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Strategic buying is important in any organisation, but for charities it can ensure that precious funds are not wasted. Michael Hodgetts explains how a new purchasing plan at care provider Leonard Cheshire could set an example for the rest of the voluntary

Making the transition

To make the most of the opportunity that e-procurement gives them, purchasers need to acquire a new set of skills and personal attributes. Geraint John reports from the CIPS annual conference on what speakers felt were the most critical

Conditioned behaviour

In the second of our series of articles on negotiating skills, Peter Evans explains how to use conditioning, or managing supplier expectations, to get the best deal

Sun, sea, sand supply

Behind the fun image of the package-holiday industry are high risks and low margins. Peter Varley reveals the key role purchasing plays in the UK’s top operator, Thomson Holidays

Taking the party line

For the legal aspects paper, students may have to grapple with issues of third-party liability. Understanding privity of contract and the impact of the recent Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act is vital, writes Ian Longdin

Political procurement

Owen Jones discusses the responsibility of purchasers when involved in international trade and highlights the potential risks of not adhering to ethical codes

simplicity is the key

Vendor-managed inventory is the hot trend in supply chain management. David Jessop defines the concept and looks at how it can simplify procedures, and reduce cost and inventories

Quality, not quantity

Many students who sat the CIPS professional stage strategy paper in May failed to answer questions in sufficient depth. Strong answers were those that applied the theory rather than regurgitating it, says Alexis Brooks

Sweet and sour source

Sourcing products in China can work brilliantly – but it can also go badly wrong. David Kennedy, who sourced goods there for a UK company, explains the cultural differences you need to consider when trading with Chinese firms

Close-knit purchasing

Discount retailer Matalan took the top prize at this year’s Kelly’s Awards for Excellence in Purchasing and Supply. Cathy Hayward looks at the story behind the winning scheme; and SM writers profile the other 10 category winners