Book Description
There's too much work to be done. Your organization can't handle the load. That's when you begin to consider outsourcing some of your business functions. But how can you choose the right suppliers and ensure maximum results? In this book, Laseter--of the world-renowned consulting firm Booz?Allen & Hamilton--shows companies how to address that challenge through the dynamic pursuit of balanced sourcing.
"This will be a super book to provide to new purchasing people and to reinvigorate experienced purchasing professionals. It was great to see many of the concepts with which we have experimented logically explained. I wholeheartedly endorse it."--Jean Mayer, executive director, manufacturing procurement operations, Ford Motor Company
Laseter and Booz?Allen coined the term "balanced sourcing" to describe a model for ensuring competitive pricing from suppliers while simultaneously nurturing cooperative relationships. Drawing upon Booz?Allen's experiences with leading companies, Balanced Sourcing lays out the six organizational capabilities that make up the firm's field-tested strategy. Detailed case studies of four prominent corporations-Honda of America, Cisco Systems, SUPERVALU, and Florida Power & Light-show you the broad applicability of this model for companies in industries from manufacturing to services to high-tech.
"Too many 'best practice' guides present a one-size-fits-all solution, such as copying the so-called Japanese model of sole sourcing. In fact, the best Japanese companies do not treat all suppliers as sole-sourced partners and you should not either. Balanced Sourcing is full of practical tools and models that will help you think through appropriate strategies for each of your suppliers."-Dr. Jeffrey K. Liker, associate professor, industrial & operations engineering, and co-director, Japan Technology Management Program, University of Michigan
Get real-life lessons from around the world on: **Creating sourcing strategies **Building and sustaining supplier relationships **Leveraging supplier innovation?and much more! Make the most of your outsourcing with this one-of-a-kind best practices guide!
Customer Reviews:
Slanted charts?.......2000-03-08
Why are all the charts in this book slanted? Who edited this thing? Random.
Excellent Primer to Supply Chain Managment.......1999-06-10
Clearly laid out, well-written, and concise. Tim's model matched well with my experience, but afforded me an opportunity to organize my thinking on the subject. He should give lessons on writing for business.
A good introduction to new logistics concepts.......1999-05-20
Is a nice book, the concepts are very clear and easy to understand even if you are not and english speaking person. Is a good presentation of a sourcing model.
Great book ! Puts it all together in one place.......1998-12-12
Excellent reference on how to balance competition while still maintaining partnership status. Helps to explain how to take advantage of the entire scope of partnership relationships with suppliers while maintaining cost effectiveness.
SJL- VP National Association of Purchasing Management
An expert take on competition and cooperation.......1998-10-30
The title refers to a "model for ensuring competitivepricing from suppliers while simultaneously nurturing cooperativerelationships." The author brings his experience from the consulting firm Booz*Allen & Hamilton, and presents detailed case studies from Honda of America, Cisco Systems, SUPERVALU, and Florida Power & Light. Copyright 1998 by Michael Pellecchia.
Average customer rating:
- Procurement strategies that add real value
- A "how to" book for CEOs - Beverly T. Bortz, C.P.M., Material Control Manager, Powerex, Inc.
- Supply Chain Management in a "Flat" World
- Complexity Made Easy
- A strong case for executive management
|
Straight to the Bottom Line: An Executive's Roadmap to World Class Supply Management
Robert A. Rudzki ,
Douglas A. Smock ,
Michael Katzorke , and
Shelley Stewart Jr.
Manufacturer: J. Ross Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Management Science
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Production & Operations
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Systems & Planning
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Purchasing & Buying
| Industries & Professions
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Production, Operation & Management
| Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Business Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Business & Investing
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Professional
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Incredible Payback: Innovative Sourcing Solutions That Deliver Extraordinary Results
-
The Purchasing Machine: How the Top Ten Companies Use Best Practices to Manage Their Supply Chains
-
Common Sense Purchasing: Hard Knock Lessons Learned From a Purchasing Pro
-
Balanced Sourcing: Cooperation and Competition in Supplier Relationships
-
On-demand Supply Management: World-class Strategies, Practices and Technology
ASIN: 1932159495
Release Date: 2005-10-10 |
Product Description
During the past 20 years, the procurement and supply chain profession has radically evolved. Once a tactical and back-office function, it is now a strategic business opportunity that can be fundamental to the success of any organization. A few leading companies have achieved an enormous competitive advantage and outstanding bottom-line performance by incorporating a procurement and supply chain strategy into their core corporate strategy. Why haven more companies seized this same opportunity? The reason is very simple: a lack of understanding at the senior executive level. Virtually all books on procurement and supply chain have been written for the day-to-day practitioner. Now, there is a book to explain this opportunity to all corporate executives, and also illustrate the leadership role the senior executive needs to play.
