Most Active Articles 2013-05-25T13:18:21.556-04:00 Business Exchange Business_Exchange@businessweek.com urn:com:businessweek:bx:topic:most-active:c-suite Jennifer Bertrand jbertrand109 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14391284514762211703-46809fc563457f711708aeb6af7fdf66 2013-01-14T11:08:48.943-05:00

Shareholders and institutional investors don’t seem to realize the limited positive impact on business performance that reducing executive pay will produce. And that’s because across the FTSE 350, on average, only 12% of revenue is spent on labor. So reducing the senior executives pay is not going to materially improve profitability through a reduced wage bill. Yet better talent will improve overall business performance. In contrast to the 12% of revenue being spent on labor, a massive 68% is spent on non-labor and supplier related costs (this by the way, is also freely available information).

Shareholders and institutional investors don’t seem to realize the limited positive impact on business performance that reducing executive pay will produce. And that’s because across the FTSE 350, on average, only 12% of revenue is spent on labor. So reducing the senior executives pay is not going to materially improve profitability through a reduced wage bill. Yet better talent will improve overall business performance. In contrast to the 12% of revenue being spent on labor, a massive 68% is spent on non-labor and supplier related costs (this by the way, is also freely available information). http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/93937/how-the-shareholder-spring-should-evolve Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12413578480121679114-52bb8051ca770aaff5a4a5808247335c 2012-12-06T07:06:09.001-05:00

'Procurement Outsourcing results in a loss of control and increased risk' this is often cited as a reason why people are reluctant to even consider procurement outsourcing. Yet it’s an unfounded fear. As any CFO that has outsourced will tell you: control goes up. Risk comes down.

'Procurement Outsourcing results in a loss of control and increased risk' this is often cited as a reason why people are reluctant to even consider procurement outsourcing. Yet it’s an unfounded fear. As any CFO that has outsourced will tell you: control goes up. Risk comes down. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/92776/Global-myths-of-procurement-outsourcing-Myth-4-PO-results-in-a-loss-of-control-and-increased-risk Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6327631013568228192-2544b45fccec560c95b8c0708344c1d4 2012-07-31T07:31:58.671-04:00

Savings are important, don’t get me wrong, but they are not the reason for Procurement's being.

Savings are important, don’t get me wrong, but they are not the reason for Procurement's being. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/87575/Does-your-procurement-function-exist-to-deliver-savings-Then-you-re-doomed Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3258213636930065599-694183ea030c4fe9a5403b1b2a5e28e1 2012-10-09T06:28:23.563-04:00

More than £10 billion in annual profits could be unlocked for FTSE-350 companies through just a one percent reduction in operating costs, recent research has found.

More than £10 billion in annual profits could be unlocked for FTSE-350 companies through just a one percent reduction in operating costs, recent research has found. http://info.proximagroup.com/the-10billion-profit-opportunity Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:11286002094200334003-e50df0071cf72ae3d1dbe9917c83b30b 2013-03-19T07:57:47.858-04:00

Procurement's true value is offering an understanding of what is driving a spend pattern; where demand is coming from & how to managed it effectively

Procurement's true value is offering an understanding of what is driving a spend pattern; where demand is coming from & how to managed it effectively http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/96351/Banks-seek-agility-transparency-and-transformation-from-procurement Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2294776028409409436-ac3fc607a942716c20732d1459dd1e5a 2013-04-17T06:12:02.580-04:00

With supply chain failures continuing to hit the headlines - the question on senior execs’ lips is: how much ‘horse-meat’ is in our supply chain?

With supply chain failures continuing to hit the headlines - the question on senior execs’ lips is: how much ‘horse-meat’ is in our supply chain? http://info.proximagroup.com/proxima-source-e-newsletter-april-2013 Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1240761534133160974-b3c818c6a025ec174dd4099ad3bd7e4f 2013-04-05T07:03:00.641-04:00

Successful procurement and supply chain management in Financial Services is not simply about cutting costs. Changing behaviour can have far more impact on your bottom-line than a change in price - find out more

Successful procurement and supply chain management in Financial Services is not simply about cutting costs. Changing behaviour can have far more impact on your bottom-line than a change in price - find out more http://info.proximagroup.com/financial-services Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:806888695995258689-3181a8d3c55a0cda1777cc245db858ef 2013-03-27T10:25:20.385-04:00

Supplier relationships are obviously vital to a sound procurement strategy. But for betting giant Ladbrokes, keeping internal stakeholders close is just as important.

