Winter 2009-10
Executive debate: Unlocking cash flow in the supply chain
CPO Agenda’s latest roundtable brought senior procurement and finance professionals together in London to debate the future of supply chain finance
Going solo and other alternatives to life at the top
by Sarah Lim
Following “So you want to be a CEO… or do you?” in our autumn 2009 issue, we examine the career options for CPOs who have decided to step off the corporate merry-go-round
Interview: John Maclean
This is your captain speaking
by Nick Martindale
The past three years have been challenging for American Airlines, prompting a push from procurement for value creation. John MacLean, vice-president of purchasing and transportation, explains how the function has coped
Fuel’s gold
by Nick Martindale
BP’s third-quarter financial results were due in no small part to impressive cost savings, achieved on the back of combining global spend, refusing to cut headcount in procurement and some difficult supplier negotiations
The 7 habits of highly effective CPOs
by Gerard Chick and Michael Lewis
What makes a CPO an effective procurement leader? A new study of practitioners identifies a set of behaviours that distinguishes the best
Facing a talent contest
by Sarah Campbell
How should CPOs go about developing talent streams to meet demands for better results with fewer but highly skilled staff?
‘Face it, we are salespeople’
by Paul Snell
How are CPOs reacting to life under the CEO’s microscrope, leading change in other functions and the pressures of tomorrow? They thrashed out the issues at conference in Boston
Positive thinking
by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Keeping employees stimulated and building a community in the workplace can develop staff, build morale and save money even in a downturn, argues Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Turning the corner
by Nick Martindale
The focus for procurement is still on reducing costs and monitoring supplier health, but there are signs that the worst effects of the recession may be over
Skills for the future
by Kay Bayen
The focus for procurement is still on reducing costs and monitoring supplier health, but there are signs that the worst effects of the recession may be over
Take control of costs
by David Henshall
Now is an excellent time for procurement heads to show their leadership skills and take ownership of the money-saving agenda
How to get the most out of your outsourced suppliers
by Christopher Dawson
Tips on forging a productive and smooth-running relationship