Straight to the Bottom Line will enable senior corporate executives to turn the enormous top-line and bottom-line potential of supply chain and procurement into reality.
Key Features:
-Provides a clear understanding of the performance improvement opportunities, and what is at stake if these opportunities are overlooked, written by and for senior corporate executives
-Outlines a powerful and logical approach for assessing the state-of-the-art in their organization
-Offers ways to estimate the specific opportunities related to implementing a change in procurement strategy and practices
-Details a comprehensive framework for organizing the transformation plan across multiple dimensions
-Gives advice on which areas to focus on first, in order to build and ensure success
Customer Reviews:
Procurement strategies that add real value.......2007-01-26
Straight to the Bottom Line makes a compelling argument for why procurement must transform itself into fully integrated supply management. Take care of your supply network-its objectives, strategies, processes and data linkages-and you generate competitive advantage for your organization. In other words, you create value for shareholders and customers.
Although the talk of the shift from the purely tactical to the strategic has been around for many years now, actual implementation of strategically focused supply chain has simply not happened at many organizations. Why? The authors of this book are eloquently blunt: a "lack of understanding of the opportunities presented by supply-side performance" at the senior executive level.
And what is the sine qua non of a truly strategic supply chain? Leadership and understanding from senior executives. So where to begin? Slipping Straight to the Bottom Line into the executive suites would be a good start.
The strength of this text is its clear and lucid presentation of a "step-by-step" roadmap for executives on how to implement supply management transformation that directly produces bottom-line results. Illustrating straight-forward principles with compelling examples, it shows how executives can create an environment in which they can expect to see improved performance quarter over quarter and year over year.
If I have one criticism of the book it is that its subtitle might suggest that it can be overlooked by the non-executive. That would be a mistake. Yes, it's a "must read" for the senior executive, but it's also an essential text for anyone, including the currently mid-career procurement or supply chain professional, who plans to be one.
Vicki McBryde, BA, CPP, CPM
A "how to" book for CEOs - Beverly T. Bortz, C.P.M., Material Control Manager, Powerex, Inc........2005-12-20
Straight to the Bottom Line is an actual "how to" book for CEOs as well as a great tool for management to sell the value of Purchasing / Supply Chain to the CEO's. This book is a "must have" for the corporate library.
Supply Chain Management in a "Flat" World.......2005-11-21
In today's world where "outsourcing" and a "flat" world are becoming commonplace, it is essential that companies recognize the strategic nature of their procurement and supply organizations and taylor them to manage their external/purchased assets. This book provides examples of supply chain management experiences, both good and bad, and practical tools for implementing effective supply chain management processes. An important book for supply chain specialists, it also should be read by every CEO, CFO and COO, so that they can take benefit from supply chain management in their companies, before they are confronted by competitors who have preempted them in the implementaton of modern supply chain management practices.
The authors are an outstanding group of well-qualified experts in the field. They have assembled an impressive combination of significant examples and techniques that should benefit any enterprise (business, government, educational) that deals with external purchases.
Complexity Made Easy.......2005-11-11
Straight to the Bottom Line explains well to the layman why Western companies need a new strategy to cope with the massive shift to outsourcing and Asian manufacturers. I particularly enjoyed the chapter ("A Tale of Two Spenders") describing the lack of collaboration in the American automotive industry in the past 15 years and how that approach impacted Detroit's inability to establish an electronic communications and transactions platform (Covisint). It's a good business book. Very clearly written.
