This post analyses the influence of conflict on civilian procurement strategies, with particular attention to developments since 2010. Historically, procurement practices in both military and civilian contexts have been shaped by warfare, from early market-based exchanges to more structured systems established during the mid-19th century, notably during the US Civil War. The global conflicts of … Read more

My recent Poll showed most people believe procurement corruption can be reduced but not wholly eradicated. Cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society helps lessen corruption, yet persistent self-interest makes full elimination unlikely. Corruption continues due to weak controls, limited transparency, and collusion, causing high costs, lower quality, and financial loss across sectors. Common Corruption … Read more

A recent Poll highlighted how global events influence procurement strategy. Geopolitical risks are crucial for strategic procurement yet often overlooked by buying professionals. Key geopolitical factors include: Embargoes and sanctions (e.g., West vs Cuba, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Syria; PRC vs Taiwan) Trade wars (notably USA-PRC) Hot wars (e.g., Russia-Ukraine) Cold wars (NATO-Russia, USA-PRC, … Read more

Iran has demonstrated its capacity to disrupt regional energy flows since the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s; however, it remains uncertain whether this influence will impact the outcome of the current conflict. Recent missile attacks by Iran have targeted oil tankers and facilities, resulting in temporary interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently Brent crude … Read more

I recently ran a Poll concerning what re the most important of the three “C” s of Procurement. For those who are unaware or have forgotten, this simple post highlights what they are all about.   Within the Procurement “Three C’s” refer to Cost, Control, and Consolidation, providing a framework for managing expenses, overseeing the procurement … Read more

Especially since the 1990’s, modern manufacturing involves sourcing components, technology and design input on a” global village” basis, aspects such as political relations, sanctions, human and workers’ rights, trade wars, hot and cold wars all impact Procurement. Over the last twenty years or so, Procurement has gained a strong influential role regards influencing the organisation … Read more

Recently I posted a poll on the frequency with which supplier performance audits should be conducted from a Procurement Risk Mitigation perspective. The options were three, six and nine months. The overwhelming majority of participants voted for the six-monthly option, which of course is the recommended audit interval. However, on groups that were specifically orientated … Read more

In today’s world vendor fraud schemes are on the rise and criminal elements become ever more sophisticated, resulting in cost inflation and worse. The overall pecuniary loss to the company can be staggering when legal and investigative fees, changes to systems and processes etc are factored in. Then there are the non-monetary factors such as … Read more

I recently ran a Poll on this subject, with most voters voting for good old mk 1 Human Intelligence over AI. Some would state that the obvious reasoning for such voting results is that none of us want to accept the fact that we can be replaced, and possibly will, by in essence a machine. … Read more

I recently ran a Poll on this topic with the results reflecting that most participants voted that Dual or Multi Sourcing (or Supplier Tiering) policies is a necessary Procurement Risk Mitigation strategy. I experienced this for real, many times, but most prolifically during the geologistics aftermath of 911. Beyond the obvious Procurement Gloden Staples of … Read more