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Features

Creative industryGenerating innovative ideas and approaches isn't always easy. Jamie Napper offers tips to help you and  your teams think differently. 17 January 2012
Leading by exampleAs procurement teams target inefficiencies to cope with cost cutting measures, they are helped by new processes and techniques that can deliver further savings. 17 January 2012
Back to basicsIt is possible to innovate on a budget, if you think from the customer's perspective,  says Angus Craig. 17 January 2012
Schools of thoughtProcurement professionals tell Rebecca Ellinor how they got an audience with school children to persuade them to consider a purchasing career. 17 January 2012
Power steeringIn order to get the best out of  your procurement team, you first  need to empower them. 17 January 2012
Special deliveryWith ever-increasing demands to produce savings in a fast-changing corporate environment, Royal Mail Group's procurement team started a journey to become world class. Rebecca Ellinor talks to group procurement director Kath Harmeston about its transformation. 08 December 2011
The growth of digital marketingHow buyers can measure the impact and effectiveness of their spend? The SM roundtable debate in association with ebiquity. 08 December 2011
Media studiesThere are many more savings to be made from media plans if we measure the value of our media agencies differently and apply a little more trust, argues David Meikle. 08 December 2011
Chasing carsAs Jaguar Land Rover gears up for the biggest recruitment drive in its history, Paul Snell looks at  how purchasing has become the firm's fastest growing function and the staff it's hoping to attract. 08 December 2011
Calling time on corruptionWith the cost to Africa of fraudulent practices estimated at 25 per cent of its gross domestic product, serious steps are now being taken to  stop the rot, writes Elaine Porteous. 08 December 2011
Going publicNo stranger to criticism, public sector procurement in the UK has come in for a raft of high-profile, negative reports over the years. But is this all about to change? Steve Bagshaw examines the evidence. 10 November 2011
Keeping the show on the roadFrom vetting pyrotechnicians to hiring outside broadcasting units, the BBC's procurement team works on a diverse range of projects, as Helen Gilbert discovers... mobility scooters anyone? 10 November 2011
Driving  down  the costsA future of structurally higher fuel prices means managers need to take a firmly proactive approach to controlling fleet finances, says Richard Schooling. 10 November 2011
Your president needs youNew CIPS president David Smith explains to  Rebecca Ellinor how he plans to make procurement and supply management a career of choice for all ages. 10 November 2011
Crossing the dividesErnst & Young's 2011 Africa Attractiveness Survey shows the continent is seen as a growth opportunity. But companies entering the African market confront major supply chain challenges. Sian Browne looks at  steps being taken to make doing business easier 10 November 2011
Gold standardsWith its new approaches and methods of best practice, the Olympic Delivery Authority has delivered a range of firsts during the procurement of the park for the London 2012 games. Rebecca Ellinor meets the winners 06 October 2011
Back on trackBy creating a clear, measurable performance standards framework, Network Rail has revitalised its contracts and procurement department 06 October 2011
Food for thoughtBy adopting a strategic approach to purchasing in three careful stages, Adelie Food Holdings has seen huge cost savings as well as a cut in supplier numbers 06 October 2011
Constructing a changeWith the launch of its Group Aggregated Common Expenditure programme, Balfour Beatty was able to trim down its supplier base - and make significant savings 06 October 2011
Taking the initiativeCost cutting is important in the export packing industry, where profit margins are low. Neal Brothers met both CSR and financial goals, making £388,000 in savings 06 October 2011
Building a better worldSkanska UK has become the leader in ethical and green construction thanks to its relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, transforming a so-called 'dirty' industry 06 October 2011
A fruitful partnershipWhen Adelie Food Holdings wanted to achieve the goal of sending zero waste to landfill, it turned to Cawleys - and the strong relationship meant a successful outcome 06 October 2011
Safety in numbersProviding a system to protect lone NHS workers from being assaulted has been successful, despite the huge challenge of engaging with a wide diversity of functions. 06 October 2011
Smart buying saves livesThe International Cancer Genome Project will have a major impact on cancer research and this has now been given more resources by a successful tender process. 06 October 2011
Pulling it all togetherThe procurement function at Wincanton was determined to prove that its success in the UK could be replicated across Europe, and that's just what it did. 06 October 2011