A strong case for executive management.......2005-11-09
I have been in the field of Supply Chain Management for over 15 years. As such, I have reviewed and purchased many of the text on the subject. This book represents a very easy read that crystallizes many of the concepts into useful and understandable formats. Also, many of the current myths are effectively addressed and excellent examples are provided. I would recommned it both for experienced practitioners as well as the uninitiated.
Book Description
STRATEGIC OUTSOURCING Risk Management, Methods and Benefits Organizations are turning to external suppliers for everything from payroll processing to facilities management. The goal is better quality at lower costs, but too often the results are disappointing-to-dismal -- simply because many buyers lack a clear outsourcing methodology. Using the concepts in this book, managers responsible for outsourcing will learn to avoid typical pitfalls and ensure success. Readers learn how to: ** determine core competencies that should be kept in-house rather than outsourced ** align outsourcing with overall corporate strategy ** use outsourcing to support transformation strategies such as restructuring and TQM ** evaluate, compare, and select vendors ** develop targeted RFPs (requests for proposals), negotiate win-win contracts, monitor how vendors perform, and evaluate financial savings ** handle "recompetition" as contracts end. an especially hot topic MAURICE GREAVER (Washington, DC) is a former corporate CFO and CPA at Haskins & Sells. He now heads his own financial and management consulting firm and teaches the American Management Association's course on Strategic Outsourcing.
Customer Reviews:
Good resource.......2007-06-18
Great resource. Book follows the outsourcing process from begining to end with tips, suggestions and recommendations along the way
Practical, good advice for outsourcing.......2006-02-28
This book will lead the reader through a seven-step methodology for identifying, negotiating with, and signing on the outsourcing providers that will best help a company improve its performance and results.
Can a strategic partner help? The author of this book argues that a strategic partner can help if the steps in this book are followed. Some of the steps include:
· Exploring strategic options - a key phrase in which a company links any outsourcing program proposal to its strategy;
· Analyzing costs and performance - this will help a company to evaluate proposals and determine if outsourcing is worth the time, effort, and money;
· Selecting vendors - from setting the qualifications one wants to drafting and sending out requests for proposals to evaluating the responses.
The author stresses that any successful outsourcing initiative begins with careful planning. The first few actions from picking the right team, to pinpointing the outsourcing objectives and targets, are critical to the outsourcing initiative's success.
During the outsourcing initiative, all steps of the initiative, keep employees informed on a continuing basis. The author advises to update employees when:
· The project plans have been completed and share the plans with the employees
· Costs and performance analyses are complete,
· Requests for proposals have been prepared,
· Short-list candidates have been selected,
· A memorandum of understanding has been negotiated,
· And when the contract is signed and the transition begins.
Outdated and High Brow...Not for the Non-Academics or Those New to Outsourcing.......2005-09-08
If you're not either very experienced in outsourcing already or a college level instructor in outsourcing, I would not recommend this book.
Since it was written, a couple more creative and straight shooting books on "how to outsource" are available, particularly in 2005. I advise you to search and find those books independently as I found them much more enlightening, current and relevant to providing directions on outsourcing's nuts and bolts to true strategic and transformational outsourcing elsewhere. Outsourcing has evolved along way since this book was written. It needs updating or should simply be viewed as a reference book after you've read the recent selections by other authors to be on top of your game.
For the Student and the Old Pro.......2003-10-27
I approached this book with some skepticism.
From experience I have seen too many CPA and consultant
types write books purely for the benefit of their career
and pocketbook. These books have often been academic or superficial. This book is full of what, after many years
and many deals, I know to be sound thinking. The book is
also quite thorough. It is not a quick read. It is easy
enough to read but there is a great deal of information contained. For the busy executive it should be acquired
for reference as you need it. Although you should try
to read all of Part One if you can. The beginner or the
student should read often and take notes.
One previous reviewer noted that the book provides
little guidance regarding employee reactions. This
is true. You will need another book in that area.
But what is here is very good.
Mr Greaver has done the business community a genuine service.
Strategic Outsourcing.......2002-06-05
I found the book to be well-written and easy to follow. The references are well-documented. Outsourcing is going to be a strategic weapon for the balance of this decade and into the next. This book delivers on the practical aspects to make such a transition successful. I would recommend this for both parties as a means of preparation.
Outsourcing is only a scary concept when you aren't prepared for it. This book helps everyone to know about the events and sequences which will take place.
