This book applies strategic decision making to the buying of resources in organisations. Aimed primarily at those in smaller organisations, it includes advice on how to work with partners in sourcing supplies and coping with external suppliers.

Understanding how best to buy, from whom and when, is crucial to an organization's long-term success. This guide shows how to implement ideas that should benefit the profitability of an enterprise. It emphasizes the need for communication at key levels to ensure good teamwork and tangible results.

For many organizations, the best option for improving profits is to reduce costs. This handbook presents a long-term, structured approach to cost reduction through smart procurement practices. It provides readers with a thorough understanding of the philosophy, psychology, and practice of buying.

Approach purchasing and procurement strategically, effectively and sustainably, with this comprehensive and practical guide to category management. Category Management in Purchasing equips those working in procurement with the tools they need to ensure effective procurement in an ever changing landscape. Combining practical advice and theory, this essential resource is crucial for developing successful purchasing strategies. Covering new technology-driven approaches to category management, this new edition outlines digital transformations and technological advancements, from digital sourcing platforms to new tools and systems. This edition also provides readers with the knowledge to approach complex sourcing situations not only effectively, but also sustainably. Including new guidance on how organizations and businesses can implement sustainability into their procurement strategies, Jonathan O'Brien recontextualizes category management in a time when responsible sourcing is more important than ever. This highly regarded and essential text provides what everyone in procurement needs when striving to make category management a reality.

How is it possible to sell a kitchen at 30 per cent below market price? Why are hot dogs cheaper in IKEA than in the supermarket? How can IKEA sell the Lack table at half the price it was when it was launched 35 years ago and how can it be achieved with a substantial profit? Strategic Sourcing and Category Management examines how IKEA - and other cost leading companies - use category management to create advantages with direct and indirect sourcing. With 25 years' experience from IKEA, where he had the responsibility to develop and execute the company's purchasing strategy, author Magnus Carlsson shares his insights on important topics: when category management is profitable and why; how teams repeatedly create value and results; what the main approaches are in different categories; how a company implements category management; the difference between success and failure. In this new edition of Strategic Sourcing and Category Management, Magnus Carlsson has added new themes including examples and references from companies such as Maersk, Carlsberg, P&G and Aldi, illustrating the application of cost leadership that spans far beyond IKEA. Even there, the cost leadership lessons are not limited to home furnishings as the company is sourcing categories such as food, components, materials, transports and indirect materials, with a total purchasing spend of approximately €7 billion. But maybe even more importantly, the book illustrates how teams create value by thinking differently and asking the right questions, allowing an understanding that goes beyond mere tools and processes.

Most organizations, regardless of industry, spend more money on suppliers than they do on employing their staff. Written for the non-procurement expert, Strategic Procurement explores the 'why' and 'what' of good procurement rather than the 'how.' It explains why you should focus your efforts on this previously neglected area of business and rich rewards, where P&L impact is relatively painless and immediate, where benefit to cost ratios of 10 to 1 are realistic ambitions and in-year payback is possible. It covers all the aspects of strategic procurement, including The role of the executive and the organization in procurement; Primary and secondary supply chains; Cost reduction techniques Making yourself important to suppliers; Sustaining procurement improvement; Keeping procurement on the business agenda Showing you how to cut costs without harming your business and the importance of recognizing supplier relationship management, Strategic Procurement offers real understanding of the true worth of procurement in the boardroom.