Procurement Intelligence Unit

Despite the biggest economic slump in a generation, some sectors have proved to be remarkably adept at maintaining their growth – which in some cases hasn't been great news for procurement. more

In 1950s Japan, Toyota hit on something – not out of any great feat of ingenuity, rather out of necessity. Now, with lawsuits pending totalling over US$2 billion and one of the automotive industry's most potentially damaging recalls in full swing, it needs to do likewise. And fast. more

Maybe it's time that the phrase 'beware of Greeks bearing gifts' should be altered slightly, because after a week where the country's financial state looks more perilous than ever, maybe 'beware of Greeks carrying a huge fiscal deficit' would be more apt. more

Atos Origin's move into the supply chain finance (SCF) space presents a real shift in this field. The fact that an established IT provider is committing time and resources to this activity further highlights the potential of such practices in today's post-recession marketplace and could see SCF moving from a peripheral business idea to a commonly adopted practice. more

Few countries in the globalised business world have recovered as rapidly from the economic downturn as the Philippines. Thanks to the swift intervention of the country's republican government – and helped, in part, by the natural conservatism displayed by financial institutions operating inside its borders – a dip in economic growth in 2009 appears to represent a temporary blip on an otherwise upward curve that shows little signs of slowing. more

It would be easy to assume that the mere mention of demand management would be enough to bring the majority of suppliers out in a cold sweat – after all, if demand drops then so, it's natural to assume, do order volumes. more

This weekend the Sunday Times reported that MI5 claimed the Chinese government "represents one of the most significant espionage threats to the UK", due to its increasing excellence at a global industry that has effortlessly shrugged off the worst effects of the economic downturn – electronic hacking. more