November 2007
Contents
- Annual CIPS Australia Conference a great success!
- Procurement Professional Awards. And the winners are…
- Renewed member happy with his loot
- A Dinner for the Fellows
- 2008 Conference dates released
- Negotiation Masterclass with Paul Steele - Book now!
- Remaining training for 2007
- Annual Business and Professions Study
- Xchanging principal CIPS sponsorship ends
- CIPS accredits two previous CQU courses
- CIPSA fee increase reflects rising costs of operation
- 17th Ipsera Conference
- Government procurement contracts can be lucrative
- Lundy: Coalition has failed in ICT
- Annual Industry Feedback Survey
- ITS Australia to host 10th Asia-Pacific ITS Forum
- News from Abroad
Annual CIPS Australia Conference a great success!
An impressive line-up of international and domestically based keynote speakers shared their views and experiences with 560 participants at the 3rd Annual CIPS Australia Conference – held on 16-17 October 2007 at Crown Towers in Melbourne.
Four seminar streams offered 24 different seminar topics each directly or indirectly relevant to the central theme and the four sub themes of the conference.
The central theme of the conference was: “Its’ not just about cost!”
Traditionally, the procurement profession has been seen as cost focused; latterly, focused on full-life time cost or total cost of ownership (TCO) more than up-front price. But senior practitioners have continued to stress there are much broader benefits of better procurement practices, such as: security of supply, reduced risk, improved quality, greater efficiency, better processes, more innovation and real added value. Proving it, however, has been more difficult.
But these simple goals no longer do justice to the fastest growing profession in business. This conference suggested four possible new challenges for the profession. Four ways in which the profession may well be measured in future:
- Influencing better outcomes – for the organisation;
- Procurement led solutions;
- Socially responsible procurement;
- Improving organisational performance.
Each of the 10 keynote speakers and the 24 seminars at the 3rd Annual CIPSA Conference addressed, directly or indirectly, one of these four sub themes.
The Conference has once again increased in popularity and status since last year’s event. The 560-strong attendance was up by over eight per cent on last year. A total of 385 guests sat down to dinner, while the Conference was also better supported by sponsors with 10 Gold Sponsors compared to six in 2006 and exhibitors in Purchasing Exchange were also up to 45 this year.
Stand-out speakers included Dr Nicolas Reinecke, Will Parsons and John McGagh.
Early feedback from participants has very positive with 99 per cent of delegates rating the conference either Excellent or Good.
The venue looked grand for both the Conference and the Dinner and many CIPSA members have already expressed their enthusiasm for the 4th Annual Conference to be held in 2008. A full report on the 3rd Annual CIPSA Conference will be published in the December/January edition of Procurement Professional magazine.
View the Photo Slide Show from Day 1 of the Conference here.
View the Photo Slide Show from Day 2 of the Conference here.
And the winners are…
The Procurement Professional Awards were presented at the Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the 3rd Annual CIPSA Conference and the winners were:
- Special Achievement Award (for recognition of the Procurement Change Management effort across a range of award categories):
University of Sydney - Best Supplier Partnership:
Insurance Australia Group (partnering BlueStar Print Group) - Best Cross-Functional Teamwork Project:
British American Tobacco Australia - Best People Development Initiative:
BAE Systems - Best Process Improvement Imitative:
Office of Government Procurement (Dept of Treasury & Finance WA) - Best Improved Procurement Operation (Dual Winners):
Parmalat Australia and
Office of Government Procurement (Dept of Treasury & Finance WA) - The CIPS Leadership Award:
John Tondut (Executive Director, Office of Government Procurement, Dept of Treasury & Finance WA)
CIPSA congratulates all winners and is sure that the quality of this year’s entries will inspire even more high-quality contenders in 2008.
CIPSA congratulates all winners and is sure that the quality of this year’s entries will inspire even more high-quality contenders in 2008. CIPSA would also like to thank the Awards Judges and the Sponsors of the Awards for making it such a successful event.
With thanks to our sponsors
Michael Page Procurement & Supply
ProcureNet
inLogik™
Portland Group
Xchanging
View the Photo Slide Show from the Procurement Professional Awards evening here.
Renewed member happy with his loot
Ian Duke from Newcrest Mining is the lucky winner of a Sony Handycam. Mr Duke won the video camera in a competition which he entered simply by renewing his CIPSA membership.
The competition, which has been run over the renewal season, has been extremely popular and CIPSA is currently exploring the possibility of similar competitions in the future.