Strategic Outsourcing should be mandatory reading for every manager.
Book Description
To outpace the competition, today's firms must be able to understand and implement the latest technology and processes for supply management.
On-Demand Supply Management provides expert advice for procurement, IT, finance, and manufacturing executives to enable faster adoption of the right strategies, processes and tools to achieve sustainable competitive advantage, and includes best practices for their management teams to use.
Supported by real case studies, this book explores both new and existing strategies and technology across the entire supplier interface in spend analysis, market-making, supplier relationship management, sourcing, product life cycle management, should-cost, services procurement, risk management/governance, req-to-check, and on-demand technology and processes. It addresses the cost, effort, and benefits of using IT tools to drive improved supply management results and illustrates how to prioritize, sequence and match tools to strategic needs and budget realities.
The authors also cover the practical issues of effective process and technology implementation such as business case development, master planning, training, and results tracking, and delineate which metrics must be in place to achieve success.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect Merger of Technology Tools with Supply Management.......2007-07-02
This book is a very practical set of guideposts for meshing technology with Supply Management. If only we had this book when implementing our complex supply management processes we could have gone much faster with far fewer serious missteps. Not only does it hit the strategic choices that must be made ahead of time, but it also deals with implementation and provides alerts for common mistakes. The verbal examples are excellent and underscore the groundings in real life experiences of companies struggling with key issues.
A Bookshelf Requirement.......2007-04-28
On-demand Supply Management is a well conceived and written book that details the software technology necessary for todays procurement demands and illustrates them with interesting case studies.
The book also makes an extremely strong case for Procurement profesionals be slotted at a high level in the corporate structure.
Make space in your credenza for this important book.
A Wonderful Book.......2007-04-08
Just finished "Straight to the Botton Line" and "On Demand Supply Management". Wonderful books! "Straight to the Botton Line" helped to crystallize my thinking on Supply Management. "On Demand Supply Management" was a great update and overview of the technology that is radically changing our work. Both provided a good framework for thinking on the topics and excellent insights. Congratulations to the authors on a job very well done!
Book Description
Lean Supply Chain Management A Handbook for Strategic Procurement Jeffrey P. Wincel
Lean Supply Chain Management provides procurement and supplier development professionals with a powerful and profitable method for strategic procurement.
Unlike other strategic procurement guides, Lean Supply Chain Management considers an organization's "business condition" as a contributing factor in the development of a strategic procurement strategy. That is, rather than taking a "one-size fits all" approach, the authors' more individualized approach illustrates techniques specific to organizations operating in a "standard" environment or "crisis" environment. In addition, Lean Supply Chain Management is the only book that incorporates lean methodologies as the key factor in its supply chain strategies.
Highlights include:
· Methods for developing and tracking strategic procurement initiatives
· Planning in the "standard" and "crisis" environment
· Coordinating supply chain management and lean manufacturing
· Performance measurement tools
Lean Supply Chain Management provides purchasers and supplier development professionals with the tools needed to transform procurement from a mere cost center to a profit generator.
Customer Reviews:
A Practical Step-by-Step Approach to a Lean Supply Chain.......2006-11-23
This books provides an excellent detailed road map for taking Lean concepts to the supply chain. Many of the publications I've read summarize the success companies have had in implementing Lean concepts. This book goes well beyond that, outlining HOW to take Lean to the supply chain. The book includes a 5 phase process with step-by-step instructions for each phase.
The real "jewel" in the book is the authors discussion of companies in a "crisis environment" versus companies in a "normal environment". Lean initiatives are often initiated as a result of a company finding itself in a "crisis". These initiatives fail because Lean practictioners are unable to recognize the need, or are unable to deliver, the quick results needed in a time of crisis.
This book is a "must have" for anyone wanting to take Lean concepts to their supply chain.
Using the book.......2004-01-08
After reading Lean Supply Chain Management, we began adopting the practices in our operations in the U.S. and in England. We immediately saw improvements that we expected would take months to achieve. Without a doubt, we will continue to implement the improvements Mr. Wincel writes about in his book.
