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European businesses believe internal resistance to change is their largest barrier to effective supply chain management, a survey has found.

More than half of the 245 companies surveyed said this was the main problem, followed by supply chain complexity, bad organisational structures and poor alignment of objectives.

In Search of Excellence_3

I still have my original copy of this book that I bought in 1982 when, even as a young buyer for Ford, I realised that it was important. I knew this because all the senior executives at Ford were carrying it around, and some even read it. I instinctively knew that I had better understand what it said.

Suppliers’ margin fears_3

Contractors working with water companies are waiting to see how increased competition in the utility market will affect their relationships, writes David Arminas.

Consultancies ‘worth it’_3

Most consultancies’ clients are happy with their work and would use the same firm again, according to the Management Consultancies Association.

MoD ties up Airbus deal_3

The Ministry of Defence is to purchase 25 A400M transport aircraft from Airbus. The order signals the complete replacement of the MoD’s ageing fleet of Hercules transporters. It follows the ministry’s recent announcement that it will award the contract to replace the Clansman radio system to one of three consortia by the end of July.

Royals in plane savings_3

Buckingham Palace’s purchasing managers have managed to slice 69 per cent off the royal family’s travel costs - the equivalent of saving £11.9 million. The efficiencies, highlighted in a report from the National Audit Office, show that the palace has brought travel costs down to £5.4 million in 2000-01, from £17.3 million in 1997.

Global system for Tesco_3

Tesco has implemented a new global sourcing system to support a plan to expand its non-food business to £5 billion by 2005. Each of the 20 countries involved previously had its own sourcing system, a process that will continue for the more complex food supply chain.

Welch: An American Icon_3

Janet Lowe John Wiley, £17.95 Rating: 3/5

Portsmouth City Council_3

Promoting e-procurement_3

Q: I am head of purchasing at a large UK blue-chip firm. Unhappily, my company’s e-procurement strategy has alarmed several of my purchasing colleagues who view it as a move to cut jobs. This is unlikely to be a major impact of the new system, but we are