Ian was very happy with his win and said his new Handycam: "..came in handy for his son's recent school concert".
See how easy it is? Renewing your membership can be even easier now, for those of you who hate filling out forms every year, CIPS Australia is now offering a direct debit service (minimum of 2 years). To find out more email membership@cipsa.com.au
A Dinner for the Fellows
CIPS Australia proudly hosted its inaugural Fellows Dinner at the Crown Entertainment Complex on Monday, 15 October. Guests enjoyed an inspirational keynote speech by Will Parsons FCIPS, who is the Chair of the CIPS Fellowship Committee. CIPS CEO, Ken James, Deputy CEO, Keith Trower and CIPS Australia Managing Director Jonathan Dutton also attended the evening.
Six of CIPSA’s nine Fellows in Australia and New Zealand were able to attend and shared their experiences over a pleasant dinner. Fellowship (FCIPS) is CIPS’ highest grade of membership and is awarded as a hallmark of professional standing. Senior members are encouraged to have their professional achievements recognised through the award of Fellowship, which is recognition of achievements within the profession and a definition of professional status, not merely a reward for service.
If you are interested in applying for CIPS Fellowship please email fellowship@cips.org for more information, visit CIPS’ website www.cips.org or call the CIPSA office during Victorian business hours on 1300 765 142 or +61 3 9629 6000.
View the Slide Show from the Fellows Dinner here.
2008 Conference dates released
CIPSA conference dates for 2008 have been released as follows:
- The Category Management Forum, Sydney:
13-14 March 2008, The Grace Hotel, Sydney - The 3rd Public Sector Procurement Forum, Canberra:
21-22 May 2008, National Convention Centre, Canberra - The CIPS New Zealand Strategic Procurement Forum:
12 June 2008, Sky City Convention Centre, Auckland - Women in Procurement, Melbourne:
19-20 June 2008, The Sebel Citigate, Albert Park, Melbourne - The CIPS Australia Strategic Procurement Forum, Adelaide:
19 August 2008, The Stamford Plaza, Adelaide - The CIPS Australia Strategic Procurement Forum, Perth:
21 August 2008, The Novotel Langley, Perth - The 4th CIPS Australia Annual Conference, Melbourne:
14-15 October 2008, Crown Palladium, Melbourne
Click on the link here to download a brochure with full details of all CIPSA conferences to be held in 2008. For more information on conferences as they arise remember to visit www.cipsaconferences.com.au
Negotiation Masterclass Melbourne & Sydney, featuring Paul Steele FCIPS – November 2007
Still some places left in Melbourne & Sydney!
How good are you at getting what you want?
At CIPS we are great at getting what we want. We wanted Paul Steele to run a Negotiation Masterclass for CIPS members in Australia, we got him. Now we need to convince you how great this Masterclass is, and how you and your team will benefit immensely from this training.
There is no mystique to becoming a skilled negotiator – like most skills, it takes and understanding of the subject then plenty of knowledgeable practice. You can create golden business opportunities by knowing what approach to take, what attitude to adopt and how to capitalize on another party’s weakness. From securing better business deals with suppliers through to motivating a colleague to do something for you, the role of negotiation and persuasion is paramount.
Who is Paul Steele?
Paul Steele is a negotiator of long experience who has all too often seen a negotiator talk at the wrong moment, miss opportunities, or ruin a promising situation by taking the wrong approach. Apart from extensive lecturing experience and experience in running over 1000 seminars and conferences on negotiation all over the world, he has also worked as a consultant for many organisations in both the public and private sectors. Paul is Director of PMMS Consulting Group and has written three highly acclaimed books - It's a Deal, Profitable Purchasing Strategies and Business Negotiation. He is also a Fellow of CIPS
In just two days Paul Steele will successfully equip you to:
- Go into any negotiation will full confidence in your overall grasp of the elements and skills involved
- Develop solutions to problems
- Analyse your strengths and weaknesses
- Increase your personal effectiveness
At only $1990 for CIPSA members and $2200 for non-members you will not walk away disappointed from these two days. Plus you will take home a copy of Paul Steele's "It's a Deal" and a 500MB USB Memory Stick.
Previous feedback from a recent Paul Steele Masterclass included:
- “Clearly and by far the best, most effective course I have attended”;
- “Excellent course. Useful professionally as well as personally”;
- “The class was captivated from start to finish”;
- “We all felt part of the presentation. We were encouraged to question, disagree, offer alternative explanations without fear of reprisal. Thank-you CIPS for inviting Paul to facilitate."