A Practical Guide to Collaborative Supply Chain Success!.......2004-01-06
With a `no holds barred' approach to a complex topic, Jeffrey `tells it like it is' in his first book, Lean Supply Chain Management: A Handbook For Strategic Procurement. Based upon his career as a procurement executive, he shares his thoughts and strategies in this insightful book combining theory and practical tools in an easy-to-read format. The case study interspersed throughout the book provides the real world, `tools-in-action' perspective.
With 60% to 70% of the cost of a company's manufactured product now residing within the value chain of suppliers (i.e., bought out), he champions the creation of a Chief Procurement Officer to underscore the vital contribution that purchasing makes to corporate profits.
His book's underlying theme is the collaborative approach to supply chain management - working with the suppliers to improve designs and processes, optimize costs and reduce lead times while surprising and delighting the customer. Encouraging companies to put away the big sticks when they deal with their suppliers, he provides solid advice for supply chain management in standard as well as crisis environments. He demonstrates how sound principles of lean theory and action can be coordinated with enlightened supply chain management practices to add value to bottom-line profits.
This book puts the strategic focus back into the purchasing function. I highly recommend this book.
Product Description
The events of September 11, 2001 forever changed the dynamics of importing or exporting products into the United States. This privilege, which can be revoked for non-compliance, has been made dramatically more complex and expensive by the numerous new rules, regulations, laws and requirements of various agencies. Procurers of foreign merchandise have had to revisit current U.S. Customs rules and regulations, reevaluate their companys existing import procedures, and consider further stabilizing and strengthening their Customs compliance.
Global Sourcing & Purchasing Post 9/11 provides sound and innovative purchasing, logistics and supply chain management techniques for acquiring customers, increasing competitive advantage, reducing costs, and improving end-to-end supply chain performance while ensuring required compliance.
Key Features:
Provides comprehensive importer and foreign entity guidelines for achieving cost savings, improving delivery turnaround time, securing compliance, building product classifications and optimizing trade for reduced or eliminated duties
Explains how to set up a purchasing cost analysis program for quick evaluation and obtain cost savings via currency hedging and a forward currency contract, and provides activity-based costing information to help firms manage and benchmark logistics costs
Discusses various levels of automation, from document imaging to full automation of the compliance process, including how RFID smart labels can improve your supply chain, and presents innovative ways of achieving JIT inventory for imported merchandise
Covers global e-sourcing systems, applications, processes, and best supply chain practices as well as new electronic procurement standardizations to analyze requirements, identify gaps and improve the interoperability of Internet-based e-procurement systems
Reviews compliance with post 9/11 customs and security requirements for global trade and outlines processes and time lines for ready-to-market regulated product registrations
Offers downloadable slides that provide a high-level overview of the importance of an integrated logistics compliance system, a U.S. Customs 2005 Harmonized Tariff Schedule and a list of helpful websites for regulatory product information and government forms required for U.S. clearance
Customer Reviews:
Highly Recommended for Businesses Interested In Global Sourcing.......2006-03-27
This book would be a valuable resource for businesses seeking a good discussion of global sourcing and purchasing issues in today's environment. Written by three authors with significant practical experience in the global sourcing of goods ranging from raw materials to equipment and pharmaceuticals, the authors provide a well-organized examination of the many issues involved in global sourcing and purchasing.
This book has several major strengths. The authors' principal message comes through very clearly: it takes careful planning to make global sourcing a success, especially in the post-9/11 era. The methodology employed by the authors is also very effective-they walk the reader through the issues from the point of view of a typical manager, and provide concrete examples of the issues that the manager will likely face in the importing process.
Of course, compliance and logistical factors in the global sourcing environment are the major focus of the book, especially emphasizing the changed nature of this environment in the post-9/11 world. Individual chapters focus on topics such as transportation, US Customs issues, other U.S. government agency regulations applicable to imports and, of course, the security issues which have received so much attention since the events of 9/11. The book contains a good discussion of these issues and the main players that are involved in each area.
In addition, the authors do a very good job of challenging the manager to think through the involvement of the many internal players in the company -from legal department to marketing-which will have an important role to play if the global sourcing process is to be successful. The book also has a strong focus on controlling the costs and fees through proper planning.
Finally, recommendations are also included regarding methods to ensure that the company's planning and compliance processes remain up to date.
