Articles: Supply Chain & Procurement  Articles RSS Feed 11/29/11Procurement Could Use Some PRIn order to create new opportunities and increase engagement from stakeholders procurement must promote itself better, a panel of senior buyers concluded. 01/05/11US Government: How to Make Procurement Less PainfulThe open-procurement bid process is frequently seen as a costly, time-consuming headache for state and local agencies. But hardly anyone disputes that it’s what’s best for taxpayers. Ways of cutting through an open bid’s red tape do exist, which IT departments might want to evaluate as maneuvers for surviving their budget shortfalls, as some departments are facing cuts of up to 20 percent. 09/16/10The IT Crowd: Procument's role in renewed spendingNow that IT projects are starting to get off the ground again, it is time for procurement departments to rise to the challenge once more by becoming involved in the process, before, during and after IT buying decisions are made. 07/21/10Changing Deal Terms and Risks Define the Procurement Outsourcing MarketProcurement Outsourcing deal pipelines have shown a healthy upward graph since 2000, as buyers are much more accepting of outsourcing as a solution and are becoming more sophisticated in deal developments. Processes have also improved and transformed during this period. 05/25/10Analysis: The Pitfalls of Procurement OutsourcingThe inevitable growth in procurement outsourcing leads to the question of where exactly firms are making the mistakes which can undermine the potential for value. 01/20/10Sourcing Under Review: SSON Interviews Rick BertheaudShared services organizations are pushing the envelope by building positive partnerships with their clients and scrutinizing their sourcing practices. Procurement sourcing may be the next truly big thing.This article was originally posted on the Shared Services & Outsourcing Network's Premium Website. See www.ssonetwork.com. 08/15/06Best Bets: Top Contracting Shops Share Their SecretsAround Valentine’s Day each year, Helen Hurcombe sends a note to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration program offices. As the director of acquisitions and grants, she asks them to submit their contracting plans for the coming year. Once she gets the wish lists, she then assigns each project to a contracting specialist. The specialist and program office brainstorm about potential vendors and whether the contract should be set aside for small and disadvantaged businesses. All that happens at least six months before the award is made.