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The Strategic Rail Authority, the government’s rail agency, has provided £4 billion to upgrade rail freight routes. The developments include four new terminals around London, two in the north-west and expanded midlands sites, and a capacity for trains up to 750m in length, each capable of carrying up to 3,500 tonnes of bulk freight.

IBM clinches Fiat deal_3

IBM has fought off US rival Electronic Data Systems to clinch a deal to manage Fiat’s back-office computer systems worth more than $6 billion. The outsourcing deal, covering payroll, order management and other IT systems, will run for between seven and 10 years.

Technology ‘overvalued’_3

There is no correlation between IT spending and profits, IT research company the Butler Group will tell delegates at its annual symposium later this month. It claims technology has been overvalued by companies involved in an "arms race" of spending. IT investment, it says, only increases profits if a business is well managed.

The Management Century_3

Stuart Crainer John Wiley, £18.95

E-com controls blasted_3

A committee of MPs has delivered a contemptuous verdict on plans to regulate electronic commerce.

The trade and industry select committee described some of the government’s proposals as “not fit to be written into law”.

Time to make it better_3

The NHS national plan presents a unique opportunity to purchasing and supply professionals, says Duncan Nichol

Rover reviews function_3

Rover Group, now owned by the consortium Phoenix, will be examining its purchasing strategy in the wake of the company’s break-up by former owner BMW, writes David Arminas.

Sports skills shortage_3

Training poses problem_3

A lack of adequate training is holding back the development of e-procurement, according to Theresa Rynard, senior category manager at building materials firm Caradon. Often, only key purchasing staff are trained in new technology, leaving occasional users to fumble in the dark, or revert to old methods and maverick buying, she said.

Intelligent Leadership_3

Alan Hooper and John Potter Random House Business Books, £18.99 Rating: 3/5