CSUEB on the growing importance of supply management
- June 22, 2012 11:05am
Most people who work in supply management have not had formal training in the field. Usually they are hired into a low-level supply management position, they learn the skills, and they get promoted. Employees learn the supply management functions that their firm uses, but they do not have any outside education and, only rarely, outside experience to bring to the job. These skills can be developed through the California State University, East Bay certificate in Supply Management.
The Apple, Inc. board of directors have entrusted the most profitable company in the world to a procurement and supply management specialist, C.E.O. Tim Cook. Merck has promoted Willie Deese, former Vice President of Global Supply Management, to the role of president and C.O.O. Obviously, supply management skills are becoming increasingly important to firms in the twenty-first century as the world continues to evolve into a global village and supply chain management becomes vital.
Most Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies have implemented strategic sourcing. Many firms have reported 15% to 20% annual cost savings through strategic sourcing, and the boardroom is now counting on this contribution to continue. The evolution has increased the corporate demand for value add from supply management.
Today, supply management professionals must have competence in the expanded supply management organization. Careers for supply management professionals can lead all the way to the C-suite. The demand for skilled professionals exceeds the supply.
LP