One of the biggest debates in the world of supply chain management is whether it’s better to centralize or decentralize procurement and logistics operations. Greenland Contractors, in charge of daily operations at Thule Air Base, entered a partnership with Arctic Import of North Denmark that will streamline their contracts.
“Vast amounts of money, combined with a secretive purchasing process, can be a formula for corruption.” Zachary Mehan, a communications assistant at the Transparency International Defence and Security Programme, made this statement in reference to government defence procurement, but it can easily refer to all sectors of the procurement industry.
The Columbia Pike streetcar project was the focus of many debates among residents and officials in Arlington, VA when it was first proposed. The $249 million transit system will offer transportation between Bailey’s Crossroads in Fairfax and Pentagon City. With the project approved, the next step was to begin the procurement process. Rather than the…
Supply chain management is often taken for granted in the business world. Regardless of industry, the supply chain is the backbone of any company. It begins with procuring the materials or services needed to create the end product and continues until the finished goods are in the customer’s hands. This process typically involves a range…
The biggest challenges that government procurement agencies face at any level are corruption and discrimination. On a global level, transparency and fairness standards are even harder to agree upon. The World Trade Organization created the first Agreement on Government Procurement in 1981 to make a set of globally accepted rules for international procurement.
The primary focus of supply chain management has always been lowering costs and reducing risks. More recently however, a comprehensive strategy for social, economic, and environmental sustainability is the biggest concern for many businesses.
In recent years, boutique consulting firms have experienced increased success in the supply chain management field. While boutique firms aren’t necessarily small, they typically have a well-defined focus for more industry-specific knowledge and are often more cost-efficient than larger firms. Supply Chain Visions, Inc., one of the ’10 coolest SCM boutique consultants’ according to ARC…
Transparency in public sector procurement is a challenge around the world. Legislation is in place in many countries to encourage responsible government spending on public services. In some places, private coalitions are forming to make sure that these laws are upheld. Most recently, Tanzania Contract Monitoring Coalition (TCMC) launched in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Africa.
Questionable activities were commonplace in the procurement industry long before the Procurement Integrity Act passed in the late 80s. From small-scale construction projects to multimillion dollar research and development proposals, there have been cases of espionage, bid tampering, and similar crimes. Penalties are harsh at any level, but contractors and procurement professionals working with federal…
Increasingly today, the work of a CFO has become much broader in the corporate world. They are often looked to by CEOs and other members of higher-management as a resource for information and assistance with other company-wide issues. Finding opportunities and figuring out profitable ways to use corporate finances is an important and vital part…