Supplier relationships are obviously vital to a sound procurement strategy. But for betting giant Ladbrokes, keeping internal stakeholders close is just as important. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/96687/ladbrokes-chief-procurement-officer-bets-on-stakeholder-management Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6042073401964460358-1e699166fafa84fb2cc0f678a26078f7 2013-05-14T01:34:29.256-04:00

Leverage social media and online searches to locate executive recruiters skilled in your field.

Leverage social media and online searches to locate executive recruiters skilled in your field. http://executiveresumeexpert.com/2013/04/29/how-to-find-recruiters/ Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, TCCS, COPNS lsmithproulx126 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12764142944521540388-258220990ed8346d276789389971b29a 2013-05-15T05:16:33.774-04:00

Cost management techniques have been quietly evolving in the back offices of financial services businesses. It’s time for the new model to emerge.

Cost management techniques have been quietly evolving in the back offices of financial services businesses. It’s time for the new model to emerge. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingblog/bid/98203/evolutionary-cost-management-in-financial-services Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:369660847820911610-a293d990c11e1e26ce527debb0d6a719 2013-04-24T09:59:24.204-04:00

A new realization has dawned that deploying retrograde cost management philosophies can only achieve a limited benefit, suggestions for cost managers

A new realization has dawned that deploying retrograde cost management philosophies can only achieve a limited benefit, suggestions for cost managers http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/97537/Managing-cost-to-generate-growth-and-unlock-competitive-advantage Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7979320871965930186-e15dea8f42864835187b77ab667afcff 2012-10-23T06:07:30.127-04:00

In our discussions with Finance, Operations and Procurement executives, we hear a great variety of opposing opinions and beliefs around procurement outsourcing. There’s clearly a lot of confusion out there – and that’s not a good thing. This series aims to dispel some myths. And to set the record straight.

In our discussions with Finance, Operations and Procurement executives, we hear a great variety of opposing opinions and beliefs around procurement outsourcing. There’s clearly a lot of confusion out there – and that’s not a good thing. This series aims to dispel some myths. And to set the record straight. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/91102/global-myths-of-procurement-outsourcing-new-series-introduction Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7081185824124727913-34522fbb2304ecb82baefcab1a102e4e 2013-05-20T10:16:42.932-04:00

This month we look at recent supply chain failures that have highlighted negative side-effects of a growing trend from externalizing the cost base - or ‘corporate virtualization'

This month we look at recent supply chain failures that have highlighted negative side-effects of a growing trend from externalizing the cost base - or ‘corporate virtualization' http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/98091/The-impact-of-corporate-virtualization-on-your-supply-chain Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15026534139833637925-4b8a56d0679e164ec413247b1b964a7c 2013-02-14T05:13:56.667-05:00

Our research dictates a clear path for corporations: they need to stop riding the labor market roller coaster and instead focus more consistently on managing the non-labor costs that have tangible impact on profitability. Doing so has the potential not only to lift profits and stabilize the workforce, but may also provide a bit of a cushion against future setbacks.

Our research dictates a clear path for corporations: they need to stop riding the labor market roller coaster and instead focus more consistently on managing the non-labor costs that have tangible impact on profitability. Doing so has the potential not only to lift profits and stabilize the workforce, but may also provide a bit of a cushion against future setbacks. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingblog/bid/95221/stop-riding-the-labor-roller-coaster Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:561143607622309449-73ca40efd2e868c1f9fc8bd6a62b7592 2013-04-16T10:27:08.502-04:00

This month we look at the increasing issue of supply chain transparency - raising concerns around control, assurance & accountability... read more

This month we look at the increasing issue of supply chain transparency - raising concerns around control, assurance & accountability... read more http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/97284/how-much-horse-meat-is-in-your-supply-chain Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13967623734409516074-01a2f852e87e695efaa2ec93b7084a3b 2012-10-10T11:24:46.683-04:00

Proxima, a leading international provider of procurement services, invites you to a webinar around its recent research study, The £10 billion profit opportunity on 21 November 2012.

Proxima, a leading international provider of procurement services, invites you to a webinar around its recent research study, The £10 billion profit opportunity on 21 November 2012. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/90649/proxima-to-analyse-findings-from-major-research-study-in-online-webinar-session?source=Blog_Email_[Proxima%20to%20analyse%20f] Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8131770909122382756-42d87d846ffc5ec387a72f1d3d174c82 2013-05-15T05:10:24.183-04:00

Something needs to change. Retailers need to think practically about how profits can be boosted from sources closer to home. Supply chain solutions...

