Spend Matters Perspectives

Everyone from executives to analysts will admit that there's a large skills gap in procurement and operations organizations today. But in a challenging economic environment, what's the best way to address it? Few organizations can afford to add new resources. The answer: training, certification and distance learning options that associations, universities and consultancies can provide. This Spend Matters Perspective analyzes and evaluates many of the available options, including ISM's new CPSM certification.
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The word sustainability all too often conjures up sourcing and supply chain tactics that add cost and complexity. But this does not have to be the case. Industry leaders have begun to reduce costs by embracing sustainable approaches to sourcing and supply chain management. They've also expanded the definition of sustainability to include practices and processes that help reduce supply risk. Learn how sustainability can help your organization to save money, improve supplier relationships and lower risk by reading this Spend Matters Perspective.
Download sponsor: CombineNet, Inc.
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When it comes to saving money in packaging categories (e.g., corrugated, plastics, glass, etc.) the old fashioned sourcing hammer will only get a company so far. The same is true of stand-alone packaging engineering and redesign efforts. What's the secret to achieving new savings levels? Combining sourcing and engineering together. Learn about the types of results that are possible in this Spend Matters Perspective as well as a crawl, walk and run approach to achieve returns by integrating sourcing and engineering to drive packaging savings.

Download sponsor: Connell Spend Management

In the current market downturn, companies are being forced to do more with less. In this environment, many are turning to procurement staff augmentation resources to hit savings targets. What are the benefits of skilled, temporary resources in procurement? Flexibility, experience and value. But those organizations that have deployed staff augmentation resources have learned a good many lessons along the way. Learn about the advantages, costs and potential pitfalls of staff augmentation resources in this Spend Matters Perspective.

Download sponsor: Archstone Consulting