Image via WikipediaGuest Post by Rusty Joerin of Woodsgift EnterprisesPublic sector supply is a tool used to advance the goals of public institutions. A municipality planning to increase downtown density by permitting taller buildings may wish to upgrade fire protection equipment. Construction of roads, bridges and the purchase of new jet fighters are all the result of strategic decisions designed to advance the goals of the governments of the day. Supply professionals will adopt strategies that support goals set by policy makers.
Public supply operates in a fish bowl. It matters not if a village or national government all supply strategy will have as its foundation transparency and the highest ethical behaviour. This is essential to receive the best value from your suppliers.
Public supply may be used for local community and economic development even in the context of national and international trade agreements. A small town wishing to increase local employment in tourism may partner with a resort developer; a province wishing to nurture secondary manufacturing may mandate inclusion of manufactured products from its natural resources in the buildings it contributes payments for. Supply managers will adopt strategies compatible with the policy goals set by government.
A critical function of government is preparation for emergencies. These range from a broken water main or house fire to a war and everything natural or human made between. The supply manager’s strategy is to prepare and plan for the expeditious supply of goods and services as may be required yet respectful of constraints placed on the public purse. Strategies that build relationships and trust with key suppliers of emergency supplies are essential.
Strategic Supply Management is a learned skill. Two organizations I am familiar with and can recommend as providers of supply management training are:
BC Institute PMAC http://www.bcipmac.ca/ and
NECI http://www.neci-legaledge.com/
Enjoy your Summer, see you in September.
Rusty James Joerin, SCMP is a Supply Chain Management Professional and accredited by the Purchasing Management Association of Canada. He offers procurement services primarily to public sector organizations that do not have a professional supply manager on staff and provides additional capacity to assist with project related supply.
Information about his experience and qualifications may be found at:www.woodsgift.com
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