Something needs to change. Retailers need to think practically about how profits can be boosted from sources closer to home. Supply chain solutions... http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingblog/bid/98149/faltering-growth-means-proactive-supplier-engagement-is-required Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14005747177882082045-6d2101fbd580172af032a715728696b0 2012-11-04T10:34:11.016-05:00

http://www.emergencemarketing.com/2012/11/01/why-most-corporate-culture-programs-fail/ Francois Gossieaux fgossieaux542 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15290479838282480566-50133504b014b4cf3ad520dfae458c10 2013-03-04T06:08:25.850-05:00

The whole concept of assurance – encompassing wider risks as well as financial statements – is becoming a make or break issue. Who’s assessing the supply chains of big companies?

The whole concept of assurance – encompassing wider risks as well as financial statements – is becoming a make or break issue. Who’s assessing the supply chains of big companies? http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/95847/Audit-above-suspicion Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17887189476611116964-90fc0171fa0199ade4b648648475ff79 2012-11-09T10:35:53.276-05:00

Despite Energy firms telling industry analysts they're “squeezing competition”, why aren't we seeing basic economic rationale applied to pricing?

Despite Energy firms telling industry analysts they're “squeezing competition”, why aren't we seeing basic economic rationale applied to pricing? http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/91813/Sector-Spotlight-Energy-pt-1-the-rise-and-rise-of-an-industry?Preview=true Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8578017758180186597-44332f820f7a51ec548e2e4d5da06cb3 2012-11-08T05:36:13.967-05:00

Finance leaders, just like investors, have immediate concerns about the financial performance of their business. But when a company announces a swathe of cost reductions is this a step-change towards future greatness or their way of publicly admitting failure?

Finance leaders, just like investors, have immediate concerns about the financial performance of their business. But when a company announces a swathe of cost reductions is this a step-change towards future greatness or their way of publicly admitting failure? http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/91698/The-changing-nature-of-business-pt-7-You-can-t-shrink-your-way-to-greatness Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:4351142668328468439-229888a7674bcc8161be40af626b596f 2012-11-22T12:17:06.851-05:00

Successful procurement outsourcing hinges on a provider’s ability to successfully engage with stakeholders. You can have the world’s best sourcing engine, but it’s nothing if it doesn’t engage well with the business, and deliver what the business needs.

Successful procurement outsourcing hinges on a provider’s ability to successfully engage with stakeholders. You can have the world’s best sourcing engine, but it’s nothing if it doesn’t engage well with the business, and deliver what the business needs. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/92394/Global-myths-of-procurement-outsourcing-Myth-3-PO-damages-stakeholder-relationships Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6040648689353020058-9f1b904a2b49ad1a6be061ba9612d23f 2012-09-05T07:52:02.545-04:00

Recent research has found that many procurement outsourcing engagements, when led by the CPO, are tactical in nature (single categories, short term, department focussed). Conversely, outsourcing engagements are far more strategic (longer term, business focussed) when the CFO or even CEO are involved.

Recent research has found that many procurement outsourcing engagements, when led by the CPO, are tactical in nature (single categories, short term, department focussed). Conversely, outsourcing engagements are far more strategic (longer term, business focussed) when the CFO or even CEO are involved. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/89110/Understanding-strategic-vs-tactical-procurement-outsourcing Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1946987848000482603-70856c50c6c318e5574bcc0f38859cf6 2012-10-18T09:32:31.298-04:00

Supply chains are complex – and opportunities for optimizing them look limited to those who were instrumental in their design. But when you know where to look, there are always openings.

Supply chains are complex – and opportunities for optimizing them look limited to those who were instrumental in their design. But when you know where to look, there are always openings. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/90894/Why-labor-isn-t-working-as-a-way-of-boosting-struggling-earnings Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:11835022971351324836-035f46d013bca607ed12ecb251443f99 2012-11-05T12:49:16.486-05:00

The ROI from procurement outsourcing is greater than most other investment decisions senior executives can make. Typically, it generates a ROI in the first few years of 15-20 times, and sometimes even more.

The ROI from procurement outsourcing is greater than most other investment decisions senior executives can make. Typically, it generates a ROI in the first few years of 15-20 times, and sometimes even more. http://info.proximagroup.com/buyingBlog/bid/91648/Global-myths-of-procurement-outsourcing-Myth-2-The-ROI-from-PO-is-insufficient Proxima Group pgroup661 0 0 0 0