Most procurement functions will conduct their own benchmarking exercises on a regular basis (e.g. comparing suppliers, in terms of the prices they quote and what services they offer). Does this give the procurement function a good enough ‘view’ of the market, and ensure they have they source the ‘best products/services, at the right price’? […]
Are external benchmarking services still relevant? Read More »
By ignoring reverse logistics – the returns and proper disposal of obsolete products – organisations are not only indirectly damaging the environment, but their corporate reputations. Furthermore, most South African companies fail to take advantage of the potential that exists to make millions of Rands from recycling electronic waste (defined as anything that runs
Electronic waste – making green from going green Read More »
“Without action, the overall costs of climate change will be equivalent to losing at least 5% of global GDP each year, now and forever…the benefits of strong, early action far outweigh the costs of not acting,” warned British economist Lord Stern of the effects of climate change on the world economy in the 2006
Going green in the SA supply chain Read More »
“In my experience the best explanation is an example of what happens when a procurement card (P-Card) is NOT used,” says Anita Carolus, Nedbank Corporate Card National Sales Manager, in this month’s SmartProcurement. One of Carolus’s clients is the Limnology (Freshwater Science) Department of a university. This research department is headed by an emeritus
Does your organisation qualify for procurement card benefits? Read More »
How often have we heard it? Small businesses are the answer to South Africa’s work crisis. We all nod our heads approvingly, and continue to hope that this wonder will happen sooner rather than later. “I use the word wonder,” says Sean Krige of The Hope Factory, “because short of supernatural intervention, SA’s competitive
SA’s SME-unfriendly economy remains greatest threat to employment creation Read More »
With over 12-million South Africans directly relying on them for their livelihood, enterprises play a vital role in the economy and their importance as an engine to drive economic growth, in turn leading to employment creation, must be recognised, says Sisa Ntshona, Head of Absa Enterprise Development, Business Banking Africa, in this month’s SmartProcurement.
SA’s enterprise potential: new book launched by Absa Read More »
As a procurement specialist you are expected to find products and services for your business at an acceptable price that meets the business need. However, when it comes to managing the print procurement process it is essential to consider a number of factors in addition to pricing, Christian Bell, Head of Sales and Marketing
Managing print helps you achieve your procurement mandate Read More »
The seasonally adjusted Kagiso Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased marginally by 0.6 points to 52.2 in July, remaining above the key 50-point mark for the fourth consecutive month. The local PMI is now in line with trends in the Eurozone and US, where recent flash PMI data have been improving to above the key
PMI suggests improving but tough operating environment Read More »
Finding a solution to the perceived “shortage” of ready finance available to local start-ups, could involve assisting entrepreneurs to better understand the role of money in their businesses, and giving them the means to manage it appropriately. If SMEs have viable operating models in place prior to approaching finance institutions, and can clearly define
Bridging the expectations gap between SMEs and banks to facilitate finance Read More »