- “Unquestionably the best facilitated class I have attended.”
- “Thanks Paul, learnt a lot and was stimulated for the whole two days. I look forward to reading your book.”
Melbourne November 15-16 Sydney November 19-20
Email training@cipsa.com.au to secure your place, or call CIPS on 1300 765 142 or +61 3 9629 6000 for more information.
Hurry! Last courses for the year…
SCHEDULE:
Open training courses scheduled for the remainder of 2007 include:
|
Melbourne |
Negotiation Masterclass with Paul Steele FCIPS, 15-16 November |
|
Sydney |
Negotiation Masterclass with Paul Steele FCIPS, 19-20 November |
|
Wellington |
Negotiation/Advanced Negotiation, 27-28 November |
Email training@cipsa.com.au for more information about these courses. Advanced bookings are essential.
Annual Business and Professions Study
Many CIPSA members will have already received an invitation to take part in the Annual Business and Profession Study, and others will be requested to complete the online survey in the coming days.
400,000 people have been asked to take part in the survey, which will examine two key areas:
• How well you believe CIPS Australia is doing. This is aimed at improving services.
• And your views on professional service firms in Australia (e.g. legal, engineering, accounting firms), the results of which will be summarised into a report, which respondents can elect to receive.
In addition, all those who complete the study before the closing date of 16 November 2007 will go into a draw to win one of a number of prizes on offer.
The study is being undertaken by Beaton Consulting and CIPSA engourages its members to partake in the survey. Click on the following link for further information http://www.beaton.com.au/FAQs1.html
Xchanging principal CIPS sponsorship ends
Xchanging’s principal CIPS sponsorship year ended 31 October. CIPS wishes to thank Xchanging for its support and wish the organisation every success in its business – success built on its sponsorship of CIPS. CIPS is currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the position of principal sponsor for 2008, beginning in February. EOIs can be sent directly to CIPSA Managing Director, Jonathan Dutton, on email address: jonathan.dutton@cipsa.com.au
An exciting ‘value for money’ sponsorship package is available. Please contact CIPS Australia on 1300 765 142 for more information.
CIPS accredits two previous CQU courses
CIPS is retrospectively recognising Central Queensland University’s Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Materials Management (AIPMM) – incorporating the Diploma in Purchasing and Materials Management (AIPMM) – as eligible for Associate Membership status and accelerated entry into the CIPS Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply.
On completion of the CIPS Level 6 programme (in addition to three years work experience), members will be eligible for full membership of the Institute (MCIPS).
CIPS will also retrospectively recognise CQU’s Bachelor of Business (Purchasing and Materials Management). Candidates who successfully completed this programme and meet the conditions specified requirements may apply for full membership of CIPS (MCIPS).
Acceptance will be subject to the submission of a formal application form and evidence of three years experience in purchasing and supply management in a position of responsibility.
All graduates of these programmes are encouraged to contact Angelina Pillai, Membership and Education Manager, or Leah Vlamos, Membership Coordinator, at the CIPS Australia office during business hours on 1300 765 142 / +61 3 9629 6000.
CIPSA fee increase reflects rising costs of operation
CIPSA has recently reviewed its costs and as a result has decided that it can no longer sustain its existing fee schedule. While interest rates and the CPI have continued to climb in the past few years, CIPSA fees have remained static since the formation of the organisation back in January 2005. However, to continue to offer members the service that they expect, CIPSA has had to increase its fee schedule.
The new fee schedule came into effect from 1 November 2007. The new fees are still well below those charged by other similar organisations. CIPSA has deliberately kept its membership fees low and the revenue raised by fees does not cover the costs of the services offered to members. This is why CIPSA is always exploring new revenue streams that allow it to keep its fees as low as possible.
The new fees range from AUD $50* for a full-time student membership in Australia (even less in New Zealand and the South Pacific) through to AUD $245* for other membership levels in Australia. (*Does not include joining fee) Click on the following link for a full schedule of the fees.
17th IPSERA Conference
The 2008 IPSERA Conference will be held on 9-12 March 2007 in Perth, Australia – the first time the Conference has been held in the Southern Hemisphere. Professor Guy Callender at Curtin Business School will be hosting the event, with support from the University of South Africa and Central Queensland University. At this stage, Gold Sponsorship of the event has been received from the Office of Government Procurement, Government of Western Australia. Silver Sponsors include CIPS Australia and Wesfarmers Limited. Delegates from across the globe are expected to attend. The Conference theme, ‘Building Practice and Research Collaboration in Purchasing’, is designed to strengthen the relationship between procurement academics and practitioners.
