned oil giant invites contractors to submit fixed-price bids.
(Source: Perry Wiliams, Middle East Business Intelligence)
Saudi Aramco is seeking to minimise the impact of rising costs at its new refinery in Jubail by splitting the contracts into smaller, more manageable packages and asking contractors to submit fixed-price bids.
The strategy has only just come to light and follows MEED's report last week of additional costs of $700m being incurred by contractors working on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts on the Qatargas II project.
Tourism Australia reviews ad account
(Source: Mark Sweney, guardian.co.uk)
Tourism Australia, which infamously ruffled British sensibilities with the controversial "Where the bloody hell are you?" TV ad campaign is reviewing its global advertising account…. Rick Allert, the chairman of Tourism Australia, said there would be a "rigorous procurement process".
Gartner: Growth in IT outsourcing creates market opportunities
(Source: CRN Australia)
Outsourcing is gaining momentum globally as well as locally.
Gartner predicts that the worldwide outsourcing market will continue to grow with a forecast growth rate of 8.1 percent in 2008. Australia is also expected to see this field strengthen by 4.7 percent to reach $10.9 million in 2008. While it may appear to be a positive outlook, Gartner maintains that these predictions do not imply that businesses won’t be faced with challenges.
Qantas costs to fall below rival's
(Source: Steve Creedy, Australian Financial Review)
QANTAS believes the cost base for its group operations will fall below that of Virgin Blue's by the end of the calendar year or early next year. While the airline has always said low-cost carrier Jetstar has lower costs than Virgin, this will be the first time that costs for the entire group, including Qantas and Qantaslink, fall below its rival.
Qantas executives again emphasised the need to keep reducing costs as they unveiled a record half-year profit of $618 million, double last year's result.
Procurement and Inventory Salary Centre
Check out mycareer.com.au to find out the going rate for roles in your industry and state. Use the trend information to help with your next career move or pay review.
Click on the direct link to Procurement & Inventory here
1st Intra Asia Summit Translog Asia 2008
The Global Institute of Logistics (GIL) and The Logistics Institute – Asia Pacific (TLIAP) are delighted to present its Inaugural Intra Asia Summit, TransLog Asia 2008 to be held in Singapore, 8-11 April.
The summit will address the latest developments in the burgeoning transport and logistics industry in the Asia Pacfic Region. With globalisation making fast, safe and efficient handling of goods a must for transport providers and users, this summit will provide the platform on which transport policy planners, port owners and operators, shipping companies, logistics providers, freight rail operators, infrastructure suppliers, consultants, and representatives of investment banks and financiers to benchmark future trends in the areas of transport and logistics.
To find out more visit www.translogasiasummit.com or email info@beaconevents.com. 2 day conference rates start at US $2095.
Transport India 2008, 26-29 May, New Delhi
Development Opportunities in Road, Rail, Airports, Ports and Real Estate in India
Beacon Events is delighted to be working in collaboration with Feedback Ventures and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, India Chapter to bring you a timely summit on Transport India 2008.
Given the current dynamism of the Indian economy, the Indian Government is committed to getting transport projects off the ground – India’s size and its dispersed population demand the development of an extensive transportation network of roads, railways, highways, airports and ports. Transport India 2008 is not only timely, it will also offer you an opportunity to listen first hand to the current and planned projects in India’s transport sector giving you unparalleled advantage in bidding and winning contracts. New changes in the legal system are being looked at to encourage investments in the transport sector. These projects will provide major opportunities to developers, investors and suppliers of the transport industry.
Transport India 2008 is strategically positioned to offer a positive assessment of India’s market reforms and a thorough analysis of the market situation.
For further information and to register visit www.Transport-India.com, call +852 2219 0111 or email info@beaconevents.com
China – What If We’re All Wrong?
Business Monitor International's newly published Special Report, China - What If We’re All Wrong? evaluates the key risks posed over the next five years to China's economic growth and social stability by environmental degradation, banking sector vulnerability and food and asset price inflation. In particular, it highlights the asymmetries of China’s current exchange rate policy, and the manner in which these exacerbate key downside risks.
This discussion is set against BMI’s assessment of political stability in the event of a hard landing, and BMI’s 5-year independent macroeconomic forecasts, in turn underpinned by their global assumptions for world growth, investment and trade. For more information, and ordering your book online visit http://www.businessmonitor.com/specialreports/china.html
From cups of tea to iron ore, inflation making presence felt
(Source: Richard Edwards, European Leaders in Procurement Blog)
Those who work in procurement are accustomed to dealing with inflationary pressures, but a quick glance through the daily headlines suggest that after a period of relatively benign price increases we are about to enter a far tougher period.
PNG announces health review after ABC expose
(Source: Steve Marshall, ABC News)
The Papua New Guinea Government has ordered a shake-up of the country's medical supplies system after the ABC exposed incompetence and corruption within the health department.
Higher Procurement for Clemson University - SciQuest e-procurement to advance University's goal to become top-tier research facility
(Source: Supply & Demand Chain Executive)
Clemson University this week said it has selected SciQuest Inc.'s full suite of e-procurement solutions as the foundation for its entire source-to-settle procurement process. More than 4,800 users across the University will utilize the new e-procurement system.
Going Lean and Green – the next focus on supply chain management
(Source: Supply & Demand Chain Executive)
New Report Quantifies the Business Benefits of e-Procurement
Aberdeen Group, Inc., surveyed 622 companies and found that Best-In-Class enterprises place 26% more spend under management than all other enterprises; and report a 33% lower requisition-to-order processing cost, and a 61% lower requisition-to-order cycle time than all other firms. Read more here.
Click here to download a new report from Enporion.
No fun and games - Hard times loom for the world's biggest Toy making centre
(Source: The Economist)
The annual Hong Kong toy fair is one of the shop windows in which China has displayed its growing industrial prowess over the years. Starting from almost nothing 30 years ago, an expanding array of anonymous factories across southern China has used the show to display inexpensive (if not particularly innovative) toys to buyers more interested in low cost than high quality. The result has been a steadily expanding global market-share, now over 6o%. But at this year's fair, which opened on January 7th, there were signs that the fun is over. Costs are rising fast and a series of product recalls, one of which prompted the boss of a toymaking firm to commit suicide, meant the mood at this
year's show was very different.
Older workers can fill skills Gap
(Source: Mary Braid, Times Online)
Keeping older staff and luring others from retirement is a better way of solving our skills shortage than bringing in migrants
SENIOR EXECUTIVES in European, American and Asian companies have admitted for the first time that older workers are the key to fixing the skills gap, according to a study by Stepstone, an online recruitment firm.
Colin Tenwick, chief executive of Stepstone, said, however, that its 2008 Total Talent report also revealed that few of those same executives had yet done anything to persuade employees to stay on beyond retirement or to recruit other experienced staff.
Read the full story here.
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