Be the first to experience CIPSA’s new web forum

NSW has developed an exciting new CIPSA web forum-an on-line networking tool for NSW members only. This online forum allows members to network amongst peers within the profession, debate issues and be updated on a variety of relevant procurement topics. You can ask questions, start conversations and open debates.

We encourage you to try out the forum. Enjoy meeting fellow NSW professionals, making new contacts and utilising another exclusive CIPSA membership benefit. An easy way to build your network and get day to day practical advice from people in the same situation as you!

You can locate the forum entry point on our website, at www.cipsaconferences.com.au. For now, your username and password are both your full name, with a full-stop in between your first and last name.

For example:
Login name: john.smith Password: john.smith

After initially logging in, a new link called “Forum” will appear at the bottom of the main left navigation, which automatically logs the member into the forum area. There is a “Testing Forum”, which will allow you to familiarise yourself with the forum program before you feel confident to participate as an active member. Members should change their perusal password upon logging in for the first time.

Should you have any queries or feedback about the web forum, please contact the CIPSA office on 1300 765 142. The trial will be extended to other regions if successful.

NSW Procurement Event

NSW CIPSA held its first event in Parramatta with a talk at Rydges hotel, accompanied by drinks and nibbles for an interesting and successful evening.

Two interrelated topics were presented by Barrie Steele - Senior Regional Procurement Manager at Oracle; and Judy McIntyre Procurement Manager at Microsoft.

Barrie spoke on the Case Study of how Oracle Centralised the procurement function across 13 Countries in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, the successes, the difficulties, the interesting items and the benefits. Top level active support is required to achieve great things and this was the case with Oracle - overcoming language, custom and legal technicalities to bring conformity to the function in APAC.

Judy linked in with this as both case studies required good data and effective use of that data. Judy spoke on Procurement Intelligence - the use of good data to achieve major change and significant improvements across the business. Bringing to the fore that the new Procurement Professional uses collaboration and coercion to achieve change, moving across functions to the benefit of all.

The crowd of 40 people continued asking questions of both speakers after the talks were completed and later on over drinks as well. An interested group will most likely return when NSW holds its' next event in late August, so keep an eye out for details soon!!

Over the coming weeks NSW will be sending a questionnaire to identify the specific issues faced by NSW professionals, how CIPSA can help, where to hold these events and what nature event to hold. Please feel free to reply to make the largest region also the most active and effective!!

Cash for comment! The CIPSA National Essay Competition 2006

We’re always looking to build upon the global body of knowledge on procurement, and we want our

members to get involved and share their insights with us via the CIPSA National Essay Competition. All CIPSA members are invited to enter their essay (of up to 3,000 words) for an opportunity to win up to $2000 and an all expenses paid trip to the CIPSA annual conference. The winning essays will be published in a variety of industry publications, so you can raise your professional profile as well. Essay topics for each region as well as terms and conditions can be downloaded here.

Entries close 31 August 2006.

Please contact the CIPSA office on 1300 765 142, with any queries.

Getting it right at the Queensland Logistics & Supply Chain Conference

The largest logistics and supply chain conference in Queensland is approaching. The Queensland Logistics & Supply Chain Conference is being held on 13 and 14 July at the Sofitel in Brisbane.

A joint initiative between LAA, CIPSA and APICS, this year’s conference focuses on “Availability” - The right product, in the right place, for the right price, at the right time. Guest speakers include Chris Munro (CEO Linfox Logistics) and Dr Pieter Nagel (Victoria University)

The conference hopes to improve on last year’s impressive attendance of 300 delegates. Delegates span the procurement and supply chain professions, allowing you to gain a broader industry prospective. Participants include CEOs, general and line managers, as well as staff from contracts, distribution, transport, warehousing and (of course) procurement professionals.

To download a registration form, please visit the conference website, at: www.qldscc.com

Renew Now

CIPSA membership is the best procurement decision you can make in 2006. For both career progression and to achieve better business results for your organisation, fill out your membership renewal form ASAP.

If you have any queries or have not yet received your renewal form, please contact the CIPSA office on 1300 765 142.

Council Election result

CIPSA is pleased to announce that David Freeman has been elected to the RoW seat on the international CIPS Council-the growing body of CIPS worldwide. David is the Strategic Sourcing Manager at Telstra Clear Ltd in New Zealand. A full profile on David and the CIPS council will feature in the next issue of PP magazine.

Performance Measurement Review

The Performance Measurement one day conference was held at Crown Hotel in Melbourne on the 29th June. Over 65 delegates from all over Australia attended to hear a different approach to the 2nd biggest issue facing our profession, performance measurement. There was 3 case studies presented from BHP Billiton, Coles Myer and Fosters. The feedback from delegates was above average, with delegates responding 80% excellent and highly relevant. Portland group was the gold sponsor for the event, with canapés and evening drinks sponsored by HRG Australia.

Innovation on show at the CIPSA Annual Conference

The term “innovation” is thrown around quite a bit these days, but we think it’s truly time for the procurement profession to join in and embrace some fresh thinking. That’s why our 2006 annual CIPSA conference will focus on “Innovation in Procurement”- showcasing a wide variety of new thinking, new ideas, new practices and useful innovations for all practitioners to consider.

Held on 17 and 18 October in Melbourne, and based on a similar format to last years successful event, the conference will include a mixture of plenary and streamed sessions, while also providing the delegates with great networking opportunities. The event will also include an invitation-only CPO stream on day one of the conference.

A world class line-up of top speakers is being finalised now. The full programme will be available soon. Visit our website to learn more, at: www.cipsaconferences.com.au

Planning to travel to the UK in 2007?

Members planning a northern hemisphere visit should keep in mind the CIPS UK workshops, seminars, conferences and professional development programme (see the CIPS website: www.cips.org). The annual dinner in London is one of the “must attend” functions on the CIPS calendar, attracting up to 1300 participants. Next year’s event will be held on 14 March 2007 at the Dorchester Hotel in central London.

Any Australian members considering attending are invited to form an Australian contingent, as group discounts on travel may be possible. Anyone interested should contact Laurie Le Fevre at: ldlefevre@optusnet.com.au

Previous issues

Issue #1 - December 2005

Issue #2 - February 2006

Issue #3 - March 2006

Issue #4 - April 2006

Issue #5 - May 2006

Issue #6 - June 2006

CIPS Australia Level 10, 520 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: 1300 765 142, Fax: 1300 765 143, Email: info@cipsa.com.au, www.cipsa.com.au

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