Within the overall theme, a number of more specific streams will be offered, including:
- Challenges in Contract Management;
- Defence Procurement Policy and Practice;
- Developing the Purchasing Profession;
- Emerging Economies and Procurement Policy;
- Government Procurement;
- Innovation in Supply Networks;
- Issues in Contracting for Services;
- Procurement Policy and Changing Population Structures;
- Purchasing and the execution of Corporate Social Responsibility;
- Strategy and Policy in Procurement Management;
- Supply Chain Management;
- Supply Market Intelligence in the Global Marketplace.
Papers are welcome, but deadlines are approaching fast – the closing date for full papers is 12 November 2007.Registration forms, suggested accommodation and all Conference details are on the conference website: www.ipsera2008.com
Government procurement contracts can be lucrative
Source: Rebecca Spicer, www.dynamicbusiness.com
Government departments spend billions each year purchasing goods and services from private organisations, ranging from toilet paper and office equipment to IT systems and artillery. This article outlines how to access these huge and lucrative markets.
When you add up the many and varied roles and functions of all local, state, and federal governments in Australia, you get an idea of the huge opportunities available to businesses in the government procurement market.
More than 100 different government departments issued some 186,000 contracts to supply the needs of the Federal government alone last year. And, according to Dr Sharman Stone, parliamentary secretary to the Minster for Finance and Administration, the combined budget of federal government departments (agencies) is around $17 billion each year.
Finding the best person to talk to and understanding the individual department’s procurement processes may be quite daunting at first, but the Government Online Directory at www.gold.gov.au is a great place to start. It can help you understand the structure, roles, and function of the various federal government departments, and also provides contact details and information on key staff.
Potential suppliers can also now get information about forthcoming business opportunities and start developing relationships ahead of tender releases with the new Annual Procurement Plans for government buyers, launched on the AusTender website in July. These aim to outline the buying plans of each government department over the forthcoming financial year.
Maintaining relationships and networking within your own industry is also important. Not only to learn how other people are dealing with government agencies, but to nurture potential partnerships or sub-contract arrangements, which are other options for SMEs to tap into government contracts.
For the full article visit the link here.
Lundy: Coalition has failed in ICT
Source: Karen Dearne, www.australianit.news.com.au
Kate Lundy, Labor's local government shadow minister, has lashed the Coalition over its "appalling and negligent'' handling of the Information Communication & Technology portfolio. Senator Lundy, who was shadow minister for IT between 1998 and 2004, said Australia's potential leadership in ICT public policy has been squandered as a result of the "lazy, wasteful'' Howard years.
"It is appalling that Australia is 25th in the world in terms of available internet bandwidth,'' she said.
"If we are to remain globally competitive, we must address this as an absolute priority.''
Labor's proposed $4.7 billion National Broadband Network would provide a platform to build local business and long-term economic prosperity once the mining boom was over. Senator Lundy says the "extreme version of whole-of-government outsourcing'' had stripped out knowledge and experience "from where it was needed most”.
She said governments also need to be smart buyers of technology.
"If our agencies are incapable of comparing competing technologies that claim to deliver the same outcomes using completely different approaches, procurement will always favour the old and the incumbent,'' she said.
Labor believes well-managed panels will reduce the cost of tendering for government contracts and encourage innovation, she said.
For the full article click on the link here.
Annual Industry Feedback Survey
The Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council is carrying out a survey to industry as means of measuring overall performance, and to identify areas where activities can be enhanced to meet industry needs in the future. CIPSA encourages its members’ support in this important initiative. The survey has been designed to limit the time needed to provide your valued feedback. If you would like to review the role and function of the Skills Council please click here.
Please click here to complete the survey.
ITS Australia to host 10th Asia-Pacific ITS Forum
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) businesses and organisations from across the Asia-Pacific region will present new technologies to improve the safety and efficiency of private and public transport at the 10th Asia-Pacific ITS Forum, to be held in Brisbane, Australia in July 2009. The Asia-Pacific Forum will be hosted by ITS Australia, Australia’s peak ITS industry body promoting safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly transport systems.
