Procurement Intelligence Unit

Rather than manage cost, manage demand – it's a simple theory, but there are few organisations doing it well. Here, Michelle Perkins, head of research at the Procurement Intelligence Unit, takes us through some of the steps that CPOs can take to introduce a corporate-wide demand management process. The article, featured in Procurement Leaders, is based on an in-depth research project carried out by the PIU, the findings of which point to a long, difficult road, but one with a huge pot of gold at its end. more

One of the most striking features of the UK's ongoing Iraq inquiry isn't so much the revelations about the cosy relationship enjoyed by former Prime Minister Tony Blair and ex-US President George Bush, nor even the dodgy dossier, which contained 'facts' relating to Saddam Hussein's chemical weapons programme, rather the increasingly central role that procurement has assumed in proceedings. more

Facilities management is something that every company – big or small – has to deal with, and it's fast-emerging as a new outsourcing battleground. more

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

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