In terms of possible improvements to this book, several of the chapters would benefit by the inclusion of specific references to key internet resources. Several chapters do already include a number of website references, and additional internet sources are listed in material made available through the publisher's website listed at the end of each chapter. However, a more consistent referencing of key websites within the text of each chapter might be a valuable addition.
Definitive Advice for Global Sourcing.......2006-01-10
This book is the most comprehensive text I have seen for sourcing professionals, who must deal on a global basis. The authors have used their extensive experiences and offer sound advice on how to cope with all of the changes brought on by the 9-11 events - across a variety of industries. Using many case examples and first-hnd experiences, they describe in a step-by-step manner what is involved in not just getting the best global prices, but how to make certain the goods are shipped in a timely and high quality manner. Moving product across borders has never been easy, but this book offers a current view and solid techniques for optimizing such efforts. It is recommended reading for any buyer seeking global sources without the grief associated with entering into such territory.
A Definitive Work on a Critical Business Topic..........2005-09-23
"The subject of importing or exporting products into the United States is a highly-complex topic, sometimes handed off to outside third-parties to advise and manage. And yet, this area is so fundamental to the well-being of many companies that it deserves to be better understood by your own organization, regardless of whether you employ third-party help or not. Just consider this: failure to comply with the relevant laws and regulations can result in your company's trade privileges being revoked - dramatically affecting your ability to conduct business.
"Global Sourcing and Purchasing Post 9/11 is the definitive work on this subject, covering the topic comprehensively and in an easy-to-understand manner. The authors clearly demonstrate their extensive depth of expertise in this field. This book is a must-read not only for import/export professionals, but also procurement/supply management professionals, and other professionals seeking to understand this complex and vital area."
Robert A. Rudzki
President, Greybeard Advisors LLC
Book Description
Sourcing Strategy is about sourcing as a long term strategic activity. Myopic purchasing management stops short with describing functional procedures and procedural innovations such as online order processing.
The goal of this book is not merely to document sourcing strategy, but to provide the tools to determine it. Therefore, rather than merely describe common sourcing processes, the book takes a normative approach to sourcing strategy. It argues for a rational, complete and integrated process view. It supports its recommendations with logical arguments from an interdisciplinary and analytical approach grounded in microeconomics, law and business strategy.
Part 1 of the book explains the economic and business principles that underlie sourcing strategies. It derives policies that guide viable strategies to meet sourcing goals. Part 2 applies these to creative designs for standard sourcing scenarios. A software package is included as a learning tool.
Customer Reviews:
Dry, very technical and hard to follow at some points - but good basic introduction.......2007-09-01
I'm a strategic sourcing professional and consult to numerous clients on the topic, however, all my knowledge and experience has come from "on the job" learning and experience. I decided to buy this book in order expand my knowledge and provide more structure to what I know. The content of the book is succint, however, most topics were covered in a very general and sparse capacity. In addition, I also found the text dry, technical and at some points, my eyes were plain crossing as I was trying to read what was being presented. It provides a very decent overview, but for someone who's been working in strategic sourcing for any number of years, I would suggest another book since this is very much an introductory text. It is also very theoretical, so if you are looking for the practical "how-to" of strategic sourcing, or anything relating more towards the process of strategic sourcing, look elsewhere.
Opening a Whole New Worldview.......2006-09-05
This book is not for the faint of heart or for those who want a cotton candy buisiness self-help book. This treatment of strategic sourcing provides the depth of theory and quantitative practice that enables the procurement professional to move from being a seat of the pants maverick to a professional matching opportunity to the appropriate sourcing instrument, vendor, and contract type.
This book opened my eyes to possibilities I knew existed, but around which had not been able to get my arms.
A significant drawback arises when one seeks to use the enclosed software application. Unfortunately, it not compatible with the current release of the Java runtime environment. So, that portion of the learning experience is disabled.
Book Description
Indentifies and describes the critical role that corporate and line executives play in workforce planning.
