When talking about procurement projects for a municipality it is safe to say you must factor in the political dimension. Although the importance of council supervision in the municipal procurement process is clear, difficulties arise when the political side of council thinking begins to cloud the discharge of its fiduciary responsibility. Stephen Bauld explores the […]
Factoring political dimensions into municipal procurement Read More »
In preparation for the upcoming G20 summit in China this September, the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau (SEPB) issued an order for an estimated 1 000 factories within a 300-km radius of Shanghai to cut down production. This measure was enacted to reduce pollution before world leaders arrive for the event. So how will this
G20 Summit: supply chains disrupted for clear blue skies Read More »
With only a few days to go, 3000 attendees have confirmed – Smart Procurement World, Africa’s largest supply chain indaba, kicks off on Tuesday, 9 September. More than 110 speakers will share their procurement and supply chain insights with delegates in 6 different conference streams. Hear from supply chain heads from Absa, Coca-Cola, Anglo
In 5 Days 2000 Procurement Professionals will meet to network, learn and do business! Read More »
Today, the linear ‘take, make, dispose’ economy that relies heavily on cheap resources for growth, is under threat from increasing commodity prices and growing consumer demand. The ‘circular economy’ offers a viable alternative, with cost savings estimated at over $1-trillion per annum by 2025. The supply chain has a key role to play in
Reducing supply chain costs through the circular economy Read More »
As the world embraces ‘green’ initiatives, products and services, South Africa is implementing renewable energy, green building practises and environmental regulation to lessen the impact on our environment and precious resources. This opens doors for suppliers to turn their operations “green” and provide services that comply with current standards and that enhance corporate responsibility,
Why ‘green building’ is vital to your supply chain Read More »
Today, a high-performance supply chain is a strategic asset, the complexity of which is increased by numerous factors, making constant innovation a necessity, Tech-Pro Personnel tells SmartProcurement. Historically, innovative companies that build strategic, high-performing supply chains quickly gain competitive and financial advantages. The PwC Global Supply Chain Survey 2013 found that companies with leading
Enough innovation in South African Supply Chains? 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 his second inaugural address US President Barak Obama promised to take action on climate change in 2013. How can he do it? Well, one critical step identified for him would be to use the procurement process for the federal government to procure green technologies. Government purchasing could make a significant difference to key aspects
Obama can with the power of procurement. What about you? Read More »
One of the key talking points in the procurement industry right now is sustainability and “green” sourcing. Companies are now being held accountable for the actions of their suppliers and there are no longer excuses for irresponsible behaviour within supply chains. Issues such as pollution, labour mistreatment, or sub-par quality testing have created a strong
Procurement planning for 2013: what will set the agenda for next year? Read More »
