Supplying the means to spend more wisely: Firms need to look at dynamics of the supply chain

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The economic crisis is focussing business minds very sharply on how to make the savings that will enable organizations to continue to grow or, at least, to weather the current storm. Good employees might well be a company's best resource but they do not come cheap and many businesses are inevitably looking to the “quick fix” of redundancies to remove a few salaries from the some balance sheet. By contrast, the total spend with suppliers is seen as an “untouchable” area. This might well overlook the savings to be made by better management of the supply chain.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2010), "Supplying the means to spend more wisely: Firms need to look at dynamics of the supply chain", Strategic Direction, Vol. 26 No. 10, pp. 18-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580541011080528