Book Description
Global competition requires a global approach to sourcing activities and China now constitutes one of the most attractive sourcing regions. This book highlights the inducements, advantages and obstacles faced by the enterprises in the development of a sourcing channel in China. A taxonomy of the various sourcing typologies is proposed and a normative model is described that, on the basis of some discriminating variables, suggests the most suitable sourcing choice. The book examines the paths leading to an effective sourcing channel and International Purchasing Office in China, providing concrete examples of successful sourcing experiences.
Book Description
Until now, the relationship between a company and its customers or suppliers has consisted of arms-length haggling over the price of a part or a service. Today, reveals alliance expert Jordan D. Lewis, customers and suppliers are actually embracing each other—sharing data, design work, and even research and development. The result, Lewis finds, has been a dramatic improvement in each firm's costs, quality, cycle times, and customer satisfaction—without added expense. Building on his groundbreaking work, Partnerships for Profit, Lewis shows managers how to maximize the potential of these new customer-supplier alliances—described by the Wall Street Journal as a "revolution"—by drawing upon his hands-on experience and research with best-practice firms worldwide such as Motorola, Chrysler, and Marks & Spencer.
Although more and more firms now recognize the importance of customer-supplier alliances, few actually know how to make them work. Using interviews with employees ranging from top executives to purchasing and sales people, Lewis takes the reader inside these leading-edge companies and their top suppliers to show precisely how the "connected" corporation can double its competitive resources by forging customer-supplier relationships for greater financial strength, higher market share, more value, and increased operating flexibility.
Lewis provides the tools managers need to structure and manage effective and successful alliances. He discusses all of the initial questions on how to get started—when to use alliances, how to choose the best partners, and how to set clear objectives targeted on high performance. Specific techniques are presented to foster joint creativity—from building interfirm teams to systems-based thinking—as well as methods for monitoring alliance performance and progress. Lewis also shows ways to develop the foundation of cooperation, negotiation, and trust between partners which is so crucial in achieving optimum competitive advantage.
By capitalizing on the new customer-supplier alliances, any firm can increase its competitiveness regardless of industry, company size, or whether its focus is on goods or services. Lewis provides managers of all types with the framework they need to avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the full benefits of the connected corporation.
Customer Reviews:
Highly Recommended!.......2001-03-07
Author Jordan D. Lewis uses the experiences of four major companies - Motorola, Philips Consumer Electronics Company, Marks & Spencer and Chrysler - to show the benefits of creating an alliance with your suppliers. The book, which is thorough and complete, if a bit long-winded, explains the benefits of such customer-supplier alliances, shows how to get started if you want to form a partnership and spells out how to maintain the relationship. The obligatory tables and figures are conveniently listed right after the table of contents. If you are in a huge rush, you can skip the book and just read the tables, because you will probably get a condensed version of the same information. But we at getAbstract think you'll enjoy reading how these four companies fumbled through the awkward initial stages of customer-supplier alliances and then emerged into trend-setting, money-making success.
Books:
- Becoming a Manager: How New Managers Master the Challenges of Leadership
- Behavior in Organizations: Understanding and Managing the Human Side of Work (8th Edition)
- Beverage Service World, The
- Body Brokers: Inside America's Underground Trade in Human Remains
- Building Trust at the Speed of Change: The Power of the Relationship-Based Corporation
- Business Continuity: Best Practices--World-Class Business Continuity Management, Second Edition
- Car Buyer's and Leaser's Negotiating Bible, Third Edition (Car Buyer's & Leaser's Negotiating Bible)
- Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and, Life
- Communicating Change: Winning Employee Support for New Business Goals
- Designing Organizations: An Executive Guide to Strategy, Structure, and Process Revised
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Scott of the Antarctic: A Life of Courage and Tragedy
- Midnight
- History: Fiction or Science
- HPLC of Polymers
- John Singer Sargent: Figures and Landscapes, 1874-1882; Complete Paintings: Volume IV
- Parenting Today's Adolescent Helping Your Child Avoid The Traps Of The Preteen And Teen Years
- Murder, She Wrote: Destination Murder
- They All Fall Down: Richard Nickel's Struggle to Save America's Architecture
- Engineering Noise Control: Theory and Practice
- Final Intuition
The Sourcing Solution: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Successful Purchasing Program
e-Procurement: From Strategy to Implementation
Purchasing and Supply Chain (with InfoTrac )
