- 24
- FEB
- 2011
Current oil spikes will lead to higher commodity inflation
Author: Jonathan Webb - Categories: Direct Spend
The rapid rise in the price of oil over the last two weeks following the disturbances in the Middle East have jolted an already uncertain economy. Unfortunately, the spikes will deepen the threat of continued commodity inflation. more
- 04
- FEB
- 2011
Unstable regimes... still sitting on volcanoes?
Author: Jonathan Webb - Categories: Risk, Direct Spend
Alongside natural disasters, supply chain vulnerability is also heightened by political insecurity. The recent events in Tunisa, Jordan and especially Egypt show that we overlook external risks at a high cost. more
- 06
- JAN
- 2011
Commodity inflation stalks the New Year: UN predicts 'food price shock'
Author: Jonathan Webb - Categories: Risk, Direct Spend
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation reports that commodity prices have spiked again, with future rises still likely. Coupled with increases in the cost of oil and other raw materials, 2011 will require a steady hand for procurement to stay above the water. more
- 10
- NOV
- 2010
Sri Lanka transforms investment potential
Author: Jonathan Webb - Categories: Global Sourcing, Direct Spend
After decades of conflict, Sri Lanka is finally emerging as a major growth economy. After the defeat of the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, the increased political stability and improved security situation have allowed the economy to surge onto the radar screen of modern procurement departments. more
- 02
- NOV
- 2010
Terrorism to hinder global freight
Author: Ben Ngobi - Categories: Risk, Direct Spend, Economy & Current Affairs
Recent events have added further impetus to the need for all governments to move in concert to reduce the risk posed by terrorism on both passenger and cargo flights. more
- 22
- OCT
- 2010
UK government presses the magic procurement button
Author: Jonathan Webb - Categories: Procurement Strategy, Direct Spend, Procurement Intelligence
The Coalition government's Comprehensive Spending Review has identified 8% of spending cuts over the next four years. However, many of the proposed cutbacks lack details and seem overly dependent on "procurement and back office" savings. more
- 02
- SEP
- 2010
Asian logistic sector to become driver for global growth
Author: Jonathan Webb - Categories: Direct Spend
The emergence of Asian economies as the world's workshop has placed increased importance on the region's logistics networks. The PIU's latest Category Report, on Logistics in Asia, finds that the growing market will surpass North America's by 2013. more
- 01
- JUN
- 2010
Reputational risk hits Apple iPad supplier
Author: Jonathan Webb - Categories: CSR & Green, Direct Spend, Category Management, Risk, Economy & Current Affairs
Following the suicide of 10 members of staff in the Foxconn factory, in Shenzhen, China, consumers and vendor companies have expressed concern over employee working conditions in the facilities. The factory manufactures Apple's iPad and iPod products, as well as goods by Dell, HP, Microsoft, Nintendo, Nokia and Sony, with these unfortunate events demonstrating the value of managing reputational risk in supply chains. more
