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You Get What You Ask For: A Guide to Specification Writing

In the beginning, there was … the specification. The difference between what you needed and what you got can be traced back to this all-important document. And in today’s volatile markets, good specification writing has never been more vital. Here’s why. Problems in the specification document create ripple effects that…

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The right way to do virtual negotiations

Part science, part art, face-to-face negotiation is hard enough to master without the COVID curve ball. Unfortunately, time and tide wait for no one, so being stuck in the office or at home doesn’t mean business takes a break. Negotiations must continue, deals must be brokered, and all of it…

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Employee benchmarking is the answer to a widespread skills shortage

A magnifying glass on workers; gert employee benchmarking

Globally, procurement departments are suffering from a skills shortage. Employee benchmarking is the only way to know what areas need addressing and where you can gain a competitive advantage. New demands require new skills The perception of procurement has changed. Once considered a back-office function that existed solely to cut…

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Price Benchmarking: The most important element of strategic sourcing

Have you done price benchmarking lately?

Are you getting the best price from your suppliers? If you haven’t conducted a price benchmark, then this question should be keeping you up at night. Humans like to get comfortable. We like to establish routines and then settle into them like a big, plush, La-Z-Boy recliner. This attitude, however,…

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Procurement Fraud: It’s time to say ‘no’ to the quid pro quo

A hand reaching down for money sitting in a bear trap, representing procurement fraud

Globally, the cost is US$3.7 trillion annually. Your organisation alone is losing anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000 a year. For some departments, that’s a conservative figure. Based on these numbers alone, you’d assume those in managerial positions would be doing everything they can to stop the bleeding but, for several…

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5 Steps for a Robust Contingency Plan

Contingency plan

The modern supply chain is a beast, operating on a ‘just-in-time’ basis at a large scale. This fast and loose style works well when things are going smoothly and predictably, but when disaster strikes – like a pandemic – the vulnerabilities can no longer be ignored. The best way to…

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6 Tips for Supplier Risk and Performance Management

supplier risk and performance management

The common thought is that COVID-19 has exposed weaknesses in our supply chains. The reality, however, is that most organisations have been dealing with significant unforeseen vulnerabilities and disruptions for at least the past decade. The word to focus on in that sentence is ‘unforeseen’. Admittedly, there are some disruptions…

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What makes a successful cross-functional team?

A rocket achieving success with cross functional teams

They promised much but, too often, delivered little. Cross-functional teams seemed to be the answer to complex projects, cutting through bureaucratic tape, promoting collaboration, and putting an end to separate departments chasing their own goals, often to the detriment of other functions within the same organisation. Unfortunately, they haven’t always…

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The New VGPB policy is a Massive Opportunity – if you do it right

Let’s agree on one thing: the new VGPB goods and services policy looks daunting. It’s unlikely that many VGPB expansion agencies will be currently compliant with it and getting there is a complex and sometimes confusing process. However, there’s no denying the benefits this policy can bring to your organisation….

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2021 Has Put the Spotlight on Supply & Contract Management (and it doesn’t look good)

Nothing is more pressing right now than getting a handle on your supply & contract management. Given that supply & contract management is such a fundamental part of any business, this might seem a ludicrous statement; surely everyone has sorted out their supply & contract management hygiene by now? Short…

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Comprara acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country, recognises their continuing connection to land, water and community and pays respect to Elders past, present and future.