Corruption and lack of transparency are global concerns in public procurement. Emerging markets often face the biggest struggles when it comes to fighting corruption. Some nations are forming watchdog groups to encourage whistleblowers to stand up against corrupt practices, such as Tanzania. In South Africa, however, whistleblowers need protection, not encouragement.
Based on current population growth, humans will need three planets identical to Earth by the year 2050 if we hope to sustain our present lifestyles. Sustainable business practices, particularly in the supply chain, can reduce the impact society has on the environment, but can also cut costs for both businesses and consumers.
Since the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act passed in July, 2010, procurement professionals have thought more than ever about the various metals within their supply chains, particularly if those metals may contain conflict minerals. The conflict minerals law added to the Dodd-Frank Act could have a widespread effect on supply chains in…
Just days after the January 28th release of an Independent Auditor report for the 2012 fiscal year, District of Columbia mayor Vince Gray announced plans to reform the state’s procurement processes. The procurement initiative is one of several strategies outlined in Gray’s State of the District speech on February 5th to “make sure the District’s…
What started as a small online bookstore in 1995 is now the world’s largest online retailer with a better selection than most brick-and-mortar department stores. The internet giant continues to grow and expand, now offering commercial materials for various industries through AmazonSupply. Amazon has gained a strategic position in the global supply chain and continues…
With the entire 787 Dreamliner fleet grounded indefinitely, Boeing engineers and officials are pointing fingers down the supply chain to find the source of the problem. According to the company, one of several outsourced suppliers is to blame for the battery fires that occurred in two of their new jets.
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…