ITS Australia will also present SmartDemo 2009, its third bi-annual live demonstration of innovative transport technologies, at the Asia-Pacific Forum. This ‘hands-on’ demonstration of the day’s current transport technology innovations will showcase operating ITS technologies for the safe, efficient and environmentally effective movement of people and freight.
The 10th Asia-Pacific ITS Forum and SmartDemo 2009 will offer technology exhibitors and demonstrators an audience of up to 800 conference delegates in Brisbane in July 2009.
A formal call for Asia-Pacific Forum papers will be distributed in 2008. For more information please contact ITS Australia Events Manager Stephanie Breen by calling 03 8680 2244 or emailing breen@its-australia.com.au
FTA with the US still some distance away
Source: Kevin Tan, www.theedgedaily.com
Malaysia is still far from reaching a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US despite some progress in the talks between the countries, a source familiar with the issue said.
In fact, Malaysia would not hesitate to suspend the talks if the US continued to pursue the issue of government procurement, the source told The Edge Financial Daily.
According to the source, Malaysia had suspended talks with countries that requested something Malaysia could not give, citing the examples of Australia and New Zealand which wanted labour and environmental issues to be linked to trade.
While the US has consistently stressed that Malaysia did not have to abandon its pro-bumiputera affirmative action policy, the US is adamant on fair opportunity and transparency in government procurement for American firms. US negotiators are targeting to conclude the FTA by early next year.
However, Malaysia’s de facto chief negotiator, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, has maintained that Malaysia’s government procurement was already transparent.
Contrary to the misconception that the US is resorting to strong-arm tactics to push Malaysia into a lopsided FTA, the source said Malaysia had developed enough capacity and expertise to deal with such negotiations.
For the full article click on the link here.
Mastercard, CWT join forces
Source: www.breakingtravelnews.com
MasterCard Worldwide and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) are launching a global, card-based enhanced travel data programme for corporate travel buyers.
The programme will ensure that CWT clients who pay with MasterCard commercial cards have consistent, high-quality data related to travel and entertainment expenditures around the world. This will enable organisations to more rapidly implement and optimise a corporate card programme on a global basis.
At the core of the new enhanced travel data programme is a fully integrated, card-based global network that will allow MasterCard issuers to offer companies of all sizes, as well as government agencies, the ability to access, analyse and act upon more complete data related to their travel programme. Integrating travel programme information such as policy rules, itineraries, and accounting codes with actual expenditures can help CWT clients with MasterCard corporate cards to achieve savings.
The new enhanced travel data programme is now available in Australia, China and Singapore as well as 13 European markets. The programme will be introduced in other markets over time. Among the first MasterCard issuers to offer the new programme to corporate customers is GE Money. The MasterCard and CWT enhanced travel data programme respects current data privacy laws, including European data protection and privacy legislation.
For the full article click on the link here.
Customer Support Sourcing: Do It Right for the Results You Need
Six steps to balancing customer experience with shareholder results through a sourcing strategy that recognizes the needs — and value — of individual customers
By Bob Berger and Bill Schneiderman
Source: www.sdcexec.com
Building strong relationships and competitive advantage through the support experience can be a powerful ingredient in earning and maintaining customer loyalty. But judging from the quality of support provided, many companies have not achieved this. Instead, the customer experience is at best mediocre and at worst leads to lost customers and negative "word of mouth" to potential new customers.... Read more here.
Hackett Plots Evolution of Procurement's Value Proposition to Drive Competitive
Research highlights from Procurement Practice Leader Chris Sawchuk And Senior Business Advisor Pierre Mitchell
By Editorial Staff
Souce: http://www.sdcexec.com/
Atlanta and London — October 25, 2007 — How can procurement organizations evolve from a traditional tactical sourcing focus to a comprehensive position of value management? By moving through five discrete stages that help them develop new skill sets and operating models enabling them to eventually reach a point where procurement's sole agenda is to advance and support business strategy, according to new research from The Hackett Group, a global strategic advisory firm and an Answerthink company... Read more here.
Global Sourcing: Is It Really Worth It?
Five key questions to ask throughout the product lifecycle
By John Brockwell
Souce: http://www.sdcexec.com/
For a variety of reasons, executives at many companies are reconsidering whether or not they should be buying products from international sources. Companies are facing higher than expected costs of materials and labor, a declining U.S. dollar and rising fuel prices, while some are experiencing the persistent quality issues that we continue to read about in today's headlines... Read more here.
