Procurement has emerged an important function in every business regardless of size.
NYASHA CHIZU PURCHASING & SUPPLY
It involves the activities of buying, purchasing, procurement and sourcing that result in the acquisition of raw materials, spare parts, lubricants and services.
The buyers’ role, that includes activities between buying and sourcing, imply that the role is involved at different levels in the organisation and hence certain attributes are necessary.
This gives a notion that not all buyers are professional buyers.
As the world changes, the economic environment is also changing; likewise, businesses have to change with it and not be afraid to do so; the same is necessary for procurement personnel.
The traditional role of processing purchase requisitions to purchase orders is fast becoming history.
Proactive buyers that bring ideas of effective supply chain management and not just mundane traditional buyers’ role are now required.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Many buyers have the idea of what they want to make a difference in the procurement spheres.
The problem arise on the identification of factors that make one a cut above the rest.
Tthis issue is compounded by the variety of qualifications that are held by current purchasing personnel.
Most of them have non-procurement background and ended up in their current positions by accident.
Most failed in the professions that they initially studied, as a result, many marketers, human resources, accountants and engineers, among other professions, hold positions of influence in procurement.
The dilemma of the profession is that they are failing to acclimatise and adapt to the ever-changing procurement environment.
The biggest losers are the businesses that employ such characters.
The cadres lack the necessary innovation to drive business competitiveness regardless of sector.
The encouraging thing is that there is an immediate solution for such characters, they need to professionalise and that involves acquiring the necessary background qualification of procurement.
The quickest route is through the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualification that provides them with up to date international qualification in procurement and supply.
The second dimension of the dilemma is related to the upcoming graduates from various purchasing and supply qualifications.
Various procurement qualifications available that include certificates, diplomas and degrees do not prepare candidates to manage the challenging procurement environment.
For lack of a better term, the qualifications produce raw grandaunds and are the major cause for the desire of other qualifications for procurement jobs by employers.
Throughout the world, the CIPS qualification has been recognised as the leading edge thinking and professionalism in procurement.
MCIPS has been recognised worldwide as the global standard for top quality procurement professions.
There is a wide window open for local qualifications to collaborate with CIPS in development of purchasing and supply qualification.
Many indigenous procurement qualifications in many countries have been accredited with CIPS giving the benefits of graduating with both a degree and a professional qualification.
Another positive development for the profession is the introduction of a chartered member grade.
Of late, it was only the institute that was chartered and qualified members shall have the opportunity to be chartered after undertaking the ethics test online and also, the introduction of the licence to practice is imminent. Do be left out, take action now.
Nyasha Chizu is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply writing in his personal capacity. Feedback: [email protected]
