Strategic sourcing is becoming increasingly important in the public procurement sector, but many governments are still struggling to add effective strategic processes. The US General Services Administration (GSA) launched the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) in 2005 and still doesn’t have a fully effective strategy in place.
The best procurement experts are continuously seeking out the most cost-effective procurement sources. Even when the supply chain runs seamlessly and achieves best costs, there are always alternatives that could offer better benefits to your overall operations and profits. If It’s Not Broke… Why would you actively search for new vendors and suppliers when there’s…
Many emerging markets and developing countries are launching public procurement initiatives designed to boost local manufacturing in certain sectors. Ideally, these programs should create new jobs and stimulate the national economy. In the long run, local public procurement initiatives will help countries find their place in the global trade arena.
Supply chain disruptions are inevitable. What’s important is how a company faces these obstacles and what actions they take to overcome them. “Building Resilience in Supply Chains” was the focus of this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting on January 24th. The report addresses common uncontrollable risks of global supply chains and outlines ways to…
Local manufacturing and infrastructure play a big role in a nation’s ability to compete on a global platform. Domestic improvements and better local procurement systems are becoming the focus of many foreign aid programs. South Africa has several initiatives in place to boost the local economy, particularly in the manufacturing sector, to improve their place…
According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum, global supply chain barriers found in administrative policies and government infrastructure have a greater impact on trade than tariffs and taxes. The research includes 18 case studies in various industries around the world and outlines several ways countries can work together to boost global GDP.
Quality control standards have evolved to fit different production methods since the Middle Ages but it wasn’t until shortly after the Industrial Revolution that quality inspections and specialized departments for quality control came into being. Quality assurance as it is known today was first introduced in Japan in the mid 1940s. Q.A. found its place…
According to the latest Carbon Disclosure Project Report, 70% of global corporations and suppliers believe that climate change could significantly impact their revenues in the near future. Extreme weather conditions are the biggest concern, already affecting nearly a third of the organizations included in the report.
Apple’s supply chain has received a lot of media attention recently. The company broke the record for shipping the most mobile phones in a quarter, but unfair labor practices, environmental concerns, and supply chain changes have shed a more negative light on the mobile tech leader.
Wal-Mart announced changes to their supply chain policies shortly after a clothing factory in Bangladesh went up in flames. The fire killed over 100 employees at a facility subcontracted by a Wal-Mart supplier without the retail giant’s approval. Under Wal-Mart’s current policy, suppliers have three chances to rectify noncompliance issues like this, but that will…