The Evolution of Procurement and Supply Management Transformations

Retail Price: $49.95

$44.95

Removing Obstacles to Success
Melissa Drew
Hardcover, 6×9, 282 pages
ISBN: 978-1-60427-194-2
e-ISBN: 978-1-60427-846-0
March 2025

Available on backorder

SKU: 978-1-60427-194-2 Categories: , ,

Description

Transforming your procurement and supply management operations requires more than just implementing new technology; it demands a strategic approach to ensure sustainable success. It also requires a look at the history of these transformations for insight into what went wrong and what can be done better.

Written by an expert with over two dozen years in the field, The Evolution of Procurement and Supply Management Transformations shows the common mistakes made by companies and how they can learn from them for future efforts. To truly improve procurement transformations, organizations must move beyond temporary fixes and adopt a holistic, well-supported approach. Like navigating a highway full of roadblocks, patchwork solutions only offer short-term relief while increasing frustration and inefficiency.

From automation to sustainable sourcing, The Evolution of Procurement and Supply Management Transformations offers actionable strategies to help you navigate these transformations and drive long-term success. Drew proves that regularly evaluating supplier performance, risk management, process efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction provides transparency and fosters stronger collaboration across the organization. This guide promotes a different way of thinking and what questions to ask for success. It is a must-read for forward-thinking professionals looking to stay ahead and be fully informed in a constantly changing field. The insights and recommendations found within its pages are ready to be implemented, empowering you to make a real difference in your organization.

Key Features

  • Outlines the evolution of the procurement organization starting from the early 1900s
  • Explains how the policies and processes used today were created over 100 years ago and have diminished in value for a modern procurement organization
  • Fosters a new way to think about transformations, including common barriers that prevent success
  • Examines the need for the procurement organization to broaden its influence within the firm, create revenue-generating opportunities, and prioritize value to be able to adjust quickly to changes in consumer demands and remain competitive
  • Defines the strategic direction for a successful transformation program with practical examples and real-world scenarios
  • Shows that value in procurement has evolved beyond cost savings to encompass innovation, risk management, sustainability, and stakeholder satisfaction
  • Prioritizes understanding the root causes of challenges, committing to continuous improvement, and investing in the right expertise to drive real, meaningful change
  • Details how automation and process improvements can not only streamline operations and reduce costs but also free up your team for high-value strategic activities
  • Discusses how aligning procurement strategies with corporate values and maintaining a culture of continuous improvement can enhance your organization’s competitive edge, drive meaningful results, and achieve greater success in an ever-changing market

About the author(s)

Melissa Drew is an international keynote speaker with over 30 years of data and digital transformation expertise. Her professional career has contributed to her breadth and depth of knowledge working in the private sector, with startups, and as a consultant with Kearney, Deloitte, and IBM.  She focuses on how emerging technologies impact procurement and supply chain organizations. Ms. Drew was ranked #34 of the Top 100 Women in Supply Chain 2023, was named a Top 25 Global Consultant in 2021, and is a Top 50 Global Thought Leader and Influencer on Supply Chain 2024. She hosts the “Impact of AI and Data” podcast, interviewing procurement leaders worldwide about their perspectives on today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Melissa is a TEDX speaker who has been featured in AI Time Journal, Tech Exec Magazine, and on various data and technology podcasts.  Recently, she became the founder of the non-profit organization, The AI Literate Citizen, with a mission to advance AI literacy for global citizens of all ages. Melissa is a guest lecturer at the Rutgers Business School Supply Chain Program on the topic of Emerging Technologies. When not writing or speaking, Ms. Drew mentors others, travels internationally, and tries to keep up with her twin teenage daughters. One of her most outstanding achievements is remaining cancer-free since October 2022.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction

Section I: A Window into the Past

Chapter 2: Evolution of the Procurement Organization

Section II: Obstacles Blocking Success

Chapter 3: Setting Up for Failure
Chapter 4: Policies
Chapter 5: Automation and Process Improvements
Chapter 6: Request for Proposals
Chapter 7: Contracts
Chapter 8: Technology
Chapter 9: Environmental, Social, and Governance in Procurement
Chapter 10: People and Skills

Section III: Reshaping the Organization

Chapter 11: Cultural Considerations
Chapter 12: Value in Procurement
Chapter 13: Rethink
Chapter 14: Leadership

Index

Reviews

“Procurement transformation is more than just a response to shifting times; it’s an opportunity to reshape the very foundation of how organizations operate. While the journey may seem complex, this book offers a comprehensive roadmap, proving that with the right guidance, even the most daunting changes can lead to meaningful innovation, efficiency, and success.”
—William Hatzichristos, Fractional Chief Procurement Officer and Founder, SourceNow.Pro

“This book is packed with practical insights and a forward-thinking approach to identify where the critical barriers exist and how to navigate them.”
—Anthony Taitt, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Department of Supply Chain Management, Rutgers Business School

“This book is crucial for anyone involved in the procurement transformation process. It addresses the obstacles that block success and is essential for organizations to realize the full benefits of their investments and efforts.”
—Katie Smith, Vice President Procurement, PRIDE Industries

“Procurement transformation projects failed 20 years ago and still fail today. Companies are running through the same motions, not taking time to plan for a flexible foundation, so everything stacked on top fails. Does this sound like the textbook definition of insanity? It should, and to resolve this, you need to dive into this book.”
—Mike Cadieux, Founder of Procurement Foundry

“This book includes practical insights to illuminate the critical clean-up steps needed to break free from outdated structures and create a procurement function ready to accelerate transformation.”
—Elisabeth Schlag-Lawrence, Managing Partner, CatalystProcurement, formerly SVP, Procurement Bayer AG

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